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Colour palette

The most important thing is to wear clothing that makes you feel comfortable and confident, as it will help you shine during your shoot! For kids, prioritize comfort by ensuring they’re dressed warmly enough and have appropriate footwear for the location. When you're feeling comfortable & confident, it makes a huge difference in your photos!

Port Hills Christchurch Engagement photoshoot

What to avoid wearing

  • Avoid wearing clothing with large graphics or prominent brand logos, as these can feel outdated and distract from the overall look of your photos.

  • Steer clear of dressing the entire family in identical outfits, such as white tops and blue jeans—this style also feels dated and doesn’t showcase your family’s unique personality.

  • Be mindful of patterns; if everyone wears something patterned, it can create a busy and overwhelming appearance. Limit patterns to one or two people to maintain balance.

  • Choose outfits that are comfortable, allowing you to move freely and interact with your kids naturally.

  • Ensure clothing is ironed (if necessary). 

Where to start?

By selecting the right outfits for your photoshoot, you can truly elevate your images. By opting for a coordinated color scheme, adding interesting textures, and prioritizing comfort, you’ll create timeless photos that reflect your personalities. Avoiding overly busy patterns and dated graphics helps keep the focus on the precious moments being captured.

- Ladies / Mum's, - choose YOUR outfit first and have your partner / the rest of the family wear colours that compliment yours!

- Lay all of your outfits out on the bed and see how they look together, feel free to take a photo of that and send it through to us so we can help.

Port Hills Christchurch Engagement photoshoot

What to wear for a photoshoot

We often get asked by our couples and families for advice on what to wear for photoshoots. The right outfits can make a world of difference, elevating your images and adding that extra touch of magic. That’s why we’ve created this styling guide—to help you put together the perfect look for your photos and ensure you feel confident during your shoot!

Lake Tekapo Engagement Photoshoot

We recommend picking 3-5 colours to achieve a cohesive look. Earth colours, neutrals & soft tones are the easiest to style cohesively, while bold and bright colours can be distracting & clash. Start with one outfit you love and use it as a foundation to style your partner / the rest of the family. If that outfit has a pattern, pull colours from it to incorporate into the other family members' clothing. Choosing the right colour palette is key to setting the tone and creating cohesive, timeless images. Use the colour palette below to help inspire your choices!

Saunders Photo and Cinema | Christchurch Wedding

Patterns

I suggest keeping patterns to a minimum of one family member wearing a patterned outfit, while the others stick to solid colors that complement it. Too many patterns can be distracting. If you'd like to use two patterned pieces, make sure they work well together, such as having similar colors or one having a more subtle design.

Saunders Photo and Cinema | Christchurch Wedding

Textures 

Incorporating textured clothing into your styling can elevate your photos beautifully. Fabrics like knit, linen, denim, corduroy, silk, lace, suede, leather etc. can add visual interest and depth. Outfits with movement, such as flowy skirts and dresses, further enhance the overall aesthetic and also look amazing!

Saunders Photo and Cinema | Christchurch Wedding

Accessories 

Accessories such as jewellery, sunglasses, hats, and jackets can really elevate your photos. They're a fantastic way to bring variety to your shots without needing to commit to them for the whole shoot. A small change can make a big impact!

Comfort

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