Tips and advice for what to wear at a lifestyle Photoshoot

If you’re asking, “What should we wear to the photoshoot?” — you’re not alone! It’s one of the most common questions I get. There are a lot of factors that come into play when choosing your wardrobe, like the shoot location, time of day, and the style of images you’re after. Here’s a handy list of tricks and tips on what to wear to your family photoshoot:

What to Wear

• Neutral Colours: Remember this motto… “neutrals are everything”. Not only are earthy, neutrals the best colours to wear behind the camera, they’re also on-trend and versatile! White, beige, soft pastels, rust, greens — they work seamlessly together (which makes dressing everyone in the family a piece of cake!) and they never date.
• Denim: Everyone has denim in their wardrobe, and it goes with pretty much anything and works in most shoot locations. It photographs really well and looks stunning in both colour and black & white.
• Simple Clothing Pieces: Simple is best! A photoshoot is probably not the time to pull out that criss-crossing-strappy jumpsuit or oversized pair of balloon pants — it can distract the photo and claim the centre of attention. I like to stick to the basic pieces — jeans, tees, button-down shirts, dresses — so that the focus of the photo is the heart and soul of your family, not what you’re wearing.
• Shoes: Footwear is dependent on where your shoot is and what style you’re going for. If it’s on the beach or more of a casual vibe, you may want to go minimal or barefoot. Alternatively, you might be planning a winter-style or formal shoot. Like with clothing, go for something that feels comfortable, easy to move in, and doesn’t take away the focus of the shot.

What Not to Wear

• Clashing patterns + colours: I love a pop of colour and funky pattern, but they can be a little hit-and-miss when it comes to a photoshoot, especially when they’re a few too many of them in one photograph! Avoid putting family members in colour and pattern combos that clash together. It’s also worth remembering that patterned clothing is not a friend to black & white photos, so if that’s the vibe you’re going for, stick to plain neutrals.
• Clothes that make you feel uncomfortable: This is probably the most important point to follow — if you don’t feel comfortable in it, don’t wear it! It’s amazing how what we wear can alter our entire presence. Wear something that makes you feel great, and it will make the world of difference. This goes for kiddies too — dress them in something that they feel comfortable to move around naturally in.
• Clothes with words + images: Your little one may love their Minion t-shirt, but I guarantee you’ll have a hard time loving it when it’s front and centre of the family photo! Clothing that contains words, brand names, images, or anything that takes away the focus is a no-go, and best to avoid for your photoshoot.

It’s all about you

Your shoot is all about you and your family, so make it what you want! Whilst what you wear is important; it isn’t the main part of your shoot. Comfort and simplicity are the keys to dressing well. The love will shine through all on its own.