What to Wear for Family Photos With Your Morro Bay Photographer

As a Morro Bay photographer, I am often asked, “What should I wear for our family photos?” The answer to that question depends on several variables. In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about choosing your outfits!

5 Things to Think of When Choosing Your Outfit for Your Session With a Morro Bay Photographer

The first thing to consider is the location of your Morro Bay photography session. Each location is so different, and your outfit should definitely complement the location you choose. The location should guide the wardrobe choices, and ideally, the location is selected before the outfits. A photography session at the beach is perfect for neutral, romantic attire, whereas bold colors are wonderful on a cloudy fall day. Think about how the environment will complement the outfit choices to ensure a cohesive feel. 

2. Coordinate Your Colors, But Don’t Match

The second thing to consider when choosing your outfit for a session with your Morro Bay photographer is the other people who will be in the pictures with you. Whether you are taking photos with your spouse, children, or extended family, it’s always a good idea to discuss and plan the outfits that everyone will wear. Complementary solid colors are best. Use similar color families to keep the outfits cohesive. Pick a color family rather than one single color. For example, if the whole family chooses to wear pastel, make sure everyone has a different pastel color. You don’t want everyone to be wearing white or beige. You want each person to stand out in their own unique, beautiful way while at the same time looking cohesive with the whole family.

3. Be Comfortable

You may find the cutest outfit, but if it is uncomfortable, you will regret it. If you do not like fitted clothing, then leave it at home! If you have kids, you will most likely bend down, lift them up, or hold a baby during the session. It’s important to be comfortable and look as natural as possible.

4. Shoes Are Important

Shoes matter. Overlooking the shoes is a big mistake that I notice time and again. Remember, shoes play an important part in an outfit, and sometimes, no shoes at all are the best choice. Footwear should be dependent on the environment, season, and type of session. I recommend simple, comfortable, and something that won’t distract from the outfit choice. For beach sessions, you can always start off with shoes and then take them off.

5. Avoid Trendy Clothing

Go for a classic look that will stand the test of time. Ditch the extremely date-able trends and stick to classic shapes like flowy dresses, straight-leg pants, and button-front shirts. Keep in mind that timelessness doesn’t need to be boring.  Pay attention to accessories and make a conscious decision on what to keep and what to remove. A few years ago, I wore a Fitbit every day. On the day of our family session with our Morro Bay photographer, I forgot to take the Fitbit off. You can clearly see it in the pictures, and it looks bulky and big.

Get Ready for Your Session With Your Morro Bay Photographer

If you need more inspiration on what to wear for a session with your Morro Bay photographer, I’ve created a Pinterest board that you will find helpful. If you are interested in booking a session with me, check out more of my website! Once you book a session, I will send you a detailed Style Guide to prepare you for it. The Style Guide helps you with wardrobe styling, hair, makeup, locations, times, and so much more information.

Rosa Clark is an award-winning San Luis Obispo Photographer. She has been recognized by the National Association of Portrait and Child Photographers (NAPCP) as a Master Photographer in the category of Lifestyle Family Photography. Her work has appeared in local publications like New Times San Luis Obispo and SLO Life Magazine. Rosa is a volunteer photographer for The Gold Hope Project, a childhood cancer non-profit organization.

Rosa specializes in maternity, senior/graduate, and family photography. In addition, she offers custom artwork options like framed prints and photo albums.

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