What Should We Wear for a Manchester Outdoor Family Photoshoot?

Summer’s such a great time for outdoor family photoshoots in Manchester because… It’s finally stopped raining! I get loads of bookings at this time of year as it’s a pretty reliable season, especially if you’re working around a busy schedule. 

These quick shoots are also great for a weekday, especially if you have young children and aren’t tied into school schedules.

Preparing for outdoor family photoshoots 

My clients tend to have similar questions about the best ways to prepare for their outdoor family photoshoot, particularly about outfit choices! So let’s take a closer look at what you need to know:

What should We wear to our outdoor family photoshoot?

Everyone worries about this! But honestly, my best advice is to keep it simple and comfortable, and don’t overthink it. 

Definitely don’t go and buy everyone brand new and matching outfits (unless Mum wants to buy something nice and new – that’s totally different and you should definitely treat yourself!)

Make it real, make it comfortable!

I always say, wear whatever you love and feel comfortable in. Wear what you usually wear, and your photo will be so much more personal and authentic. Does your little one have a favourite t-shirt? Definitely encourage them to wear it. 

Ditto if they have a cute favourite accessory, as the sight of it will always make you smile when you look at the prints on your wall. (Teddies are welcome on family shoots!)

Does your other half always wear an outdoor jacket that everyone teases him about? Bring it for the shoot and make it real! These shoots are about celebrating you as a family!

With that in mind, don’t, whatever you do, force anyone to wear an outfit that is different to their style and which they’d never wear in ‘real’ life. It’ll show on their face in every photo! 

No need to match

Another good tip is also to avoid overly planned matchy-matchy clothing, because reportage style photography is all about the ‘real’ in life; connection, emotion and lots of lovely authentic moments together. But if you want a little coordination, choose a palette of 3-4 colours that work together. 

Don’t go overboard with clashing patterns either, or try to pick one theme, such as stripes for one or two family members and then get everyone else in a block colour. 

Watch for visual distractions

Neon shades, big logos and oversized character clothing can dominate a picture and throw it out of balance, so feel free to hide these at the back of your wardrobe before your outdoor family photoshoot. 

Cosy, fun and colourful first

Avoid scratchy, new or formal clothing (save that for Christmas when you’re impressive extended relatives!) Something colourful, comfortable and fun can be great for our outdoor family photoshoot. If there are any short skirts or dresses in the mix, add some cute shorts underneath so we can capture lots of movement and energy.

Grab a bag to hide the bits

I always do a check with my family before we begin exploring our outdoor space together, so that phones, keys, wallets and bulky items are hidden out of sight. And yes, if you’ve got a dog we definitely don’t need a photo of the poo bag!

Often, we put them in a separate bag, out of the way! Yes, we want ‘real’ images for reportage style photography, but not necessarily that real…

Don’t worry, part of my job is to do a quick sense check of the visuals before we begin! So if you arrive with a supermarket carrier bag with snacks for the kids (nothing like a good bribe), that’s absolutely fine! We’ll just park it out of sight for the snaps.

Pick favourite footwear for everyone

This applies to everyone! Choose comfortable shoes that will allow you to walk, run, mooch, play and generally relax. Tight, pinching shoes makes bodies stiffen and people look grouchy! Children won’t want to participate at all if they’re getting blisters from new formal shoes.

Pick footwear everyone loves to wear outdoors, and your photos will look wonderfully relaxed. The beauty of an outdoor family photoshoot is its joy, energy and authentic, beautiful family connections. 

As a reportage-style wedding photographer, I can capture all of this with ease when everyone feels comfortable, happy and at their best!

How should I prepare children for an outdoor family photoshoot?

This is always a fun question. Remember back in the 90s when we all went to photo studios on the high street and stood in awkward arrangements in front of backdrops and were told to smile on cue? Well we’re not doing that now!

The whole point of the outdoor family photoshoot is that it’s ton of fun, especially with children. So the best way to pitch it to younger members (and other halves) is that you’re going to a lovely park or outdoor space for some fun and games with a smiley, happy photographer who might catch some of the best moments.

Bribes and props

Yes of course you can bring bribes for afterwards, but save the colourful messy ice lollies until the last shot!

And feel free to bring some props too especially with younger children who love to be busy. I’ve worked with lively puppies, multiple dogs and twisted leads, balloons, balls and just about everything else on Manchester outdoor family photoshoots and the general rule is, if it makes everyone laugh, it’ll work well in your photos!

What if it’s raining?

Honestly, it makes no odds! In fact, some of the really fun outdoor family photoshoots I’ve done over the years have included unexpected rain showers and they can result in really fun, silly and relaxed images when everyone gives up all pretences of having things under control!

As much as we can, I always say ‘just go with it’! Of course, if we’re due to have an absolute downpour, we can certainly revisit diaries and try to find a better day.

Book your outdoor family photoshoot in cheshire

You can find more details about my minishoots and full family photoshoots on my website, and book with me directly to secure your spot.

Get in touch to check my calendar and book your outdoor family photoshoot today, while we’re enjoying the best of the lovely summer weather!