What to Wear for Your Garden Mini Session: Tips for Picture-Perfect Family Photos
Planning to capture timeless family moments in a beautiful garden setting? Our Garden Mini Sessions offer the perfect opportunity to preserve your family’s love and connection in a serene, vibrant backdrop of lush greenery and blooming flowers. But the question on many minds is: what should we wear?
Choosing the right outfits for a photoshoot can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance, you’ll create a cohesive and stunning look for your family. Here are some helpful tips on what to wear for your Garden Mini Session to ensure you look and feel your best in every shot.
1. Start with Mom's Dress
Mom, this one’s for you! When choosing outfits for the whole family, start with a dress or outfit that you absolutely love. You should feel your best in your photos, and it all starts with you! Whether it's a flowy dress, a classic blouse, or a flattering jumpsuit, pick something that makes you feel beautiful and confident. Once you've chosen your outfit, build the rest of the family's attire around it. This will help create a harmonious look and ensure that everyone complements your style and color choices.
2. Keep It Light and Natural
Garden mini sessions are all about capturing the beauty of nature, so aim for light, soft colors that complement the setting. Think pastels, light neutrals, and earth tones—these hues will blend beautifully with the garden’s greenery and vibrant flowers. Soft whites, light blues, blush pinks, and soft greens work wonderfully for a peaceful, fresh vibe.
3. Coordinate, Don’t Match
While matching outfits can seem like an easy choice, coordinating colors and styles tends to create a more natural and timeless look. Choose a color palette (for example, soft blues and neutrals or light pinks with creams) and allow each family member to express their personality within that palette. For instance, parents can wear coordinating shirts and dresses, while kids can wear outfits that complement but don’t exactly match.
4. Opt for Comfortable, Flowy Fabrics
The relaxed nature of a garden setting makes it the perfect environment for light, flowing fabrics. Dresses and tops with a bit of movement can add an extra touch of elegance and charm. Light materials such as chiffon, tulle, and lace are perfect for capturing the essence of summer. These fabrics naturally catch the breeze, adding beautiful movement and texture to your photos, especially in outdoor settings where the wind may gently stir your dress or hair. A chiffon or lace dress, for example, will float effortlessly around you, creating a soft, romantic effect in your images. This type of movement can bring your family portraits to life, transforming a simple shot into something more dynamic and lively.
In addition to the aesthetic appeal, these light fabrics also contribute to the relaxed and easygoing atmosphere of your session, ensuring you look effortlessly stylish while still being comfortable. So, whether it’s a flowy skirt, a lace-trimmed blouse, or a billowy dress, these fabrics will enhance your photos, adding a whimsical and lighthearted touch that’s perfect for a garden setting.
5. Accessories for Summer Vibes
To really embrace the garden atmosphere and add that extra bit of charm to your photos, consider bringing along some playful, summer-inspired accessories. Oversized straw hats can provide a chic, relaxed vibe while offering a bit of sun protection. Casual handbags or woven totes can be a practical yet stylish addition, adding to the laid-back feel. For a more whimsical touch, consider bringing a bouquet of wildflowers that you can gently hold or place in the background for added color. Floral crowns are perfect for little girls, giving them a playful, fairy-tale look that’s simply adorable in garden settings. Lace blankets or shawls can add texture and warmth, perfect for snuggling or resting on the grass between shots. These accessories can truly elevate your session, helping everyone embody the beauty of the natural surroundings while giving your family portraits that perfect summer touch.
6. Friendly Pets Are Welcome!
Have a friendly, well-behaved pet you’d like to include in your session? We love pets! If you have a dog (or another furry friend) that is comfortable around people and can be trusted to behave during your shoot, feel free to bring them along. Including your pet in your family portraits can add another layer of personality and warmth to your photos. Whether your dog is lounging in the background or joining in on a playful moment, we’ll make sure to capture those sweet interactions, making the session even more special and personal.
7. Friendly Insects, Bees & Hens
Since the garden is an outdoor setting, keep in mind that we may encounter friendly insects and buzzing bees, especially as we move through the flowers and greenery. While these are all part of the natural beauty of the garden, we’ll ensure everyone is comfortable and safe. Also, we have four friendly hens in the chicken coop that are part of the garden's charm. Feel free to ask if your little ones want to take a peek, but we'll make sure the hens stay in their space while we focus on your photos.
8. Avoid Busy Patterns and Logos
While florals and simple patterns can add interest, it’s best to avoid overly busy prints that might distract from the main focus: your family! Stick with subtle patterns like small florals, stripes, or simple textures. And remember, clothing with large logos or text can detract from the timeless feel of the photos, so opt for clean, logo-free clothing.
9. Consider Layers for Variety
For a little extra variety in your photos, consider adding layers like cardigans, light scarves, or jackets. These accessories can help add texture and interest without overshadowing your outfits. Plus, layers are practical if the weather changes, and they can easily be removed for different looks within your session.
10. Footwear Matters
When it comes to shoes, comfort is key, especially for little ones. Choose shoes that are not only cute but easy to walk in, like sandals, ballet flats, or simple sneakers. For a more polished look, parents can opt for dress shoes, but avoid anything too formal or stiff. Make sure everyone feels comfortable in their shoes to avoid distractions during the shoot.
11. Bring a Hair and Makeup Touch-Up Kit
While the focus is on natural beauty, a little extra attention to hair and makeup can go a long way. If you’d like to wear makeup, keep it light and fresh to enhance your natural features. For hair, opt for soft waves or simple, natural styles. Consider bringing along a small kit to touch up your look during the session—especially if it’s a windy day or if you’re doing family portraits that may last a little longer.
12. Prepare for Little Ones
When dressing your children, make sure their outfits are comfortable and easy to move in. Garden mini sessions often involve a lot of interaction and play, so you’ll want clothing that doesn’t restrict them. Keep it simple and practical, but still adorable—like little dresses, collared shirts, or comfy shorts and button-ups for boys. Don’t forget to bring a change of clothes just in case they get dirty or need a quick refresh!
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right outfits for your Garden Mini Session can make all the difference in creating beautiful, cohesive photos that you’ll cherish forever. Start with an outfit that makes you feel amazing, and build from there. Keep things light, comfortable, and natural, and coordinate colors that reflect the beauty of the garden setting. Don’t forget to bring along some summer-inspired accessories, your friendly pets, and a sense of adventure for the natural garden surroundings! With a little planning, you’ll be ready to capture stunning family moments against a backdrop of vibrant flowers, soft greenery, and timeless elegance.
We can’t wait to help you create lasting memories in our Garden Mini Sessions. If you’re ready to book, feel free to reach out and secure your spot. We look forward to seeing you shine in your family portraits!
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