What should you wear for a family photo shoot at home?
When planning a family photo shoot with a couple, the first question I’m always asked is about choosing the right outfit.
5 Tips from Your family family photographer
Here are a few tips to help you choose the best outfit for your family photo shoot:
1. Choose neutral colors
For family photos that stand out and remain timeless, opt for neutral colors or soft tones. Colors like beige, gray, light blue, or off-white blend well together and create a soothing atmosphere. They also help highlight your babies, who are so small and can sometimes get lost when there are too many details or colors. Avoid overly loud patterns or bright colors that can distract from your faces and expressions.
Choosing clothes with bold logos or patterns can be distracting and make the photos look less cohesive. Try to keep it simple so the focus remains on the people and their interactions. Many people worry that outfits that are too simple will look boring. However, neutral clothing helps highlight your interactions and expressions.
You want your photos to reflect your personality and your unity as a family. Coordinated but not identical outfits can convey this harmony without looking monotonous. The idea, of course, isn’t to make your photos look like something out of a catalog, but to draw attention to your expressions, your tender gestures, or your laughter.
If each family member wears very different colors or styles, the photos may lack visual cohesion, which can be disappointing at the end of the family photo shoot.
2. Comfortable clothing
It’s important that every family member feels comfortable in their clothes. Clothes that are uncomfortable or too tight can make it hard to relax and fully enjoy the session. Be sure to choose clothes that allow for some freedom of movement, especially for children.
Choosing trendy but uncomfortable clothes can ruin the photo shoot experience. If you feel uncomfortable, it will show in the photos, which is a shame. I often joke that a photo shoot isn’t the best time to wear heels for the first time. What I’m trying to say is that for the photos to truly capture who you are, you need to feel comfortable in them.
You might worry that clothes that are too casual won't look good enough for a photo shoot. However, comfort encourages natural, relaxed expressions, which will show in the final photos.
3. Incorporate subtle accessories
Accessories can add a personal and unique touch to your family photos. Scarves, hats, or subtle jewelry can complement your outfits without overwhelming them. They can also add an extra dimension to your photos, especially by reflecting your individual style or adding a pop of color. In the questionnaire I ask you to fill out before the session, I ask you to list the accessories that are important to you. The session goes by very quickly, and preparing your accessories in advance ensures you don’t forget anything.
Just be careful, though—too many accessories or accessories that are too flashy can distract from the main focus. It’s best to keep it simple so the emphasis stays on your interactions and your connection.
You want your family photos to be both elegant and meaningful, with details that tell a part of your story. Props make this possible, yet we often forget to highlight certain ones. A blanket knitted by Grandma, pajamas you wore as a child, or stuffed animals given to you by loved ones are all memories you’ll enjoy seeing again in your photos years from now.
Excessive or inappropriate use of props can dominate the frame and distract from the family dynamic, making the photos less impactful. Be sure to strike the right balance in your photos.
4. Outfits appropriate for the location and season
The location and season of your family photo shoot play an important role in choosing your outfits. For outdoor photos, such as in a Parisian park in the spring, choose colors and fabrics that complement the surroundings and the season. In winter, consider layering your clothes for a warm, textured look. Layering will also allow you to take off your coat or sweaters for a few different photos.
Wearing outfits that don’t match the setting or the season can create a jarring contrast in your photos. Try to coordinate your clothing with the setting of the shoot to enhance the authenticity of the image. You want your photos to reflect not only your family, but also the place and time they were taken. A good balance between your outfits and the setting enriches this visual story.
And don’t forget: clothing that isn’t appropriate for the season or location can make the shoot uncomfortable and result in less-than-stellar photos.
5. Be yourselves
Ultimately, the most important thing is to stay true to yourself. Choose clothes that reflect your personal style, make you feel comfortable, and make you feel beautiful or handsome. Family photos are meant to capture your uniqueness and your bond as a family. Don’t feel obligated to follow strict rules if they don’t align with who you are.
Trying too hard to conform to a specific idea of what outfits should look like can make the experience less enjoyable. Stay true to your personal style—don’t follow a trend just because you’ve seen it often while looking for inspiration if that trend doesn’t suit you.
You might worry that your clothing choices aren’t “photogenic” enough or are out of style. However, what really matters is that you feel like yourself.
You want your family photos to be an authentic reflection of your life and your relationships. You want to recognize yourselves when you look back at these photos in a few years. Wearing clothes that suit you will help create that authenticity. And what could be more magical than recognizing a little sweater you wore out from loving it so much when you look at your old photos?
Don't forget:
Outfits that don't reflect your true style or that you don't feel comfortable in can make the photos less meaningful and less enjoyable to look at.
Anyway…
Choosing what to wear for a family photo shoot may seem complicated, but by opting for neutral colors, comfortable clothing, and subtle accessories—and by coordinating your outfits with the location and season—everything will turn out perfectly. Above all, stay true to yourself and enjoy the experience. If you need personalized advice for your family photo shoot in Paris, I’m here to help you every step of the way. Together, we’ll create beautiful images that capture the essence of your family with spontaneity and authenticity.
For more advice or if you'd simply like to book your photo shoot, please contact me!
