What to Wear for Your Family Photo Session | Vancouver, WA Family Photographer
The last time I hired a family photographer for my own family I agonized over what to wear. Not really everyone else in my family, just myself. The kids, I'm good. My husband, black t-shirt and jeans, he's good. But me?? Oh man, I ordered tons of dresses. I hated them all. The photographers I hired always photograph women in these gorgeous clothes that look nothing like me. I'm chill. I'm linen pants and t-shirts and flip flops. Not really photograph ready. So, yeah. I still look at that those photos and hate what I'm wearing. It was so not me. And I was so uncomfortable the whole time. But I was trying to be someone I saw in someone else's pictures rather than trying to find a way to be myself and feel good about myself.
So moms (and everyone else) first let me tell you, you be you.
This beautiful mom and her boys, she is always stylish. I work with her so I see her regularly and I can tell you, this is what she looks like. I see this photo and think, yes, this is her. If you feel good in a dress, dresses do look beautiful in photos so go for it! Find a dress that fits your style and then style everyone else around you. If dresses aren't your thing, then be like that gorgeous mom in the first photo and skip it. Feel good and be you.
Matchy, matchy is not a thing anymore!
And can we all say, "yeah!" No more all white t-shirts and jeans or everyone all in button up jean shirts (I have this family photo of my immediate family growing up). Color coordinating. Even add some pattern. Have some fun with it! Except neon, please don't wear neon unless you want your face to look that same color! Crazy bright colors do tend to cast that similar color on your skin.
Don't forget about accessories and shoes.
I don't do dress shoes. But I have these cloggy shoes that I "thought" went with this dress I picked out for my photos and the dress was long so you couldn't really see them except when we were walking which happened to be one of my favorite photos and there are those dumb clog shoes that actually look terrible with the dress (which my husband had told me, BTW). So yeah, the right shoes can add to the look. And apparently the wrong shoes can haunt you every time you walk by the photo, ha! Sweaters, scarves, jewelry, layers are fun.
So what about the kids?
My girls are sooooo picky about what they wear. And we used to get in big arguments when I wanted to take them out for a little photo session. Until I discovered a little secret. They love picking out their own special outfit. My youngest is OBSESSED with dresses and skirts and she puts together some seriously crazy outfits sometimes but I love to photograph them because it is totally her and that's what I want to remember, not some perfect version of her. My oldest likes jeans and t-shirts. My only thing I ask from them is that if we are doing official photos, they can't wear a graphic tee, because it's not timeless. Other than that, if they work with me to color-coordinating to some degree, then we're to go.
Some other considerations you might think about with kiddos that I've found through the years with families and my own...
- If they have sensory issues (like itchy tall grass will bother them), consider leggings or pants.
- Definitely don't try out a brand new pair of shoes on the day of the session. Know your location. If there is walking involved, plan shoes accordingly.
- Make sure their clothes fit well - rolled up sleeves aren't ideal in photos and they usually irritate kids.
- Don't feel like you need to buy something brand new! I bet they have old favorites in their closet that will work great!
Most importantly, don't get in a fight about the clothes, make it a fun activity, picking out something they'll feel comfortable in and actually look like themselves in.
Dress for the season.
You might love that spring dress but if it's 45 degrees outside and the trees are bare, that spaghetti strap dress will feel very out of place in the photo and you will feel miserable during the session.
Indoor Family Sessions
These sessions usually involve cuddling on the bed, sitting on the floor, or snuggling up on the couch. Think about how you'd want to dress to be comfortable doing these things and what would look natural. It probably wouldn't look natural to snuggle on your bed in your Sunday best. Or maybe that's actually totally normal for your family.
That's about all folks! Really, there's a lot of flexibility here. Most importantly, be comfortable, be yourself, find something that you'll feel confident in. We'll be having some fun together, so whatever you wear, just make sure you don't mind sitting and moving! And if you have other questions, please don't hesitate to reach out.
