What to Wear for Family Photos in Lethbridge
Choosing what to wear for family photos doesn’t need to be stressful. The goal is to coordinate without everyone matching exactly and to choose clothing that feels comfortable, timeless and true to your family.
As a family photographer in Lethbridge and Southern Alberta, I recommend choosing a simple colour palette, adding texture and layers, and considering both your session location and the season. Whether we’re photographing your family among the fall colours, in a summer field or during a cozy winter session, the right outfits can help create a polished look while still keeping the focus on your family.
There are many aspects to keep in mind when deciding what to wear for your family photos. Coordinating outfits for family portraits don’t need to be difficult. You can never go wrong with selecting a few focal colors and textured clothing items, as well as considering the season. Focus on accomplishing a cohesive look and dressing in outfits that will allow your photos to take on a timeless feel. Of course, the most important part of your family portrait is to document the love that your family shares. We’re here to help you with the rest. These family photo outfit ideas below will allow you to get a one-of-a-kind portrait that has a close-knit family feel.
Family Photo Outfit Ideas
Allow your family to be the captivating focal point of your shots during any season with these family photo outfit do’s and don’ts. Consider these coordinating outfit ideas when choosing family photo outfit ideas:
-
Plan your outfits. The more time you allow yourself to plan your outfits, the less stressed you’ll be. Plus, it never hurts to have options especially when you’re dressing your kids.
-
Choose coordinating colors, not matching. Start with colors that coordinate well. You can accomplish a cohesive look without every family member wearing the same outfit. That can seem a little too matchy-matchy these days. By selecting a color scheme and using hues that complement each other, you can achieve a more natural look across the board. Pick two main colors and then add softer tones to accent and complete your color scheme.
-
Consider your home décor. You’ll want to consider your home décor style when picking out what to wear in family photos. Since a few of these photos will most likely be hanging in your home and on display for a long time, make sure that the clothing you select blends in seamlessly with the color scheme of your home.
-
Keep location in mind. Another helpful item to consider when trying to decide what to wear in your family photos is the location of your photoshoot. Are you going to be on the beach where there are plenty of neutral tones or under a tree surrounded by bright fall foliage? Select a color palette for your outfits that will complement the setting. Pick out items of clothing in colors that will complement your background and not compete with it.
-
Use the season to help select color schemes for your outfits. Each season is associated with different colors, weather, and landscapes which will be an important item to consider when picking out what everyone will be wearing.
-
Choose practical clothing items. This is an important item to keep in mind for every family member, especially when you are thinking about what to dress your little ones in. If your kids are not comfortable then you are going to be in for a long photoshoot. Don’t make it more difficult for yourself or your photographer to get the perfect shot. Make sure that everyone is comfortable with their clothing to ensure all smiles.
-
Pick out accessories to add texture to your photos. Accessories are great style pieces that add to your outfits and can even tie family members’ outfits together. For example, if Dad is wearing a red and black plaid coat then adding a plaid hat to your daughter’s outfit will tie the pattern in for a more cohesive feel. Accessories will also give your photos variation. Think scarves, hats, gloves, and belts.
-
Select an outfit that is appropriate year-round. One of the more popular times for families to take their portraits seems to be around the holidays (when the kids are home from school and everyone is in the same place). The holidays may seem like the perfect excuse to bring out the Santa hats and incorporate props into your family portraits. However, you’ll want these photos to be displayed all year round. Try to avoid purely seasonal accessories and items.
-
Limit distracting patterns and large logos. Including articles of clothing with multiple patterns or large logos can become a distraction. Strong prints and abstract patterns can overpower your photo. Avoid items that clash and stick to one pattern or textural element for your portrait session.
-
Lay each family member’s outfit together while planning so you can get a good idea about how the pieces will look next to each other. This will allow you a better idea of what works and what doesn’t. Plus, this way, you can make sure that you’re not missing any essential clothing items.
-
Select outfits that will make for a timeless portrait. If all else fails, when you look in your closet to find the perfect family portrait outfits think about staying classic. You’ll want your photos to be timeless. Styles come and go but, your photos are forever.
-
Have fun playing stylist and let your family’s personality shine.
