What to wear for your family photoshoot?

Choosing outfits for your family photo shoot can be challenging and stressful. To help, here are some tips from a local (Malaga-Marbella) family photographer (that’s me!) on selecting the perfect attire.

The colors, patterns, and textures of your clothing significantly impact the look of your photos. For instance, a family dressed in all blue and white in a field will create a very different image compared to a family wearing warm colors (which I recommend instead).

How to start?

First, decide on the overall vibe you want. For a warm color palette, consider shades like mustard, brown, rust, cream, burgundy, and taupe. If you prefer a lighter, pastel palette, opt for neutral and light-toned clothing such as cream, white, beige, gray, muted pinks and purples, coral, rose, and light blues. For a dark and moody look, incorporate some darker colors but balance them with lighter hues to avoid it being too dark. Alternatively, you can choose a few pops of color while keeping the rest of the outfits neutral.

What looks nice?

Baby girls: rompers and two piece outfits

Toddler girls: rompers, flare pants and crop tops, pinafores with bloomers

Older girls: dresses, rompers, bell bottoms or skirts with a cute top

Baby and toddler boys: suspenders, rompers, overalls, Henleys

Older boys and men: button downs, Henleys, sweaters, nice jeans, chinos

Women: Dresses of all kinds but usually ones that are tight at the smallest part of the waist and flare out, bell bottoms and

a top, jeans or jean shorts with a top and a lace duster.

**Baby and toddler girls will likely be held throughout the session, and dresses or skirts can become awkwardly squished. Parents often try to support them from underneath, which can result in a "floating baby" look. However, if they wear bloomers underneath, it can sometimes look quite good.

Colors

Colors I recommend NOT to use:

Black and navy (dulls the image if there is too much of it), bright blue and bright purple (doesn’t look

right in nature), bright white (tends to look blue, casts onto faces), baby pink, baby blue, and too much blue in general

Better to use:

Warm tones, Caramel brown is the color that will make any image better. Mustard and rust are a close second.neutrals, dusty rose, cream, gray, shades of brown, dirty blue, sage, turquoise, jewel tones..

Obviously there are way more nice colors , but these all photograph great (just not all together!).

Patterns

Patterns also play a role in how the images will turn out. Here are some things to consider:

Patterns vs. solids:

It’s great to include at least one pattern, and sometimes more. The key to mixing patterns is to ensure they are different enough. For example, a small floral pattern and vertical stripes would complement each other well. However, pairing vertical and horizontal stripes or using two same-sized florals would not look as pleasing.

As the number of people increases, you can incorporate more patterns. However, keep in mind that not everyone should wear patterns. A good rule of thumb is to have less than half of the group in patterns.

Recommended:

Small to medium florals, thick or spaced out stripes, small polka dots, subtle checkers. Too much contrast will be too busy.

Patterns to AVOID:

Thin and close together stripes (this creates a weird effect called moire), checked (unless it’s low

contrast), buffalo, chevron (outdated), cutesy prints like ice cream cones, most high contrast patterns don’t photograph as well subtle ones).

Fabrics

When choosing fabrics, incorporating texture is essential.

Fabrics with great texture include waffle, muslin, lace, pleats, ruffles, and anything that isn’t smooth. While smooth fabrics can be appealing, adding some texture is also important.

Avoid: Super stretchy fabrics.

These fabrics are Recommended: lightweight materials that flow nicely in the wind, such as sheer or translucent fabrics like chiffon, lace, or linen.

Almost always lightweight and conducive to movement, making them great for full skirts that swish, giving the subject something fun to do.

Tight skirts, on the other hand, are less dynamic and not as fun to photograph.

Ideas from the Internet

If I don’t have the right clothes, what should I do?

First, try to work with what you have at home. Sometimes, simply adding a scarf, shawl, or jacket can change the entire look. You can also consider buying new or second-hand items, renting, or even asking a friend or family member if they have something you could borrow for a few hours.

Where to Shop for the Whole Family?

Clothing shops ideas:

Whole Family:

Babies & kids:

Women:

Daughters of India

Jen’s Pirate Booty

Three Bird Nest

Men:

Light in the box

Final words

The most important thing is that everyone feels comfortable in their clothing and is free to be themselves.