Photoshoot Prep | What To Wear
One of the very first questions I’m asked by clients once they have booked in their shoot is What Do I Wear?!
It’s a very good question. It may seem like a trivial problem, but you have chosen your photographer and thought about the style of images you like and the time of year to have your shoot. You’ll be looking back on these photos in years to come. So I totally get it you don’t want to be looking back thinking what on earth were we wearing. Obviously I can’t speak for the change in fashion in years to come and believe me I am no Anna Wintour!! I can help on a few simple pointers though….
Putting in a little bit of thought into your outfit planning will help you feel confident on your shoot, love your images and create beautiful memories that will last forever.
SIX TIPS…
ONE
DON’T do matchy matchy
Well you can if you want to but my style of photography is informal and natural so I personally think it works a lot better if you are not all in identical outfits. Avoid tracksuits, although you don’t need to be donning your best ball gown it’s definitely better if you can manage to get those teens out of track pants for a couple of hours, they can hop straight back in them right after the shoot!
TWO
Co-ordinate
Think about the colours you are wearing although we don’t want Matching outfits we don’t want clashing either! A little bit of planning into your families outfit co-ordination goes a long way into making your photoshoot that much better. It may seem obvious but I have definitely seen some quite amazing combinations out there on the web!
These guys have got a great mix of subtle tones and fabrics that go together really well.
THREE
Less Black
I know, I know, I love black too!! I hear you and we are in Melbourne, everyone wears black! It can come across quite harsh in your photos though so if you want to wear black maybe just one piece and break it up with a more neutral colour. Grey is good and a softer alternative. Neutrals and pretty soft patterns work well. Layering is also great. For ideas you can see my pinterest link at the end of the blog.
FOUR
Dress for the weather
There will be nothing worse than putting on your favourite long sleeved, high necked dress to step out into 40c heat and you start wilting before we’ve even started. The same goes for winter. Although being covered up in hats and scarves and thick jackets is not ideal. If you are having an outdoor shoot on a slightly chilly day a chunky knit or some lovely cardigans on the kids can look lovely and helps stop those very unhappy faces that comes from cold children and husbands!
Layering up with chunky knits in winter is a great option.
FIVE
Do dress for you
I do say try not to look like you are walking into a corporate office but if your husband never wears a casual t-shirt family photos wouldn’t be the time to start. An open necked shirt is fine, maybe lose the tie!!! Same for the ladies by all means wear your favourite dress or go out and buy a new one if you like but if you never wear dresses I don’t want you to look back on your photos and think that isn’t me. I have some great options for jeans and pretty tops which I will link at the end of the blog.
SIX
Shoes, Hair & Makeup
Do think about what shoes you all wear. Generally if we are having an in-home shoot or on the beach i’ll often get you to take your shoes off. It looks a little odd if the kids are jumping all over your bed with their shoes on, not to mention i’m pretty sure you don’t want shoes all over your nice clean sheets! Shoes on the beach also not necessary, nobody likes sand in their shoes and we’re often having fun jumping waves. Therefore ladies you may want to think about that pedicure (what a great excuse for some R&R).
For other outdoor shoots just think a little about your footwear, pretty but practical is good. Stilettos probably not! You absolutely don’t need to spend money on hair and makeup but if you would like to, by all means do, just make sure you give yourself plenty of time. I can also give you names for some great makeup artists. Most of all I want you to enjoy the planning, the whole experience is not meant to be a headache so don’t over think it, you’ve got this!
Here is a link to my pinterest boards on what to wear.
There are quite a few ideas so hopefully they will fill you with inspiration.
Holly Osborne is a Melbourne based Wedding, Family and Lifestyle photographer specialising in natural photography, both indoors and outdoors, to encapsulate depth and emotion. To book, please contact Holly here.