Let’s get you styled
You may have your finger on the fashion pulse or you might be a bit lost on what to wear, either way this guide is going to give you some pretty awesome tips for picking out an outfit not just for you, but for the whole family so you look like one cohesive, super styling unit.
Let's start with the Sun in your solar system
I'm talking about you mum! Yes, you're the sun in your family, everyone and everything is in your orbit and you are what keeps all the plates spinning. So getting your outfit sorted first is paramount. Once we have you looking fantastic then we can coordinate everyone else. Notice how I said coordinate and not match? I think matching outfits was a fad of the 80's and has given us modern day folk hours of entertainment in the form of awkward family photos. So let's not give the internet anymore fodder.
Colour palettes
Ok, so let's talk about colour palettes. You've got base colour palettes and then accents. As a rule your base should always be neutrals and your accents are your one pop of colour... of course rules are meant to be broken, but I've found that this is a pretty good and safe rule to live by for your photoshoot.
The colours of your location can play a big part in selection your colour palette for your clothes, and thankfully this location is a big white room, so anything goes really, but I would pick colours that aren't going to outdate, like fluorescent colours.
Colours and shades will set the feel for your photos. If you want bright and airy photos, then you would go for lighter coloured clothing. If you like slightly moodier photos then you would go for a darker colour palette. Once you decide on your overall vibe you can pick your colours.
Think about the colours that best represent your family unit too. These are your photos and when you look at them you want to say, yep, that's us!
Below is an example of neutrals and accents. The neutrals would make up the majority of your clothing with pops of colour from the accents.
Comfort always
When I say comfort, I'm not talking about rocking up in your trackies and ugg boots, although you could if that was your thang. I'm talking about being comfortable in what you're wearing. For me, if I'm wearing a tight fitting singlet I know I'm going to flapping my arms out like their wings and pulling at the material around my belly, I'm just not comfortable in clothes like that. 95% of dresses aren't me, I have a really particular style of dress that I wear and anything else makes me feel awkward. You don't want to feel awkward in your clothes because then you will look awkward in your images. Pick an outfit that makes you feel great as well as looking great. You don't have to wear a dress if you're not a dress person. You don't have to get super dolled up if that's not your thing either. Just stay true to who you are.
Material
I love texture in clothing. It adds another dimension to the image. It can also set the vibe. For instance a floaty chiffon dress will add a dreamy element to your photos. But beware of certain materials. Satin and silk can cling to your body and accentuate bumps and lumps. Always try on your clothes on, during the day, and look at them in a mirror as you walk and move around. Take notice of what it's doing on your body.
Now for the rest
Once you've got your outfit sorted, coordinate the rest of your family to your outfit. Lay your outfit down and lay down everyone else's outfits next to it. Play with colour, texture, tone and style combos, putting different items down and mixing and matching.
If your kids are in nappies, go for rompers or dungarees that will hide their nappy. For girls, a dress with ribbed stockings/tights is always a great option, so if their dress rides up you're not going to have a nappy in all your photos.
T-shirts that are tucked into pants will invariably come out as the kids run around or are lifted up, particularly with kids under 3yrs. Again, overalls, rompers and tunics will help with this. If you have a younger bub that is going to be held a lot you might want to consider a onesie so that it stays put.
Things to avoid
For kids, avoid frill sleeves that pop up too high, especially for babies. These can pop up and cover their faces.
Avoid putting your kids in clothes they don't like. My son does not like shirts with a pocket (I have no idea why 😑)... I will most definitely not be putting him in a shirt with a pocket. Hello tears and tantrum-ville.
Collars. Yep, you heard me. Your son does not need to wear a collared shirt. A nice tee or textured pull over wins the day, every time.
White sneakers. When you're holding your little one that white sneaker is going to be front and centre in the image. A nice tan or brown shoe or boot won't stand out and they're super cute. But I love bare feet. It's a detail I would want to remember so if it was me I would have my kids sans shoes.
Fluorescent colours or any really vibrant colours, especially up near your face. You'll be in a white room and the colours will bounce around and up into your face, so if you wear a hot pink top you could end up with a hot pink face.