What should we wear? Geelong family photographer shares her tips on in-home photography outfits.
Wondering what you and your new bundle of joy should be wrapped up in to help capture that organic, candid family photo?
Your choice of outfit will help ensure your family portraits are meaningful and look forever at home on your walls – so, no pressure!
The good news is, so long as you’ve chosen something you feel beautiful and confident in (whether I’m coming by to capture maternity, newborn or family lifestyle photographs), you can’t go wrong.
Below I’ve put together a list of ideas for when you’ve got the wardrobe doors flung open, but don’t know where to start…because, I can guarantee you do have something to wear!
What colours work best on camera?
Soft, neutral, or natural tones (including deep earthy greens, creams, browns, pale pastels, and off-whites) are good options to help keep the eye’s focus on what’s important – you!
Balanced and complimentary colours look great on camera and translate beautifully nostalgic wall art that works in any room, regardless of the décor.
What about materials?
Wearing varied textures looks great, so consider incorporating materials like denim, wool, linen, lace, corduroy, and cotton into your outfit.
Layering is a fantastic way to add visual interest to your photos. Scarves, beanies, wool cardigans, and knitted baby blankets will instantly add a sentimental note to your imagery.
Feeling a bit lost?
Not a fashionista? No worries!
Here are some outfit hints that will ensure your beautiful family put their best foot forward on photo day.
Mamas and their girls
Long, flowing dresses create an effortless emotive imagery, especially when paired with solid colours or timeless prints such as florals (aim for delicate, rather than large details when choosing a pattern).
Little girls twirling in lovely long frocks, their hair bouncing about their shoulders, make for sweet images with a romantic touch photographs you’ll treasure forever!
Men and their little boys
I recommend selecting a t-shirt or button-up in a solid, neutral colour (beige, olive, creams, and lighter blues work beautifully), with a plain, neat short or pant.
Sometimes simple really is best! There’s no need to overthink this.
Newborns
Dress your divine little love-ling in something simple and classic (such as a plain onesie, singlet, or some sweet bloomers).
For those cute nest and swaddle images a one toned or intricately patterned muslin wrap is a great idea. Also, consider a crochet or knitted blanket as an easy way to add snuggly texture to your in-home newborn photos.
Anything we should steer clear of?
Stay away from black or navies if ever you can.
My professional experience has taught me these shades tend to be too visually dominant on a wall. This means no black jeans for the daddy, please (though blue or grey denims are totally okay!)
Try to resist the urge to dress the kids in matching outfits, unless it’s something you do all the time, and is sort of a family trademark. A big part of natural family photography is giving everyone a chance to showcase their unique personalities, so dress your mini-mes in complimentary, but not identical clothes.
It’s also a good idea to avoid anything with branding, logos or large graphics as these will distract from your lovely faces.
Any last minute tips?
As a mama of two mischief makers, I know how important it is to make sure the outfits you’ve chosen are comfy – it’s hard to sit still when a tag is itchy, or your pants are too tight!
For this reason, I recommend having a quick dress rehearsal before I arrive at your home.
If you’re a Geelong, Ballarat, Melbourne or Torquay mama with more questions about my in-home photography services please don’t hesitate to reach out!
