Outfits and Tips

Welcome aboard! If you have found your way here that means that you are all booked in and now it’s time to start planning for your photoshoot.

Please remember that everything I recommend here is a suggestion only. Take what works for you and leave the rest.

What to wear to your family photoshoot

Block colours. Aim to use mostly block colours, however one or two special pieces should be included with a pattern to tie the whole thing together. This is usually the first piece you will choose, then base your colours off of that item of clothing
Pick your colour palette. I recommend choosing earthy neutral tones. Colours like rust, terracotta, mustard, forest green, tan, brown, blue and beige. These colours work extremely well with the locations that I shoot and my style of editing
Clients will often gravitate to white, and while that looks fantastic I try to encourage using colour in your styling. I also recommend choosing a white with a warm undertone rather than cool. Stark white usually has a cool undertone, so it can appear blue in photos. Off white, cream or beige are excellent substitutes
Don’t be afraid of patterns and textures, just include them thoughtfully. Do they compliment your other items of clothing? Is it cohesive?
Choose colours that will suit your decor and style in your home
Accessories. Have fun with accessories if this is your thing! Use earrings to add a pop of colour. Scarves, hats and blankets are all useful tools to add interest to an outfit
Bare feet always look cute, particularly if your photo session is at the beach

What to avoid

Remember, this is a guide to create a similar style to the work I have showcased on my website. If your personality is colourful and quirky then please stay true to you! I have clients who have really unique styles that look incredible on them and their photos look amazing.

Large brand logos
Matching outfits (You want your outfits to compliment each other rather than match)
If you all wear black it can look quite harsh. If black is your ride or die then try to incorporate it with other warm colours such as brown and tan

Smiling child wearing a wide-brimmed hat and a T-shirt with a rainbow design leans on a large rock at the beach, with cloudy skies and sandy rocks in the background.

A woman sits on a sofa cradling a baby, with a vertical row of four pastel color swatches on the right.

A family of five sits together on a rocky outcrop outdoors, smiling at the camera.

A joyful family of five on a sandy beach, with a father carrying a boy on his shoulders while the mother and two daughters smile nearby.

Family of four posing outdoors among trees, with a father in brown overalls carrying a child on his shoulders and a mother holding another child.

Choose your favourite item first

This family used their daughters dress as the key piece to base the rest of the families outfits around. Notice that each colour appears in her dress tying them all together. I love the colours, patterns and textures used in these items of clothing. I am quite partial to those warm oranges being paired with blue and browns. It’s probably my favourite combo at the moment.

A family of five sits on a bed with a floral quilt, smiling at the camera.

Tips and tricks

What you put in is what you will get out of our experience together. That is the number one rule. So try not to be shy or self conscious. If you want happy photos, you have to smile. There is no getting around it. The good news is I pride myself on being warm and welcoming. My relaxed approach offers a great starting point for us to get the ball rolling, the rest is up to you
Try not to stress about the kids or get mad at them. If you scold them they will likely get upset or embarrassed and be even less interested in getting involved. I’m very patient with kids and depending on their age, I encourage a play based session. There are lots of snuggles, tickles and silliness. Their happiness is the key ingredient to a successful photo shoot
I have found with young children that if they aren’t interested in posing for photos and you continue the session without them (laughing and having fun) they will rejoin the group on their own
I won’t force anyone to smile if they don’t want to. I will encourage it, but I won’t try to force it
Don’t be scared to get wet or dirty
If you like photos of everyone playing in the water, come prepared with towels and a change of clothes. So many families forget to pack them and are shivering by the end

Late afternoon/evening concerns

In other words the witching hour. IYKYK. This is usually a concern for parents during summer. The sun sets so late that we need to hold our shoot at the same time the kids would normally be having dinner, bath and bed. I get it guys, I totally understand. But that light is used by photographers for a reason, it is the prettiest and the most flattering. Shooting earlier will not give you the kind of photos you see on my website.

But never fear because I have been dealing with this exact situation for years and I have tips to help us get through it without a hitch!

Feed the kids before the shoot. Make sure they have eaten so that they aren’t getting hangry
Bring snacks/treats/bribes. Food is always the answer, for all of us really. Offering a small, clean treat as a reward for participating can help encourage even the most stubborn non participator. Just don’t pull it out too early or you run the risk of them only focusing on the treats and all hell breaking loose
I try to keep my sessions moving along, especially if I can see we are losing their interest. Doing things like walking as a group, swinging the child, popping them up on your shoulders, these are all tricks I use to help them forget that they are bored and tired and over it
Have fun! I will be there to guide you. If you are very comfortable in front of the camera and happy to move without direction then I will just follow you and photograph whatever you are doing. If you aren’t as confident in front of the camera I will gently direct you and help create moments for you to slip in to. I will follow your lead and do everything I can to ensure you have a great experience with me and my camera.

Two smiling young children walk arm in arm across a grassy area.

If at any time you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me! Shoot me through an email or text, I’m always happy to help

What to wear to your family photoshoot

What to avoid

Tips and tricks

Late afternoon/evening concerns

lanicarterphotography