Family shoots and Style advice
As an experienced, professional family photographer, I often get asked for styling suggestions to create stunning pictures that last a lifetime.
We have all seen ‘perfect’ family images being shared on social media. You know, the ones where all the children have dazzling teeth and the houses look like holiday villas. Of course, the reality of your home life can look very different, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t have gorgeous family photos of your own.
To help you find some inspiration, here is my style advice for your photoshoot…
Let mums set the style
The toughest decision for family photos usually revolves around choosing an outfit for mum. With this in mind, it makes sense that the final choice sets the tone for the rest of the family. Whether it’s a cocktail dress or a comfy sweater, mums need to find something they feel comfortable and happy in. In my experience as a professional family photographer, they will then find it easier to co-ordinate the clothing for everyone else.
Colour co-ordination
Now that mum is sorted, it’s time to move on to the rest of the tribe. One common mistake families make is to try and perfectly match the colours, which can result in every member of the party wearing something similar. The overall effect can look like a fusion of a 1970s clothing catalogue and a football team shot. Avoid black and matching colours and fabrics (especially denim) and select shades that complement each other. If in doubt, pick a colour and use tones of the colour. I always suggest avoiding white as it doesn’t photograph well but cream tones and greys can work really nicely.
For example, I recently did a photoshoot for my own daughter Amelia and used outfits from Barney and Bella, they were just perfect. The colours are beautiful and the fabrics are made with soft cotton that look really luxurious. https://barneyandbella.com
Ban lettering and logos
I understand that your little ones might want to wear their favourite t-shirt, but a cartoon character can ruin the whole style of a photoshoot. Logos and other branding can even distract the eye away from the family element of the image. There is also a danger that these type of clothes will make the final picture feel dated. Alternatively, classic clothing possesses a timeless quality so aim for a simple, clean approach.
Avoid patterns where possible as they show folds more easily and are more difficult to keep straight. They are also more difficult to amend in photoshop afterwards if any retouching is needed.
Layer up
Different layers and textures can result in a polished, professional look to your photographs. Encourage everyone to bring along jackets, cloaks, cardigans, scarves and hats. Wearing shirts might seem a bit stuffy, while a mixture of textures brings a sense of natural informality. Having extra layers to wear will also add variety to the photoshoot. Don’t forget a change in footwear, especially wellies for the little ones. You might also want to try going barefoot, particularly if you are in a field or on a beach.
Add accessories
Whether you choose a bouquet of flowers or a beach ball, accessories can add a different dimension to your final picture. Coffee mugs create a relaxed vibe, while toys can add an element of fun. When shooting outside, bring along a picnic rug to make poses feel less formal. The key here is to experiment and add some interest to the photography experience.
Searching for a professional family photographer?
There are plenty of things to consider when choosing a professional family photographer. If you would like some advice, feel free to contact me today.
