What to wear for your family session at home.
One of the most common questions I get from client’s is: What should we wear for our session? It is an important question, and while there is no one-size-fits-all answer, I have put together some tips to help you put together the perfect outfits for your family session at home.
1. Choose comfort over trend
The beauty of an in-home family session is the relaxed, more natural vibe that it brings. For that reason, it is important to choose clothing that you and each member of your family feel comfortable in. when you are comfortable, it shows in the photos-whether you are playing with your kids, snuggling on the couch, preparing something in the kitchen, or just sharing a few quiet moments together.
Opt for soft fabrics, cozy sweaters, and breathable materials that allow you to move easily. The moments we will be capturing will have you connecting authentically with your people in a way you do naturally. For some that would be sitting on the floor with your babies, playing in the yard, or hanging together in the kitchen.
2. Keep the Palette Neutral and Coordinated (not matching)
I have nothing against bold patterns and bright colors, but for a family photo session I would recommend choosing a more neutral color palette. Soft tones such as cream, beige, muted blues, greens. and pastels tend to photograph beautifully in an in-home setting and complement the natural light and the coziness of being in your own space.
Coordinating outfits so that the tones work together is also important. Stay away from matching (for example everyone is wearing a white tee and jeans) and pick colors and tones that compliment each other.
Color combinations that work well together
*Choose a tone category and use the different colors within it to create complimentary outfits for the whole family.
*For some inspiration, take a look through my family session portfolio here.
3. Add Layers and Textures
Texture and layers give additional visual interest to your photos and gives you the ability to easily change things up a little between shots. Scarves, cardigans, a button up shirt over a tee are all perfect for layering. Linen fabrics and knit sweaters are a couple of options to give texture to your images.
4. Keep It Simple and Avoid Logos
When it comes to family photos, I recommend avoiding large logos or graphics on clothing. These can be distracting in images and draw the eye of the viewer away from the intended focus of the photograph. Opt for simple, timeless pieces that won’t date your photos or pull your attention from the moment that we are capturing.
5. Consider the season
Even if you have opted to have your family photos taken in your own home, choose clothing that is appropriate for the season. One of the best parts of a session at home is that it can be held comfortably any time of year. We have so many days of wet and cold in Seattle and having to take coats on and off or worry about cold runny noses is one of the hardest parts of a fall or even an early spring session. Being indoors and in your own home gives you the ability to dress comfortably in those cozy sweaters in the winter or light sundresses in the summer and not have to think about anything else during your session. If the weather holds or we are feeling adventurous, it is also nice to be able to step into your own yard or on the front steps knowing that your outfits are already completely appropriate for the climate outdoors.
6. Incorporate Personal Touches
Don’t be afraid to add a personal touch to your outfits. Whether it is a special piece of jewelry or a favorite pair of shoes, meaningful items help tell your family story. A favorite item, even a blanket or stuffed animal that your child can’t be without, is a beautiful way to help capture where you are right now.
7. Tips for the kids
Make sure to cover that diaper with a matching or white diaper cover. Is your little one teething? Be sure to bring along a bib or burp cloth to keep their faces and outfits dry. A little snack or straw cup with a drink is totally okay! Snacks like dried fruit or small one bite crackers or pretzels seem to work best during a session.
If your child needs a little longer break for snack during a session, that is also okay. It’s a great time to capture them just being kids. :)
8. Tips for men
We love the comfort of performance polos but they may not be the best choice for your family photos. Performance fabrics tend to cling and in photos that may accentuate details (such as nipples). Polos are a great choice but it is better to stick with cotton materials. Other great options for men are cotton tees, button ups, and flannel shirts.
Try to avoid cargo pants if possible. A straighter leg is usually most flattering in photos.
Important! No wallets, keys, or cell phones in your pockets during the session! Full pockets are always unflattering in photos.
9. Tips for women
Ladies! If you feel good in what you are wearing it will show. First and foremost choose something that you feel most like you in. Accentuate the things you love about yourself! Be sure as you are putting your outfit together that…
your bra straps stay in place and do not show when you are moving around
your dress or skirt is not see through in the sun. Often thinner fabrics like linen can be more see through than you realize. If your attire is not lined, be sure to check that it is not showing more than you intended in the sun.
Choosing outfits for your family session at home should not break the bank. Most likely you have a lot of what you need already on hand. If you do need a few new items, here are some stores that are great for neutral and comfy attire for everyone.
Target: Parent’s, you already know this is a great place to snag inexpensive basics for your kiddos. They have a variety of seasonally appropriate (no logo) items perfect for family photo sessions.
Gap: Reasonably priced neutral’s for the whole family. They will have tees, jeans, khaki’s and seasonal choices like sundresses or sweaters. Coordinating outfits here for everyone couldn’t be easier.
Anthropologie: This one is for the ladies. No kids or mens clothing here, but I love the variety of options in this store. Flowing fabrics for skirts and dresses or a variety of button up shirts or sweaters that you will love to wear.
Zara: Options for every member of the family are available in this store. You can find plain (no words or logo) tees and a wide variety of pant or shorts options. You will find lots of dresses or skirt options here as well.
H&M: There seems to be more options for men here, but you can find neutral basics and layering items that are perfect for every member of your family here.
Free People: Another one for the adult ladies. Lots of beautiful dresses and skirts to choose from. They don’t sell men or children’s clothing though.
The simple Folk: Beautiful timeless pieces that come in a variety of neutrals and natural fabrics that keep comfort and quality in mind. Note they only sell clothing for women, babies, and kids.
