Style Guide: What to wear for your family photo shoot in Italy

I try to hire a photographer every couple of years for my own personal photoshoot. I do that for a few reasons. Firstly, to update my wall portraits! And secondly, to remember how it feels to be on the other side of the camera. Every time, without fail, I end up with every item of clothing I own lying across my bed (and spilling onto the floor) as I try to find the perfect outfit. It adds completely unnecessary stress to the day, and all because I don’t follow my own process.

So don’t be like me! Be like my clients!

This family chose to wear pastel colours that can be found in the sea which creates harmony in the image. Their home has a coastal style and so these colours (and the beach location) suits perfectly for their walls.

Mum dressed up jeans with a white blazer which is a fresh look but added a pop of colour with the burnt orange shirt. Her son wears a button-down navy shirt, which stays youthful thanks to the white polka dots. The dots also help compliment mums blazer.

Dad wears a pale pink polo shirt which is complimented by matching babies headband

A more casual look is appropriate for this teenager who went for simple jeans and a grey sweater. The neutral pallet gives the parents plenty of options for displaying this in any room of their home.

This family chose a more formal look with a navy dress for mum, complimented by babies hair clip, whereas dad wheres a white button down shirt, complimented by babies socks. The parents are balanced nicely by babies dress.

Here are some tips to get ready for your photo shoot in Italy, stress-free!

1. Pick a photographer who can guide you on what to wear

Most professional photographers will send you some outfit suggestions, some will jump on a Zoom call to go over your outfits and others will even arrive early to help you choose between a few! (Or in my case, I do all three, because if your outfits don’t work well, you won’t love your photographs!).

2. Decide on outfits well in advance and ensure they’re washed (undies too) and pressed the day before

Sounds simple I know! But the last thing you want is to discover moments before walking out the door that all your skin tone underwear is in the washing basket and that the white dress won’t work with black undies!

3. Have a backup option available, and be a little flexible

I know summer dresses are flattering, but if a cold day arrives, you don’t want to freeze! Maybe it works well with a cute jacket or perhaps a warmer outfit will allow you to enjoy the experience and, will actually suit the background (including the stormy skies).
Outfit changes aren’t always because of weather though. Maybe something gets spilled. Or maybe it takes a second set of eyes to recognise that yours is a bit out of place against the other combinations. So embrace the backup! 

What to Wear

Okay so you’re following those three steps, but what should you actually wear? Here are the tips I send my clients to get them started!

Choose:

✅ A favourite outfit that makes you feel confident and comfortable, but also slightly dressier than your everyday look (e.g. jeans and a nice blouse or shirt, a summer dress etc.)

✅ Clothes that flatter your body type (we’ll talk about this on our call)

✅ Clothes that you don't mind getting a little dirty, sitting on grass/sand/leaning against an outdoor wall etc

✅ Makeup that is slightly heavier than usual, for women who wear makeup

✅ Ladies should have a spare pair of flats at hand if they want to wear heels

✅ Sunnies, hats, beanies and scarves are all welcome

✅ Opt for earthy tones or pastels but don't be scared to throw some colour in the mix if you'd like- bold red or bright yellow can look gorgeous in nature too

✅ Consider where these photographs will hang- that will help you decide if a formal or casual look is more appropriate, and colours too!

✅ Most importantly, go for colours and styles that are YOU!

Avoid:

❌ Sleeveless shirts and shorts

❌ Logos and bold patterns

❌ Matching outfits! Of course, it's best if your outfits complement each other but matching jeans and white shirts don't tend to express your true personality so find an outfit that represents you!

❌ Black and White together, but separately is fine!

Bonus tip: Use Pinterest to create a “what to wear in Italy” board

That should be a starting point. My clients find it especially helpful to review the Pinterest board I send through, and some even create their own. Then we go through their choices together on the photoshoot planning Zoom call.

Ready to start planning your own family photo shoot for your vacation in Italy? The first step is to book an obligation-free Zoom chat to make sure we’re a good fit, and then plan your dream shoot!