Calgary Family Photographer - Summer Family Clothing Tips

Summer is the perfect time to capture cherished family moments, and what better way to do that than with a well-planned outdoor family photo shoot. Whether you're documenting a special family milestone or simply wanting to preserve the joy of summer, finding the perfect family outfits for your family photos can make all the difference. In this post I will explore family summer outfit tips from coordinating colors to choosing the right fabrics, I’ve got you covered with tips and inspiration for every member of the family – from the little ones to the adults. Discover how to create a cohesive family look that showcases your everyone’s personality while keeping everyone comfortable. Let's dive into the world of summer family photo shoot fashion!

Importance of Family Photos

Family photos serve as a visual representation of the love and bond shared among family members and professional family photos taken by an experienced outdoor family photographer, have a special way of capturing and preserving important family memories. By hiring a professional family photographer, you can rest easy knowing that all your planning prior to your session is going to result in gorgeous family pictures to cherish for a lifetime. Family portraits freeze moments in time, allowing us to revisit them years later and relive the emotions and experiences that were shared. And in summer, with its bright colors and warmer weather, it provides the perfect backdrop for capturing these cherished family moments. Whether it's a family reunion, a milestone birthday, or simply an afternoon spent together, a summer family photo shoot in Calgary is a wonderful way to create lasting memories.

Choosing the Right Location for Summer Family Photos

When planning a summer family session, selecting the right location is key to capturing the essence of the season. You want to consider the backdrop that best represents the family vibe you want to convey in your photos. If you're looking for a relaxed atmosphere, a more private location such as Griffith Woods Park would be ideal or perhaps a larger park such as Baker Park that is so expansive that you can tuck into more private locations throughout the park to avoid the crowds. If you prefer a park or garden with lush foliage and beautiful flowers can create a serene ambiance, a great option would be Reader Rock Garden, offering both privacy and gorgeous flowers as your backdrop.

It's also important to choose a location that is easily accessible for everyone in the family, especially if you have young children or elderly family members. Consider the distance from your home and the facilities available at the location, such as restrooms and shaded areas. By selecting a location that is convenient and comfortable, you'll ensure that everyone can enjoy the outdoor family photoshoot without any unnecessary stress or discomfort.

Selecting the Perfect Outfits for Family Photos

When it comes to selecting outfits for a summer family photo session, you'll want to strike a balance between style and comfort. After all, you want your family to look great in the photos, but it's equally important that everyone feels at ease and that their clothing still reflects their individual personality.  

Consider the weather: Since summer can be hotter into the evening, choose lightweight and breathable fabrics that will keep everyone cool and comfortable. Great options for this are cotton, linen, or chambray materials that allow air to circulate and don't cling to the body. Avoid heavy fabrics like wool or velvet, as they can be uncomfortable in warm weather.

Coordinate colors: To create a cohesive look, consider choosing a color palette that complements each other. Instead of matching outfits exactly, aim for a coordinated look by selecting colors from the same family or hues that work well together. For example, you could go for a pastel theme with soft pinks, blues, and yellows, or opt for a bold and vibrant scheme with shades of red, orange, and yellow.

Avoid busy patterns: While patterns can add visual interest to an outfit, it's best to avoid busy prints or large logos that can be distracting in photos, especially with family photo shoots with more than six people.  Think about solid colors or subtle patterns like stripes or small florals that won't overpower the overall family portrait. If multiple family members want to wear patterns, make sure they are different enough to avoid clashing.

Consider the location: You will want to consider the backdrop of your chosen location when selecting outfits. If you're shooting near water or by a lake, light and flowy outfits in neutral or beachy colors will complement the surroundings. For a park setting, earth tones or pastels can work well. It is also important to consider the colors of the flowers, trees, or water in the background and choose outfits that will stand out against them.

Think about comfort and movement: Especially if you have young children, it's important to choose outfits that allow for easy movement and play. Avoid restrictive clothing or accessories that can limit mobility. Dresses, shorts, or pants that allow for freedom of movement are great options, and keep in mind that you don’t want to wear anything too short as you will be photographed seated during your family photo session. It is also important to consider your footwear – choose comfortable shoes that everyone can walk and run in without any discomfort.

Add personal touches: While coordinating outfits is important, don't be afraid to let each family member's personality shine through. Allow everyone to choose elements of their wardrobe that reflect their individual style, whether it's a favorite accessory, a pop of color, or a fun pattern. These personal touches will make the photos even more special and unique to your family.

