Planning a Photo Session?
Wondering what to wear, which location to choose, or the best time of day for those perfect shots?
Here are a few things to consider as you prepare for your special photo session:
1. What to Wear:
Choose outfits that complement each other without being overly ‘matchy.’ Soft, neutral tones or pastels work beautifully outdoors and allow the natural backdrop to shine. If you love color scroll below for some inspiration. Think timeless rather than trendy—your photos will be cherished memories forever!
2. Our Location:
The setting is key to capturing the right mood. Do you prefer a beach, forest, farm or an urban environment? Consider areas and memories that hold special meaning to your family, or simply places that offer stunning views. The Bay of Plenty region offers us incredible variety, from coastline to countryside, providing beautiful settings for your memories.
3. Time of Day:
Lightings important. The golden hour—just after sunrise or before sunset—provides soft, flattering light that adds a magical tone to your images. Avoid midday if we can, as the harsh sun can cast strong shadows. I’m really happy to assist with photo location ideas and time’s of day.
Bonus Tip:
Relax and enjoy yourselves. The best photos often come from natural interactions and genuine emotion, so try to have fun and be yourselves. Easier said than done? I get it! Feel free to pop over to: We don’t take good photos – help!
WHAT TO WEAR?
Besides complementing clothing consider also your location. If your plan is to print your images you may wish to consider the decor of your home. See below for some family photo inspiration:
THE BEACH:
Soft tones, neutrals and pastels tie in beautifully with the sand and dunes.
To see more of the H’s Family’s session click here: family-photos-on-papamoa-beach
Earthy Tones Earthy tones work beautifully in my favorite late light. Rich earthy tones with neutral complementing colors look gorgeous in the tussocks and dunes.
Blues? Blues can add a pop of color and complement the coastal theme. Moody blues and grey’s can also be stunning on a Winters day. Adding an accessory like a scarf or hat brings in a layer of coziness or even a pop of color to complement the palette.
Pastels and patterned fabrics. Patterned fabrics bring in a layer of interest and softness. A great trick for other family members is they can wear tones that are within the pattern to tie the color palette together.
COUNTRY LOCATIONS:
Soft neutral tones paired with jeans blend into our country scenes. A flannel shirt or a scarf can bring an element of color. If someone wishes to wear a rich color like mustard or a red flannel shirt you can bring in another rich color which complements. What we want to avoid is one subject wearing a super bright color as it can be visually distracting. This is where the viewers eye will be drawn and they’ll compete with everyone else and the natural elements of the surroundings.
WHAT TO AVOID:
Avoid large logos or prints and if possible black.
Black … if you are a predominant wearer of black and insist on wearing it I suggest wearing it on the lower half of the body. Black can be a hard block and this is where the eyes will be first drawn instead of the beautiful scene. If you love dark, try opting for a soft pattern or print that will soften the dark fabric.
Avoid competing bright or neon colors. This will again draw attention and clash with the overall scene.
Complement rather than matchy matchy
Having everyone comfortable in what they are wearing with complementing variety lets everyone reflect their personalities and brings interest to the image.
If it’s your choice to dress everyone the same (some clients have opted for blue jeans and white tops) that’s fine, worth keeping in mind in years to come this alone will be a talking point rather than the images and subjects themselves.
Comfort and movement:
My favorite images (and hopefully yours too) will be the images where we loosen up, and bring in natural movement and candid moments. Clothing that creates movement and is comfortable is essential. I’m a huge fan of dresses on the beach and the movement they provide. With an easy flow they can be really flattering. You also don’t want to wear clothing that is needing constant adjustment.
Casual or Dressy?
Most of my clients go with a good but casual vibe. The sort of outfit they’d wear to Friday night dinner at their local. If it’s your will to be buried in your gumboots I’ll suggest you bring your gum boots 😉
I’d also suggest if this case we’ll possibly be shooting on the farm anyway and it’s totally fine to bring in a change of clothes. If you have any doubts do feel free to give me a call or have a chat about what you have in mind – I really want your family images to reflect your true personality and characters.
POP OF COLOR
Don’t be afraid of color. Just have a think about our surroundings. A rust shirt can really compliment an outdoor scene as can a deep wine or green. We just want to make sure what you are wearing complements the tones of everyone else.
IS RED A NO NO?
A lot of photographers feel passionately about avoiding red. If other loved ones are wearing complementing colors, I say why not.
WHAT IS MY PLAN FOR THE IMAGES?
Have a think the purpose of your images? Do you wish to print them? If so you may wish to have in mind the décor of your home. Creating a collage or prints can be a beautiful way to create treasured memories. If your clothing complements your décor the overall aesthetic is beautiful and draws the eye. I’m happy to suggest some great printing options.
Photo location
You want your location to be a place that is close to your hearts. It holds special memories or is just a location that brings you joy. This can be in a park, on the beach, on family land. We can discuss what you feel suits you when choosing a location that speaks to who you are as a couple and family.
Time of day
When your photographer suggests a time for the most complementary light – believe them, they are not suggesting this time for their convenience. If they care they’ll be wanting to get the very best results working with the most flattering light.
Late afternoon just before sunset or first thing in the morning are two times that offer beautiful flattering light. In the middle of the day the light is directly above us and we get dark shadows on our faces that are not flattering. Bright light also causes us to squint – again not flattering. Also not ideal is background light reflecting off surfaces.
A fabulous time to shoot at the beach for example is an hour before the sun sets. The light is soft, rich and delicious. If you have no choice but to shoot middle of the day we’d want to find a location like a driveway that offers good shade. If it’s out of town and I don’t get a chance to visit the location you have in mind I sometimes suggest sending me a picture of the location and I can guide the best course to take.
Can we bring Rufas?
Please do! If your fur babies are a part of the family I’d love them to include them. They can be super fun even if it’s for the fun, natural and candid photos.
Change of clothing
You may wish to bring a change of clothes and a towel to beach photo shoots. A change of clothing for the kids sometimes comes in handy. We often end up having so much fun we all end up a little (or a lot) damp and sandy and you may wish to change for the drive home.
Final words:
- Scarves – LOVE them. They can often add a subtle touch of color and bring attention to the face.
- Hats – Hats bring in a whole other dynamic to your personality and that’s what it’s all about – capturing who you are in your comfortable and happy place.
- Avoid bright colors, logos & large prints. These will draw the eye compete against other subjects.
- Black. Try to avoid, if you must wear black try it on the lower half of the body or consider a pattern to soften.
- Complement colors and tones with your loved ones and the whole scene will tie in beautifully.
