Services 4 — Lisa Nardella Photography

Clothing guide

When it comes to your outfits its important to stay true to who you are as a couple or a family and let your clothing style reflect your personality.

This is a guide to help you. Take what resonates with you and leave the rest behind. These are the snapshots that will end up gracing your walls, so it's important to absolutely adore what you're all wearing.

But hey, if you want some extra assistance, I'm here for you! Feel free to ask for my help too.

Here's my top tip: go for outfits that make you feel absolutely beautiful. When you're confident and comfortable in what you're wearing, it shines through in your photos. Mums, start by finding your perfect outfit, and then let everyone else's styles revolve around that.

Colour

Let's talk about colors that'll rock your outdoor photos. Aim for neutrals, earthy tones, and pastels—they're super versatile and go well with almost any outdoor setting.

Primary colors can be eye-catching, but sometimes they steal the spotlight from the real stars (that's you!). So, instead of going for electric blue, why not try a lovely sky blue? Swap out bright orange for a cozy rust or apricot shade. And if you're thinking pink, dusty pink is the way to go!

When choosing colors, think about the location too. You can have one person wearing a standout color, and everyone else can complement that by picking outfits that go well together.

Remember, it's all about finding that perfect palette to make your outdoor shots pop. Let's make some magic happen with your color choices!

Pattern

It's totally cool to introduce a pattern, just keep it subtle and avoid big, bold designs. If one family member is rocking a bold patterned dress or top, use that pattern as a starting point to pick out some matching colors. Dress the rest of the crew in shades that are reflected in that pattern.

Stick to one pattern at a time. Matching patterns can be a bit of a challenge, and it's not easy to nail it perfectly.

For Couples

Choose one outfit and coordinate your partners with that. During my sessions there is lots of movement. So something you can move in that doesn’t limit

Click this link for a pinterest board filled with more inspiration

Some more tips.

Texture and Movement

Adding some texture to your outfits for that extra oomph! Layering different textures is a fantastic way to elevate your look and make it more captivating. Consider fabrics like linen, waffled materials, lace, or chunky knits—anything that adds some interesting dimension. Flowy garments are also a great choice because they create beautiful movement, especially when you're outdoors and there's a gentle breeze.

Shoes

If we're by the water, going barefoot is totally cool. But if we're exploring nature or another outdoor location, it's best to wear suitable shoes that match your outfits and are comfy for walking around (let's leave those heels behind and go for flats!). Many outdoor locations can be uneven and rocky, and safety is my top priority—I don't want you worrying about tripping or having any discomfort while chasing those little toddlers.

Instead of sports sneakers, rock your street shoes like Converse. Swap out thongs for comfy Birkenstocks. Boots and sandals are also awesome options, depending on the terrain.

Accessories

Statement earrings, beanies, your favourite hat or a pretty scarf. Adding this can bring in your personality.

Location

Remember to consider the time of year and location when selecting your outfits. We definitely don't want you shivering in a summer dress during winter or sweating in a cozy knit jumper during summer.

Also, let's be mindful of the surroundings. If we're heading to a lush green grassy paddock, it's best to steer clear of wearing green clothing. Likewise, if we find ourselves in a vibrant canola field, let's avoid dressing in yellow. The goal is to wear outfits that complement and suit the location.

So, keep the season and setting in mind when choosing your attire.

Lay your options out

Lay out all your outfit options on your bed and see how they come together. If it's an extended family shoot, have each family do the same and snap a photo of their combinations. Then, you can share the photos with me.

Generational sessions

For larger groups styling becomes a little more challenging. The easiest way to do this is choosing a colour pallet. (4 colours that compliment each other)

Avoid

Slogans/Branded clothing

We all know the kids love these kinds of clothes and also the dads! I’m referring to the Disney princess and superhero clothes and the t-shirts with huge slogans across them. They can draw the attention away from your faces.

Matchy Matchy

You know what I am talking about. The blue jeans and white t-shirt look. Its very cliche’ and outdated.

Be creative and come up with a style that represents you and your family.

Other colours to avoid.

Photographing black and navy can be tricky. All details get lost and navy will look black. Or if its a black texture then it wont show up.

Neon colors can reflect onto your face, causing skin tone problems in your photos. That neon green shirt will reflect upwards on your face and cause you to look green!

Low cut tops and tight dresses.

Low-cut shirts can shift during the session and leave you a little more revealed than you intended. Clothing that is overly tight and clings to you is uncomfortable and can leave bulges and bumps in places you don’t want.