Fall Family Photo Outfit Ideas
There are recognizable markers that trigger the “fall feeling” in each of us. With the weather cooling down, the leaves changing, and a trip to the pumpkin patch soon, fall is full of inspiration you can use for your outfit choices. If you are taking your family portraits in the fall, incorporate seasonal earth tones, rich maroons, or burnt oranges. Wear layers and have fun playing in the leaves. Use the following Fall colour arrangements and styling tips to guide your clothing selections.
For fall family photos in Southern Alberta, layers are especially helpful since temperatures can change quickly throughout the evening. Cream, tan, rust, olive, navy, burgundy and denim all photograph beautifully against our golden grasses and fall foliage.
Fall Colour Schemes and Styling Tips for Fall
Denim and Tan Tip: Fall outfits are all about the layers! Plus, wearing layers makes for a quick outfit change too.
Brown and Maroon Tip: Take advantage of the colourful fall leaves and let them inspire your outfit choices.
Denim, Yellow, Crimson Tip: Use fall accessories to add texture to your photos. Think big scarves and stylish boots.
Navy, Tan, Cream Tip: Plaid shirts are a popular choice for fall family photos. Think about dressing a few of your members in this season-appropriate pattern.
Winter Family Photo Outfit Ideas
With everyone home for the holidays, the winter season is one of the most popular times of the year for family portraits. Many aspects of the winter season are sure to spark outfit ideas. Classic red and green holiday colours and plaid patterns are among the style trends that are perfect for your photos. The holiday season is all about the flannels, the furry scarves, and the cable-knit sweaters. Get ready to bundle up and design a cohesive family style that makes everyone feel confident in their look.
Holiday Colour Schemes and Styling Tips for The Holidays
Navy and Crimson Tip: The cooler winter weather makes for great accessories for your family photos. Think scarves, beanies, and coats!
Glitter and White Tip: Sweaters are a very appealing option for holiday family photos. Have the boys wear collared shirts with sweaters over them, while the girls wear matching cable knits.
Crimson, Tan, Denim Tip: For a cute holiday twist, wear matching pyjamas in some of the shots.
Red, Grey, Black Tip: Add a pop of colour to your outfit with bright red lipstick, perfect for the holidays.
Spring Family Photo Outfit Ideas
Spring is the perfect time to take your photo idea outdoors. Choose from beautiful pastel colours that are more prominent in the springtime, along with white and blue hues. Other trendy springtime outfit ideas include floral patterns, which can be incorporated into accessories or clothing. Dresses and skirts are also popular for spring family photos. These springtime trends, paired with simple basics, will give your family photos a polished, fresh look.
Spring Colour Schemes and Styling Tips for Spring
Blush and Teal Tip: A great pattern for springtime is floral. Select statement pieces featuring your favourite florals.
Blush and White Tip: Cheerful hues will make your springtime family portraits pop.
Light Blue, Tan, White Tip: Bows in the little one's hair are the perfect springtime accessory and a great way to get their hair out of their eyes.
Navy, Yellow, White Tip: If you're taking family portraits in the warmer months, take advantage of the weather and pick out skirts as well as dresses.
Summer Family Photo Outfit Ideas
A summertime family photoshoot offers beautiful landscapes and warmer weather for your photos. The season reflects a laid-back vibe that can be mirrored throughout your family’s outfit selections. Take advantage of light cotton, pretty sheers, and denim, and slip into your sandals for a casual look. If your family is taking a summer vacation, use this time to take your family portraits. No matter where you are this summer, you can use the following colour arrangements and styling tips to guide your selections.
Summer Colour Schemes and Styling Tips for Summer
Tan and White Tip: Select more cheerful colours for your summertime portraits.
Orange and Teal Tip: Take advantage of light cotton, pretty sheers, and lace. Light and breezy outfits are also great for the summer heat.
Light Blue, Tan, White Tip: Gingham patterns for the boys and summer dresses for the girls.
Blue, Green, Yellow Tip: Don't feel the need to be too formal during your summer photo session.
Try slipping on your sandals and frolicking on the beach. You're sure to get some candid shots!
Still Not Sure What to Wear?
Don't worry about having every outfit figured out perfectly. When you book a family session with me, I'm happy to help with colour choices and outfit ideas that work with your family, the season and your session location. The most important thing is choosing clothing that feels comfortable and lets your family be themselves.
Ready for Your Family Photos?
Now that you have some ideas for coordinating colours, layers and seasonal outfits, it’s time to start planning your session. When you book with me, I’m always happy to help with outfit choices that work with your family, your session location and the time of year.