What to Wear for Studio Family Photos

You’re getting studio family portraits done but you’re unsure about what to wear and how to dress your family. I’ve put together this list of suggestions for you. I hope it helps take the stress out of your preparation and helps you to get really wonderful family portraits!

1. Think of everyones clothes as one big outfit to co-ordinate! Instead of thinking about what each person will wear, think of everyones clothes as one big outfit. That doesn't mean dressing everyone the same but instead in clothes that compliment each other.
2. Try to stay within a similar colour pallet. Light, neutral, warm tones are great. White, tan, sand, cream, caramel, beige, olive, blush, browns and navy blue are colours that work really well.  ​
3. Avoid very bright, solid colours. A pop of colour can be gorgeous but you also don’t want to distract from your beautiful faces, or have different bright colours fighting each other in your family portraits. Studio lights can also reflect brightly coloured tops onto your face or the little human cuddled up to you.  If you're coming in for individual portraits bold colour can be amazing!

​​4. Florals can be lovely but avoid stripes, patterns and logs. Stripes and similar patterns can be distracting and can also be difficult to edit. I love florals, they tend to work really well.
5. Dresses give a nice line if you enjoy wearing them. You can also hire dresses from wonderful Australian businesses like mamarentals.com.au
6. Be comfortable. Posing is not always comfy and we love to cuddle your family up together. Ensure clothing is not too tight unless you want to emphasise your shape, for example in maternity portraits. Consider your comfort standing, sitting on a stool/chair or even on the floor.
7. Avoid short sleeves and short pants. Unless of course you have awesome arms you are wanting to show off! Match your socks to your shoes. 
8. Keep accessories to a minimum. Simple is best.
9. Plan hair, make up and nails. It’s a great idea to have hair and make up done before a session if you can. We can organise hair and make up at the studio for you to take one thing off your list. For kids, style their hair then add a bit of product to tame fly aways. Keep hair off faces as much as possible and trim fringes so we can see those beautiful eyes. Don’t forget your nails!​

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10. Glasses off if possible. Would you like to be photographed with your glasses on? Studio lights can reflect onto your glasses. If you would like to wear your glasses, let your photographer know so they can adjust the lights for you.
11. Lay out everyones clothes together to see how they work as one. Does anything clash? Do all of your families clothes play nicely together? How about shoes or do you prefer bare feet?
12. Consider your backdrop. Have you picked a light or dark back drop? A neutral or coloured one? Treat your backdrop as another item of clothing. How will all of your clothing and the backdrop work together as one?
13. Send a photo of everyones clothes laid out together to your photographer. Your photographer may have a particular style. Plus they will know how your clothes selection will work with your backdrop selection.
14. Final checks… Iron everything you can before your session. Cut off tags or ribbon loops that could pop out during your session. Take phones out of pockets and hair ties off wrists.
15. RELAX AND HAVE FUN! The most important thing is that you are getting family portraits done and that your portraits show the love you have for each other. Enjoy! ​

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