What to wear?
Congrats! You’ve booked in your family photo session and now you want to make sure you look your best. Here are some tips on styling your whānau for epic photos.
Clothing guidance
MOST IMPORTANT RULE
Be comfortable! If you feel good, you look good!
I want to really emphasise this point before we start. I am always very weary of giving clothing advise because one of the most important things for me is that we capture your family’s essence. We want your pictures to be wonderful time capsules taking you back to precious moments enjoyed with each other. What you are wearing truly doesn’t matter.
BUT there are a few tips and tricks that will help those memories shine through in your pics. It’s not about being matchy matchy (unless that’s your jam) It’s about bringing your favourite version of yourselves to the shoot so you can let go and have fun.
Alright, rant over, let’s dive in!
Do we all wear the same colour?
Heck no! but it can be a good idea to choose similar tonal ranges to complement group shots. A good place to start is either all go dark or all go light. If you go for the darker tones, think navy, blacks, dark greys, browns, maroons, deep greens – these all work well together. If you prefer to go light, pastel tones, dusky pinks, light blues, soft yellows, greys & whites work a treat. You can also think about colour schemes like seasons. For example autumn has deliciously rich tonal range, rusty orange, deep emerald, mustard yellows, cream beige.
Caution! Beware of Patterns!
For group sessions it’s best to avoid strong patterns especially chuncky stripes and checks. Bold patterns will be the first thing your eye goes to in photos and can easily pull focus from your lovely faces.
Large logo’s and bold text on t-shirts can also be distracting and can date photos quickly.
You can also use this theory to work for you. If you want to someone to be the center of attention, have them as the only one in a pattern while the rest of you remain in plain block colours.
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We like to move!
I like to bring a lot of fun and movement to my photo sessions especially with littleies. Make sure everyone is wearing clothes they are comfortable running around in.
If we are at the beach with kids you know there is an 80% chance we are going to end up running into the sea so a warm change of clothes for afterwards is also key.
Hapū māmā’s
Never under estimate the fabulous-ness of movement in an outfit. Any garment that lends itself to fun movement is a bonus! Think floaty dresses & billowing sleeves. But do not worry if that style isn’t your jam. A bump hugging bodycon or funky tee can also be fire. As long as you are able to move freely and comfortably in whatever you choose, we can make some magic together.
Break the Rules!!
This is only a guideline!! I am all for families bringing their awesome personalities to their photo sessions so feel free to wear something you love and embrace it!
“Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.”
― Pablo Picasso
Here are some examples of rule breaks that totally worked.
Any other tips?
Laying everything out the night before is a great way to see what works well together. You can always bring options if you need! OR send me a snap and I can give you some advice on best combos.
Can’t wait to hang out soon!!
