Choosing the right outfits for your family or pet photo session is key to getting relaxed, professional photos. If you are working with a professional Sunshine Coast family photographer or planning a pet photo session your clothing choices will be consequential to the final product. The aim is to choose outfits that fit the Sunshine Coast’s natural beauty and ensure everyone’s comfort. For family photos with young kids or pet sessions, choose clothes that let you move easily and freely. Choosing the right combinations of neutrals and earthy tones will compliment the natural beauty of the Sunshine Coast and help create a timeless, cohesive look.
Where do we start?
First and foremost, comfort is key. It’s always best to choose what type of clothing will work for you along with what works for the session type and location. This includes factoring in bare feet (and possibly wet legs) at the beach. You might want to choose snuggly knits and longer pants in winter and light airy dresses, shorts and linen shirts in summer. Boots or closed shoes are important if we’re trekking through paddocks or long grass. If your kid/s are fussy about how some fabrics feel it’s always best to play it safe with soft comfy clothes!
Now it’s time to talk colours! Earthy tones always work really well out in nature. I like to start with a neutral base, colours like chocolate brown, tan, taupe, cream and beige. I like to think a light denim can work as a neutral in most cases too. This forms a foundation for your chosen colour/s.
From here you can add in earthy tones from one or two colour families. If you aren’t confident mixing colours you’ll find using only one or two will help you stay within colour harmony by finding tones in that range that work together. You can use patterns, florals, check or textural fabrics as well to add variety within the colour scheme.
What are some examples of colour families and earthy tones?
Greens & orange/reds are two favourites of mine to mix. You’ll want to choose earthy tones in those ranges. Some examples of green earthy tones are Forest Green, Eucalyptus Green, Sage, Mint, Olive and Khaki. In the Orange colour family you’ll find Rust, Coral, Clay, Bronze, Terracotta and Camel. In many cases, choosing a single colour family alongside neutrals allows for both variety and a cohesive overall look. This works well without making everyone overly “matchy”. Gone are the days of white tees and jeans – we can be way more creative with colour!
Earthy colors bring out the natural beauty of the surroundings without drawing attention away from your faces. Light blues, greens and pastel shades of all colours are perfect for complimenting the light, fresh, coastal vibe of a beach session.
Are these hard and fast rules?
This is a basic guide for those who aren’t sure where to start! Overall, keeping your approach simple and timeless is often the best choice; this is especially true for extended family photo shoots.
HOWEVER if you love bright colors and fun patterns and have a strong sense of your own style then you should wear it loudly. When you feel good in what you’re wearing it shows in your photos. If your style is iconic, I’d never tell you what to wear. Being yourself will make your session special. There’s no right or wrong. Always choose what feels best for you!
“The best colour in the whole world is the one that looks good on you.”
Coco Chanel
Are there any family photo outfit ABSOLUTE NO-NO’S?
I do have one unbreakable rule – no t-shirts with big logos, brand names, or graphics. They are distracting from peoples faces and expressions and they really stand out especially in a natural setting. They take the focus away from what we want to highlight – your family and connection. If you want to add bright, fun colors or patterns just make sure to at least somewhat bring them into everyone’s outfits. Everyone should feel like part of the group, with no one person standing out too much.
You’ve booked an extended family session to finally capture everyone together, however coordinating outfits can quickly feel overwhelming. A simple starting point is to choose three complementary colour families, such as green, orange, and blue (like the family above), then have each family mix those colours with neutrals. Avoid bright white, which can photograph cool or blue, but instead, opt for off-white or beige. By sticking to earthy, muted shades rather than bold colours, the group will look cohesive while each family still shines.
A final tip for extended families is to try to keep the patterns/stripes/florals/check to one person per nuclear family/couple if possible. Less than half of the group should be in obvious patterns therefore the majority of family members should be dressed in fairly uniform block colours!
One more thing; if you haven’t had your own personal colours done before and you’ve found yourself unsure of what looks good on you with a wardrobe full of black clothing then it might be time to go and see Claire at Your Season Colour Analysis
Need more photo inspo?
For more extended family session photos click here
