What to wear to your riverside photoshoot!
One of the first questions I receive after family photoshoot bookings are made is - what do we wear?!
This can depend on a number of things, but always comes back to the 2 most important:
Be comfortable
Be you!
Just saying that though is often not all that helpful when you are staring into your closet, or scrolling marketplace… So… The next thing to consider is your photoshoot location…
Riverside?
Beach?
Forest?
Farm?
All of these call for different styles and colours that would best suit these locations. :)
After that it pays to consider the time of the day + the weather.
A riverside photoshoot on an overcast morning will style differently to a photoshoot with the evening glow of sunset.
So…. Here are my top tips for both a morning + sunset shoot riverside. :)
Riverside at sunset!
The riverside at sunset gives off the most stunning golden glow creating a beautiful, warm, and romantic vibe. In this setting, the warm, golden light is a key element of your photos, so choose clothing that enhances and complements this beautiful natural backdrop.
For Adults (Parents):
Moms: Flowy, maxi dresses or skirts in soft, warm colours like blush pink, coral, or soft lavender. Consider dresses with subtle floral prints.
Dads: Crisp, light-coloured button-up shirts paired with khaki or light-coloured trousers. Roll up the sleeves for a relaxed look.
For Children:
Girls can wear dresses or skirts in complementary colours to the adults. Flowy, pastel dresses with lace or tulle accents can look adorable.
Boys can wear light-coloured, collared shirts with shorts or linen pants.
Accessories:
Incorporate gold or rose gold jewellery like bracelets, necklaces, or earrings to match the warm sunset tones.
Textures and Fabrics:
Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics like chiffon, lace, or linen for a comfortable feel in warm weather.
Colour Palette:
Stick to a soft and warm colour palette with shades of peach, gold, blush, and soft lavender.
Add small pops of contrasting colours like navy blue or olive green for visual interest.
Layering:
Lightweight cardigans, shawls, or wraps can be added as the evening cools down, and they can also create a dreamy, ethereal look.
Footwear:
Strappy sandals, boho style boots, or barefoot for a natural, riverside feel.
Hair and Makeup:
Soft, romantic hairstyles like loose waves, braids, or updos for a touch of elegance.
Makeup should be fresh and radiant, emphasising natural beauty with warm, rosy tones.
Coordinating Colours:
Coordinate your family's outfits, ensuring they complement each other without being overly matchy-matchy. Share your colour scheme with all family members so everyone can select their attire accordingly.
Riverside in the morning or afternoon!
During the morning/daytime riverside the vibe is pretty fresh and vibrant, with yellows + greens highlighted through the trees. For a morning or daytime riverside photoshoot, the goal is to capture the natural beauty and tranquillity of the location while showcasing your family's style and personality.
For Adults (Parents):
Moms: Flowy, knee-length or midi dresses in soft, pastel colours like sky blue, mint green, or soft yellow. Floral patterns or subtle prints can also work well.
Dads: Crisp, light-coloured button-up shirts paired with khaki or light-coloured trousers or chinos.
For Children:
Girls can wear dresses or skirts in complementary colours to the adults, perhaps with playful patterns like stripes or gingham.
Boys can wear light-coloured, short-sleeved shirts with shorts or lightweight pants.
Accessories:
Incorporate natural and earthy accessories like wooden jewellery or leather belts.
Wide-brimmed hats or sun hats for added style and sun protection.
Textures and Fabrics:
Choose breathable, natural fabrics like cotton or linen for comfort during warm daytime hours.
Consider outfits with texture to add visual interest.
Colour Palette:
Embrace soft, fresh colours like light blue, pale pink, soft green, and lavender, which complement the natural riverside setting.
Add small pops of contrasting colours like coral or navy blue for variety.
Layering:
Lightweight cardigans, denim jackets, or vests can be added as layers for style and practicality.
Footwear:
Comfortable and stylish sandals, or cool sneakers, depending on the formality of the shoot and the terrain.
Hair and Makeup:
Natural, dewy makeup with a fresh and radiant look.
Hairstyles should be relaxed, with loose waves or casual updos to suit the daytime setting.
Coordinating Colours:
Coordinate outfits among family members by sharing your chosen colour scheme to ensure a harmonious look without being overly matching.
Hopefully you find this helpful! I will be updating this blog post with more photo examples as they come in. <3
If your photoshoot is going to be somewhere else like the forest, farm or beach, look out for upcoming blog posts on these locations!