How to pick outfits for your family photos
How to choose the perfect outfit for your next session. Tips and tricks on elevating your photoshoot. Photography by Brooke is a photographer based out of Merrill WI, that services the Wausau, Mosinee, Weston, Antigo, and surrounding areas.
How do I pick outfits for our family photos? What colors go best together? Should we all match? Should we wear clothes with words or images? These are all very common questions I’m asked before every photo session.
Picking outfits for you and your family is one of the more stressful aspects of preparing for your photo session.
I’m here today to offer some guidance, and hopefully help remove some of the stress for you.
“Let’s talk color!”
I know you’re all just reading this to find out how to pair colors! That’s alright! And I have a super simple trick for you!
Head to (you can also just Google color palette ideas):
https://www.canva.com/colors/color-palettes/
This site offers tons of color palettes for you to view. You can search things like spring, autumn, rust, blue, etc to get inspo.
Once you’ve found a palette that you like (like the example below) you are ready to start shopping! These colors go together well and you can start basing your outfits off this color grouping.
Such a simple trick, but so effective!
“Layers, Layers, Layers”
Beyond colors, there’s a lot of other aspects to take into consideration! Being in Northern Wisconsin the temps can swing wildly from day to day. Should you plan for short sleeves or will you need a winter coat?
I suggest to families that have their sessions in the spring or fall months to plan on layers. Layers you can take off or put on as the session goes on. Photo sessions aren’t stand still events, you’ll be moving most of the time. So you might start out cold, but get toasty!
Cardigans or zip up sweaters are both great options! A blanket that’s big enough to wrap around you, fashion coats, or a shawl are good alternatives.
“Keep it simple”
Here’s a few general rules to follow when getting ready for your shoot.
Matching family outfits can be fun (Christmas jammies!) - in the right setting. In general though, simple is better.
Avoid graphic t shirts, especially those with really bright colors. Solid colors photograph better, and fit in everywhere.
Steer clear of shirts with a lot of words. They are difficult to read in photos and often get cut off while you’re moving around. Think simple.
Refrain from choosing bright colors (anything in the neon family) and busy patterns.
“Pro Tip!”
Don’t forget about your shoes. You can have a killer outfit, but the effect can be completely ruined with shoes that don’t match. Guys tend to be the bigger offenders on this one. Ladies, I recommend doing a double check of your hubby before you leave.
“Always here to help you!”
If you’re really struggling on your outfit, it is perfectly ok to reach out to your photographer before the session and ask for advice. The last thing we want is for you to be uncomfortable at your session.
A couple of things to keep in mind -
Your photographer is not responsible for you hating your outfit. They are also not responsible for clothing that is wrinkled, creased, or covered in pet hair. Photoshop is amazing, but it’s not magic - it also takes a lot of time to edit (and not everything is fixable).
As always, if you have a question or need help, reach out! Photography by Brooke wants you to love your photos for years to come and is always happy to help!
What is a model call? And why do you do them?
What’s a model call? Why would you do one? What do I get out of it? All this and more! Merrill WI Newborn Photographer, Merrill WI Photographer, Wausau WI Newborn Photographer, Wausau WI Photographer, Mosinee WI Newborn Photographer, Mosinee WI Photographer, Weston WI Newborn Photographer, Weston WI Photographer, Antigo WI Newborn Photographer, Medford WI Newborn Photographer, Northern WI Newborn Photographer, North Central WI Newborn Photographer
Many of you may not be familiar with what a model call is, or why photographers do them - I’m here to give you more insights!
So what’s a model call anyway?
A model call is a free or reduced session that a photographer hosts to practice new techniques, styles, or for a specific project. Model calls are great for photographers because they provide a low/no pressure situation for the tog to practice or create a specific vision.
Why don’t you just practice on your friends?
We do! Sadly our friends aren’t always available, might not be interested in the particular vision we’re trying to create, or be the right fit for the session we need them for.
If it’s a model call, how much say do I get in the session?
That’s the catch - a model call is usually for the photographer to create something for themselves, or to practice on something they don’t normally do. In exchange for the free session you are giving up control. Meaning the photographer picks the props, colors, location, etc. But you still get gorgeous images to keep.
Will you take anyone?
No. The requirements vary by session type and what the photographer is hoping to achieve through their model call. For newborn model calls the photographer might be looking for a boy or girl specifically, have age restrictions as well as physical requirements (such as a baby with hair). These will be communicated to potential candidates when they reach out.
What are you going to do with the images?
The images could be used for a variety of purposes. Portfolio building, website images, marketing, contest entries, social media, etc.
Do I have to sign a model release?
Yes. The photographs are not helpful to the photographer if they can’t post them. While you might not be a great fit for a model call, you definitely can schedule a regular session! We completely understand if you don’t want your images shared on the web and will respect your decision.
Well that all sounds cool - I might be interested…how do they work exactly?
That is a great question! I’m so glad you asked! Send us a message! You can email us at photographybybrookewi@gmail.com or send a message on Insta or Facebook. Additional details on the session will be provided at that time.
We look forward to working with you!
Outdoor Newborn Sessions
Outdoor newborn sessions are so much fun! Wisconsin is a great place to capture some beautiful images.
Here in Merrill Wisconsin we are truly blessed with some gorgeous weather - I’m often asked if I can do outdoor newborn sessions. The answer is YES! And here’s some things you should know -
1.) Outdoor newborn sessions can be done between April and October (as weather allows).
2.) Sessions will not be conducted outdoors when the weather is over 80 degrees as it is too hot for the baby, recovering mom and photographer.
3.) Sessions will not be conducted outdoors when the weather is less than 60 degrees, as baby’s comfort and safety is the top priority. Babies like to be warm and cozy, when they are uncomfortable sessions do not go well.
4.) Colors and props will be limited and typically selected by the photographer (with client input of course!).
5.) Summer session locations will be at the discretion of the photographer - usually these sessions need to be somewhere that has a lot of shade. This is both for lighting purposes and for the comfort of everyone at the shoot.
Want to schedule your own session?
Contact me here!