Photography by
Casey Louise

October 4, 2024

Family Photoshoot Outfit Mistakes

Don't make these 5 outfit mistakes when planning your photoshoot with Seattle Family Photographer Casey Louise

As a family photographer in the PNW, it’s that time again for Fall and Holiday photography sessions. Families spend so much time preparing for their yearly photoshoot from figuring out what to wear to hoping their children will be happy. Many photographers, myself included will talk about what to wear for fall family photos. While directing clients on what to wear this Fall and Holiday season is helpful, I have found it may be equally important to give them guidance on wardrobe NO’s. This list of styling advice goes beyond the perfect colors and fabric texture. It’s a list I have compiled that make my life as a photographer easier, especially when it comes to editing. There are a few wardrobe mistakes that simply cannot be fixed (or would be incredibly challenging). Along with the wardrobe mistakes, I will be giving simple advice on how to avoid them so the images look perfect and your life of editing is simple.

Avoid these wardrobe no's for family and motherhood photos

1. ) Wrinkles

I get it, you’ve steamed everyone outfits and they look flawless just to get in the car and cause a wrinkle. In Seattle where the weather can easily cause this, don’t worry about a minor wrinkle or two. It’s when pants and dresses have wrinkles all over that is impossible to edit out. Or the brand new mens T-shirt that just got unfolded from the packaging and has square wrinkles all over. Knowing this is something that can’t be edited and can only be hidden so much during the photoshoot, have your client’s do a quick iron/steam before leaving the house.

2. ) Animal hair on black pants

I myself have a big fluffy cat and dog so I understand the hair can be never ending. I have started to carry a lint roller with me at all times for my client’s to use before their photography session. I now include it as part of my “Take everything out of your pockets” speech before we start photographing.

3. ) Shape wear under dresses

Shape wear can really help people feel confident, however often I can see the line where the shape wear sits on the abdomen. The camera sees it too and it’s extremely difficult and sometimes impossible to edit out. Photographers, be on the lookout and don’t hesitate to recommend your client remove it if the line is visible.

4. ) Watch tan lines

Recently the AI remove feature in Lightroom has been incredible and I have actually had some luck with this! However, I always ask client’s if they want their watch on and if there is a big tan line that’s something to consider when making the styling decision. In your “What to Wear” guide, I would recommend checking for a tan line and if so, choosing a watch band that’d esthetically pleasing.

5. ) Boogers

Kids have boogers. I know because I’ve been constantly picking my toddlers nose since she was born. I can definitely edit some snot, boogers, drool thats outside of the nose but it’s those small ones inside the nostrils that can be seen and time after time seem impossible to remove in editing. Just a quick check before the session starts would help. Photographers, along with a lint roller, carry some water wipes!