Chic Family Photo Outfit Ideas to Wear from Amazon
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So you're ready to book your family photo session, but you're overwhelmed at the thought of having to dress everyone and make it look good? Don't worry, I've got tips, outfit ideas and the run down on the best way to dress so your photos look amazing! Whether you're prepping for spring family photos, fall or a cozy winter session, you'll find the perfect outfits for your family pictures here!
What is the Best Color to Wear for Photos?
This is a very subjective question, but there are guidelines you can follow to try to narrow in on what looks best. The first thing you should think about is your personal complexion and skin tone. You know what looks best on you and what colors might not flatter you! This may be a personal preference, but worth noting before you make any decisions.
I encourage you to think through your closet and what you normally wear. If you never buy a certain color, that's usually a sign you don't like how it looks with your skin tone! I suggest avoiding this color for a family photoshoot. Try on various shirts in your closet and test out which you think looks best with your complexion!
Next think about the vibe and location of your session. One tip would be to figure out the location first and then try to choose colors that work well with the setting. For example, beach photos look great with cool tones like blues, ivory and light brown.
Another example, if you're shooting out in a forest, choose lighter colors (and avoid green) so you don't blend into the background! A nice neutral sweater for mom and then dad in a long-sleeved button up, with the kids in complimentary colors like a muted terracotta or light brown.
My personal favorite colors to photograph include ivory, rusty red/browns, shades of greens and blues.
Ivory and green family photo outfit ideas from Amazon
Pick your Color Palette: Start with Complementary Colors
Before you go shopping for anything, try to narrow down the color palette you want in your photos. Again, this will be a personal preference, but I recommend finding 2 complementary colors that flatter your skin tone and work well in the location you'll be shooting. This virtual color wheel is a great tool to figure out what colors will look good together.
Consider adding a pop of color to your palette. A bold color like red or an emerald green can be very eye-catching! Adding bold colors is fun and draws the eye and may be just what you're looking for this session! Some ideas include a rusty red, mustard yellow, jewel tone blue or green.
Add in Neutral Colors
After choosing 2 complimentary colors, weave in neutral colors throughout the outfits.
Neutral colors are always a safe bet and are some of the best colors to photograph because they never overwhelm a picture and also give them a timeless look!
Quick Tips:
Think cream, beige, gray, or earthy tones like shades of brown
They’re timeless, flattering, and don’t reflect unnatural colors on your face
Solid colors are best to begin with and then you can build from there
Here are ideas for neutral outfits for the whole family!
Dusty rose, brown and khaki family photo outfit ideas from Amazon
Limit Patterns
As a family photographer, I've worked with hundreds of families, and one of the best tips I can give is to keep patterns to a minimum. Big, loud patterns can be distracting and can take away from the moment of a photo. Too many people wearing patterns can also make a photo look very busy and can clash with one another. For instance, if someone is wearing something floral, don't dress another person in plaid! My rule of thumb is stick to one pattern for every 5 family members.
Quick Tips:
One subtle pattern (floral, plaid, or stripes) is enough
Balance it with solids for the rest of the family
Texture (knits, linen, lace) adds interest without being busy
What Not to Wear for a Family Photo shoot
There are lots of things that photograph well, but still some big "no, no's" for family photo outfits! Keep these in mind when picking out outfits for any type of photo shoot:
Avoid neon colors-- these can reflect onto faces and cast a funny color, making skin look discolored. Be wary of bright red too, as this has a tendency to color cast too!
Avoid pure white-- white often photographs with a blue hue. Opt for ivory or off-white instead!
Avoid logos on shirts especially, but ideally no logos on shoes or pants.
Avoid everyone in the same matching outfits! Instead wear complimentary colors to each other, as this will be more visually appealing.
Quick Formula for Family Outfits:
Choose 2 colors that complement each other
Add neutral colors (cream, beige, gray, or earthy tones like shades of brown)
Mix in textures (knits, swiss dots, linen, lace) instead of too many patterns.
Tie it all together with accessories (shoes, jewelry, hats, belts).
