Best Clothing to Wear for an Outdoor Summer Family Photo Session
Family Session Outfit Tips | Calgary Family Photographer
Calgary Family Pictures - Summer Wardrobe Styling
Here in the city of Calgary, we often have gorgeous summer days which is why our summer months are the perfect time to capture your family's memories with an outdoor family photography portrait session. But what should your family wear to ensure you all look your best?
From selecting the right colors to coordinating outfits, my summer family clothing tips and wardrobe boards below will help you to select the perfect family outfits for your next outdoor Calgary family summer photo session. These tips will ensure that your family's unique style and personality are reflected in your summer family pictures.
Select a color scheme that compliments your family's skin tones.
When selecting clothing to wear for your outdoor family photos, it's important to select a color scheme that best complements your family's skin tones. For example, if you have warm-toned skin, consider wearing warmer tones in hues of red, orange, and yellow. If you have cool-toned skin, opt for colors in hues of blue, green, and purple. You can also choose neutral colors such as white, beige, and gray as a base tone and then add pops of color with accessories or light patterns. Ultimately, the goal is to select a color palate that compliments your family to ensure you all look and feel your best.
Start with mom's outfit first.
It's best to start with mom’s outfit first and then build from there. Women's clothing often has more colors and prints, making it a great starting point. From there, you can add complementary pieces for the rest of the family. A dress in your favorite color is always a great choice. Dresses are not only flattering, but they will also make you feel more confident in your family portraits. If you're not a fan of dresses, consider a skirt and top combination, but do make sure to select something that is slightly dressier than your everyday look. You want to look for high-quality fabrics that drape well rather than t-shirt material, to ensure a polished and put-together look.
SHOP THE OUTFITS: Young Boy’s Outfit - Janie & Jack, Baby Girl’s Outfit - Janie & Jack, Mom’s Outfit - TedBaker, Dad’s Outfit - TedBaker
Choose light, breathable fabrics to stay cool in the summer heat.
Outdoor family photo sessions in the summer can be super fun and enjoyable but also get hot and uncomfortable, especially if you're wearing heavy or restrictive clothing. To stay cool and comfortable, select light, breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, or rayon. These materials will allow air to circulate and prevent you from feeling overheated. Try to avoid synthetic fabrics like polyester or nylon, which can trap heat and make you feel sweaty and uncomfortable throughout your entire outdoor family photo shoot. Layering with a cardigan or jacket is also a great way to add interest but also provide you with the flexibility to warm up or cool down if needed. Additionally, select clothing styles that are fitted but not skintight and constricting. This will allow you to move freely and not overheat during your family portrait session.
SHOP THE OUTFITS: Dad’s Outfit - Harry Rosen, Young Boy’s Linen Shirt & Pants - J.Crew Kids, Young Boy’s Shoes-J.CrewKids, Young Girl’s Linen Dress and Sandals - H&M, Mom’s Tan Jacket and Belt - J.Crew, Mom’s Blouse, Denim and Shoes - Saks.
Accessorize with timeless pieces that won't distract from your family's natural beauty.
When it comes to accessorizing for your summer family photos, less is often more. Choose simple, timeless accessories that won't distract from your family's natural beauty, faces and expressions. For example, a delicate necklace, a classic watch, or a pair of stud earrings can add a touch of elegance without overwhelming the photos. Avoid large statement pieces or anything too flashy that can be distracting. Athletic watches and step counters on your wrists should be avoided.
Only one outfit needed.
Kids can get cranky and waste precious session time if they must change clothing mid-session. I highly recommend that when organizing your outfits for your outdoor family photo shoot, to keep it simple and avoid bringing multiple outfits for everyone. To avoid drool stains on your baby's outfit, consider putting a bib on them until you arrive at the session or change them into their outfit in the parking lot once you arrive. Keeping it simple will ensure a stress-free and enjoyable outdoor family photo session for everyone involved.
Coordinate but don't match – Try to mix and match textures for visual interest.
When selecting outfits for your family photo session, it's important to coordinate your colors and styles but to avoid matching too closely. Instead, mix and match patterns and textures to add visual interest and depth to your family photos. For example, pair a floral dress with a solid toned dress shirt or polo. Incorporate a denim jacket with a plaid shirt or dress with lots of pattern. This will create a cohesive look without being too matchy-matchy. Additionally, consider adding accessories like hats, scarves, or jewelry to add more visual interest and textures to your outfits.
SHOP THE OUTFITS: Young Girl’s Summer Dress and Sandals - J.Crew Kids, Newborn Baby Outfit and Runners - Janie & Jack, Mom’s Outfit - H&M, Dad’s Outfit - RW&CO., Young Boy’s Polo Shirt - Abercrombie, Young Boy’s Pants - Gap, Young Boy’s Shoes - Browns
Try your outfits on ahead of time.
It's important to select clothing that not only looks great but also feels comfortable and allows for some movement. Avoid anything that is too tight or restrictive and do try on your outfit ahead of time to ensure it fits well and doesn't reveal more than you intended. When being photographed outdoors, you will be seated on the grass for some seated poses so do try to keep skirts and dresses no shorter than slightly above the knee. Remember, the goal of your outdoor family session this summer is for me to capture the fun and memorable moments with your family so choose clothing that provides a polished look but still allows for you to move around a bit and to relax and enjoy the family session experience.
SHOP THE OUTFITS: Toddler Boy Outfit - Janie & Jack, Teen Boy Outfit - Jacadi, Dad’s Outfit - TedBaker, Mom’s Dress - Aritzia, Mom’s Shoes - Browns, Mom’s Scarf - Ann Taylor, Young Girl’s Outfit - Jacadi
Relax, Have Fun and Be Yourself!
The most important thing to remember during your summer outdoor family portrait session is to just be yourself. Don't worry about trying to have the perfect pose or expression or stress that your kids are not going to cooperate or that everything is not going according to plan. Just take a deep breath and enjoy the moment of connecting and making memories with your loved ones.
Remember, every family is unique and beautiful in their own way. Embrace who you are as a family and let's capture that essence in your outdoor summer family pictures. My goal as a professional family portrait photographer is to create a fun and memorable experience for you and your family, so that when you look back at your outdoor family photos from our time together, you feel nothing but warmth and love for those you cherish most.
SHOP THE OUTFITS: Young Boy Shirt & Pants - J.Crew, Young Boy’s Shoes - Saks, Dad’s Outfit - RW&CO, Mom’s Outfit - TedBaker, Young Girl’s Dress, Jacket and Hairband - J.Crew, Young Girl’s Shoes - Browns
If you have any additional questions about spring and summer styling for your upcoming family photography session, please leave me a message in the comments below. If you haven’t yet booked your family in this year for a family portrait session at Jillian Faulkner Photography, get in touch here so we can discuss creating a family photography session designed just for your family!
This blog post was created in May 2023 so if you happen to read this post at a much later date, some of the links to the outfits I selected above may no longer be available. I hope this article will still provide you with some ways to create some gorgeous spring and summer outfit combinations using the color palettes provided.
A San Luis Obispo Photographer friend of mine recently wrote a blog post on things you should consider when choosing the best photographer for your family session, I highly recommend you head on over to her page to read her very informative post!