4 tips for picking your photoshoot outfit
I’ve learned the hard way—if I don’t love how I look in a photo, it shows. And let’s be real… if I’m feeling awkward because of my outfit choice (wrong color, weird fit, just not me), I probably won’t be rushing to frame that picture or even post it online.
So, let’s make sure your family photos feel as good as they look with my top 4 tips for picking your photoshoot outfits.
Coordinate colors
Let’s be real - mom is probably driving this, so get her outfit sorted first. After you've picked mom's outfit, think about your location, time of day, colours of the year and colors you enjoy and feel confident in! Find 1-2 colors that will coordinate well with mom.
I highly recommend selecting solid colors and limiting patterns. You want the attention on your face, not the clothes usually.
Look for contrast among the outfits - will you be on a bright white sand beach? Avoid bright white in that case. Will you be in a dark, moody forrest? Avoid dark and green then. You want a bit of contrast to your environment.
What’s your photoshoot vibe?
Are you attracted to candid action in photographs or do you favor more traditional posed shots? Thinking about the type of movement and vibe you want from your session will help guide your outfit choices. If you need to move, lift, or throw your kids in the air, a business blazier probably isn’t the best choice for dad. If you want to sit down in a grassy meadow, then a knee-length skirt or dress might be tricky for mom. If you want more formally posed photos then almost anything in your closet will work. Knowing the vibe will not only help you choose what to wear but also which pieces in your closet to avoid.
Here is some helpful guidance:
Do I want photos where we’re sitting?
avoid short skirts or shorts that make you self-conscious about showing more than you intended
avoid tight belts or restrictive waistlines
Do I want photos with lots of movement?
pick tops where you can lift your arms above your head (whether tummy shows or not is up to you)
pick bottoms that allow you to run and move freely
2. Think about the environment of your photoshoot
Where will it be? Is it going to be a beach or lakefront session? Or are you going to be dressed up in heels downtown? Will it be during the golden hour or under the harsh light of midday? You wouldn’t wear your business wear in a gym, so picking the right clothing for your environment is key.
What footwear is best for the environment?
Sandals for the beach
boots for a grassy field
heels for sidewalk or a more formal setting
Will it be warm or cold?
What is the location?
Flowy dresses and business casual are great for grassy fields or beach settings
Cocktail or date night attire is great if you’ll be walking around downtown or a studio setting
3. What is the purpose of your photoshoot?
What will you do with the pictures after you have them? Will these be in your living room? Which colors will go best with your decor then? Will these be your holiday cards printed as 4x6 postcards? Avoid busy clothing on smaller printouts, especially if you know you’ll have text on the photos as well. It’s ok to have multiple purposes for your photos, but if you do try to think about which is the most important to you and let that guide your choices.
4. Coordinate colors
What wi