How to style your photo shoot
(Sydney newborn and family photographer)
“What should we wear to our photo shoot?”
This is by far, the most asked question I get as a family photographer and I have lots of tips,
so read on if you need some help planning your outfits.
For those who like quick summaries, check out the list below. Click on the links to jump to the details.
Read on for the details...
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Be yourself
I know that Instagram and Pinterest are good visual sources of inspiration for your family shoot outfits but take them as that – inspiration. Your family photos should capture who your family is at this moment in time, they shouldn’t be a copy and paste of a photo you saw on social media.
For example, mums – if you aren’t a flowy white dress kind of woman, don’t wear a flowy white dress to your shoot. Your discomfort will show on your face, and you may regret the outfit choice later because that person in the photos doesn’t really look like you.
If your little girl prefers to be in shorts or pants rather than a dress, choose a cute linen short set over a dress. Kids don’t mask their dislike so it will be written all over their face and captured in the photos.
2. Wear something nice
You are investing your time and money in these photos so a little effort goes a long way.
I’m not saying to wear ball gowns to your shoot but something that you would wear to a nice Sunday lunch.
We all have different definitions of “nice”, but when we wear something nice, we feel good about ourselves and more confident and that will reflect in your photos.
3. Dress for the location
Wear clothes that make sense in the location you choose.
For example, beach shoots are usually more relaxed, so a suit jacket, pants and shoes will look out of place at a beach. Instead, opt for lighter fabrics such as linen and cotton and consider going barefoot.
Parks will have a lot of greenery in the background. Consider avoiding shades of green if you have chosen a park for your shoot or if you want to wear green, choose a shade that will stand out from the colour of leaves e.g. sage rather than emerald.
4. Choose a colour palette
Rather than doing matchy matchy – for example all white. Try using a colour palette to style your shoot. This might be pastels, earthy tones, royal tones or neutrals.
A colour palette brings more interesting tones in your photos and is nicer to look at than a flat colour scheme.
If you’re not sure of the combinations you have chosen, send me a pic of the outfits together and I can give you my thoughts on how I think they will photograph.
5. Get your kids to try on their outfits before your shoot
Some kids are super picky about what they wear, so if they feel like they have a say in their outfit, it can mean one less tantrum on shoot day.
Think about the fabrics that you choose for their outfits. While a fluffy tulle dress looks cute on a hanger, your baby might not like the feel of all that material especially if they live in onesies. Instead, think about cute cotton rompers or playsuits, the fabric is softer and you can see their cute little baby rolls.
If you son only wears t-shirts, get him to try on any collared shirt you may want him to wear for the shoot. If he is uncomfortable in the collared shirt, he will constantly be yanking the neckline down in the photos.
Getting the kids to try on their outfits is also a great way to get them excited for a fun shoot. Make them feel special in their outfits so they go into the shoot ready for a special adventure.
6. Print considerations
If you were to frame one of the photos from the shoot, what do you want to see on your wall?
Most families will end up printing and displaying a photo from their session. Think about the space on the wall where the photo will go and plan your outfits accordingly.
Is your family home minimalist chic? Then maybe go for a neutral palette to co-ordinate with your home décor.
Do you want to brighten up the space? Go for a colour palette that will make you happy every time you see the photo.
7. Patterns are ok
If you would like to incorporate patterns in your outfits, that’s completely cool. My only advice would be to make sure that the solid colours you choose for the other outfits compliments the patterns.
I would also limit patterns to one outfit, otherwise you risk clashing patterns. You want the focus to be on your faces and connections rather than busy outfits that distract.
8. Logos are not ok
Big logos on your shirt can distract from your face. Think of the Billabong shirts that were big back in the 90s.
When choosing your shirt, keep it simple. Plain cotton tees and linen shirts always photograph well.
9. To glam or not to glam
Whether you hire a professional hair and makeup artist for your shoot is a personal choice. If you want to spoil yourself and glam up, go for it. Especially if it’s going to make you feel great for your shoot.
Otherwise, simple, natural make up is always a winner. A little mascara and lipstick goes a long way.
As I mentioned in point one, your photos should look like you. If you don’t usually rock the Taylor Swift red lips, don’t paint your lips red for your shoot.
10. Nailing it
Your hands will feature in the photos. I like to get in close when you’re holding your baby’s little fingers or when you hold your child’s face close to you.
If you want to get a mani for the shoot, go for it.
But if that’s not you or you don’t have time, just check that your nails are neat before the shoot.
11. Leave the small details to me
Lastly, I am that photographer who will check the little details before we start:
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Does mum have a hair tie around her wrist?
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Is there lipstick on your teeth?
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Do we need to tie shoelaces?
I will also adjust as we go, I’ll fix the dress if it’s sitting funny or I’ll ask you to pull your shirt down if it looks like it’s bunching up around your shoulders.
I am there to capture your connections, but I’ll also be looking for these small details to level up your photos.
Frequently asked questions
01
Do you offer a client closet?
Yes I do. My closet contains classic pieces that I know will photograph timelessly.
03
Should we dress the kids before we get to the location?
If your kids are going to snack in the car, probably wait until you reach the location.
If your kids are going to fidget in their clothes in the car, maybe wait until you get to the location.
02
What about footwear?
Keep it simple with footwear.
Ladies - flats rather than heels, they are a lot easier to move around in and won't get stuck in grass or sink in sand.
Make sure you get your kids to try their shoes on too, especially any strappy sandals.
04
Do you offer hair and make up?
I can get you in touch with local hair and make up artists who can help you glam up for your shoot.