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Family photoshoots: what to wear?
April 12, 2021

Whether or not this is your first family photoshoot, you’ve likely asked yourself the same question countless others ask during the days and weeks leading up to their session.

“What should we wear?”

– Parents everywhere

This is one of the most common questions I’m asked before a family photoshoot. Truthfully, there are a ton of options, and I personally don’t believe there is a “wrong” choice. My single best piece of advice is to wear something you feel good in! This will play a huge role in how you express your true self throughout your shoot. Trust me, it shows! With that being said, I do have some tips for choosing outfits that will look great in photos. You’ll see there’s a common theme throughout all of the tips I’m about to offer: wearing colours that contrast with your background is key, whether your family photoshoot is taking place indoors or outdoors. So, without further ado, here are my top 3 tips for what to wear for our next shoot together.

Coordinate outfits.

Here’s an excellent example from last summer.

Boyo Photography, Family Photoshoot, Ottawa Ontario

It’s common for families to try to match perfectly, and that’s OK! However, sometimes wearing coordinating colours is even better. Doing this ensures each person stands out as an individual, while still being tied in with the rest of the family. This extended family was mindful of their surrounding field of grass by not only wearing complementary shades of light blue, but they also managed to tie in a nearby cherry blossom tree with a member’s pink sweater. The pictures (in my humble opinion) turned out wonderfully! 

Boyo Photography, Family Photoshoot, Ottawa Ontario

This kind of blue colour palette works best outdoors and against green backdrops, like grass and trees. 

Boyo Photography, Family Photoshoot, Ottawa Ontario

Coordinating isn’t just for the outdoors, you can make it work for your indoor location too. This mom and daughter team coordinated their outfits not only with one another, but with their indoor space too!

Boyo Photography, Family Photoshoot, Ottawa Ontario

Add a few pops of colour, and make it fun!

If you’re looking to pump some vibrant energy into your family photos and highlight each person’s fun personality, consider picking some outfits with a splash of colour. This can completely change your photos especially in places where there are just as many fun colours to photograph with.

Boyo Photography, Family Photoshoot, Ottawa Ontario
Boyo Photography, Family Photoshoot, Ottawa Ontario

Another great idea to keep in mind: kids are especially happy when they get to pick their own favourite outfits. Tapping into their excitement encourages everyone to prepare as a team!

Wear something comfortable.

It’s not uncommon for me to roll on the floor (or in the mud) as I chase your kids (or fur babies) around during a photoshoot, so expect me to get you in on the action too! If there’s any chance we’ll be playful with your little ones outdoors, it’s best to come prepared with comfortable shoes and something you’re not afraid to get a little wrinkled or messy during our fun.

Boyo Photography, Family Photoshoot, Ottawa Ontario

This advice applies to indoor shoots too! 

Boyo Photography, Family Photoshoot, Ottawa Ontario
Boyo Photography, Family Photoshoot, Ottawa Ontario

As always, the photoshoots I offer are guaranteed to be fun for you and your little one(s), no matter what you’re wearing. Capturing a family’s memories is such an honour. I can’t believe how quickly my clients’ families grow each time we reconnect and continue our traditions of annual family portraits, and I can’t wait for our next ones! I hope you found these tips helpful. If you did, and we’re yet to meet, how about you drop me a line? Let’s create your own memories soon!

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