Summer Outfit Ideas for Parents

As parents, you'll want to look stylish and put-together in your summer family photos. Below are some outfit ideas to inspire you:

Casual chic: For a relaxed yet stylish look, opt for a flowy maxi dress in a vibrant color or a classic white sundress paired with comfortable sandals. Add a wide-brimmed hat and oversized sunglasses for a touch of glamour. This outfit works well for lake or photo shoots near water or outdoor park settings.

Matching button-downs: Coordinate with your partner by wearing complementary button-down shirts. Choose light fabrics like linen or chambray in soft pastel shades. Pair them with white or khaki pants for a fresh and summery look. This outfit is perfect for a casual backyard gathering or a stroll in a garden.

Nautical vibes: Embrace the maritime spirit with a navy and white striped top paired with crisp white shorts or pants. Add a pop of color with accessories like a red belt or a statement necklace. This outfit is both timeless and versatile for any outdoor family photoshoot.

Remember, the key is to choose outfits that make you feel confident and comfortable. When you feel good, it shines through in your family photos and adds to the overall positive energy of the family photo shoot.

Summer Outfit Ideas for Kids

When dressing your little ones for outdoor summer family photos, it's important to prioritize their comfort and allow them to express their individuality. Here are some outfit ideas for kids that are both adorable and practical:

Sweet and simple: Dress your little girl in a flowy sundress in a soft pastel color or a cute romper with a playful print. Pair it with comfortable sandals or ballet flats. For boys, opt for a lightweight button-down shirt in a fun pattern or a polo shirt in a bright color. Pair it with shorts and canvas sneakers for a casual yet put-together look. Do avoid running shoes with bold patterns or athletic runner with Disney characters on them as they can be a distraction and draw your eyes in your family portraits to the shoes and not the face.

Coordinate siblings: If you have multiple children, consider coordinating their outfits to create an adorable sibling look. Look for coordinating dresses or shirts in similar color tones or patterns. This will help to create a cohesive but not overly matchy-matchy look.

Embrace summer themes: Incorporate summer themes into your kids' outfits for a playful and vibrant look. Dress them in outfits featuring tropical prints or fruit motifs. Small children can carry these bolder patterns well and add a small touch of whimsy to your family photos.

Do remember to involve your kids in the outfit selection process, allowing them to choose some elements that reflect their personality and style. This will not only make them feel more comfortable during the outdoor family photo shoot but also add a sense of fun and spontaneity to the photos.

Family Clothing Tips for a Cohesive Look in Your Family Photos

To create a cohesive look for your family photos, it's important to coordinate the outfits without being too matchy-matchy. We also want to create a cohesive look without sacrificing each family member's individuality. By using a color scheme, mixing patterns, and incorporating accessories, you can strike the perfect balance between coordination and personal style. Below are some tips to help you achieve a unified and stylish look!

Start with a color scheme: Choose a color palette that includes two or three main colors and one or two accent colors. For example, you could go for a combination of blues, whites, and yellows with pops of coral. Assign each family member a different color from the palette to create a coordinated yet varied look.

Mix and match patterns: To add visual interest to the photos, incorporate different patterns and textures into the outfits. For example, one family member can wear a striped shirt, while another can wear a floral dress. You do want to make sure that the patterns are different enough to avoid looking the same but also not overwhelm the person wearing the pattern.

Use accessories to tie it all together: Accessories can be a great way to bring the outfits together and create a cohesive family look. For example, you can use matching belts, scarves, or hats in one of the accent colors to tie the outfits together. This will add a sense of unity and coordination to the photos.

Consider different shades: If you're worried about the outfits looking too similar, consider using different shades of the same color. For example, one family member can wear a light blue dress, while another can wear a darker blue shirt. This subtle variation will add depth and dimension to the overall look.

Keep it balanced: While you want to coordinate the outfits, it's important to maintain a balance and avoid overpowering the photos with one color or pattern. Make sure each family member's outfit has a mix of the main colors and accent colors to create a harmonious composition in your final family portraits.

The most important tip of all – Have Fun!

Enjoy the time spent with your family and let the joy and love you share shine through in your family photos. When you're relaxed and having a good time, it will reflect in the final images. When everyone is having fun, they are more likely to show genuine smiles and laughter and these authentic emotions translate into photos that capture the true essence and personality of your family, making the images more meaningful and memorable!

This blog post was created in May 2024 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 family summer outfit combinations using the color palettes provided. Looking for tips for overcoming creative challenges as a photographer, check out this post by a Northern Virginia photographer friend of mine!

Other Blog Posts on What to Wear for Family Photos

What to Wear For Spring Family Photos

Best Family Outfits For Summer Photos

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