What should we wear…?

After you've booked your family photo session – comes the big question:

What should we wear?

I completely understand how daunting it can feel to choose outfits for your whole family. You want everyone to look great, feel comfortable, and be themselves. The good news is, you don’t need to overthink it. My approach is about capturing your family in a natural, authentic way, not creating a picture-perfect, styled shoot. I won't tell you exactly what to wear, but I’ve got some easy tips to help you pick outfits that’ll make your photos look amazing.

Coordinate, Don’t Match

Let’s start with colour. I know the temptation can be to dress everyone in the same colour – especially white, black, or denim. While that might seem like an easy solution, it can make your photos feel a little flat. Instead, try coordinating your outfits by picking 3-4 colours that work well together.

Think about where we’re shooting and the tones around you. Neutral colours like soft greys, earthy browns, and light blues work beautifully in nature. You can add a pop of colour if that feels more like your family’s vibe, but stick to shades that complement each other rather than clash. For example, if Mum’s wearing a flowy dress in soft blush, Dad could go for a casual shirt in light grey, and the kids could be in complementary tones like cream or light blue. The idea is to create harmony without looking like everyone is wearing the same uniform.

But then again, if the Royals can wear white shirts and blue jeans for their family Christmas photo, by all means go ahead!

Comfort Over Perfection

Trust me on this: if you’re not comfortable, it will show in your photos. Family photo shoots are meant to capture the fun and connection between you – not the stiff awkwardness of wearing something that doesn’t feel right. If your favourite jeans are your go-to outfit because they fit perfectly and you feel great in them, wear them! The same goes for the kids – let them wear something they love, even if it’s a bit casual. We’re aiming for real smiles, not forced ones because someone’s too uncomfortable to relax.

Think about the weather, too. If it's a chilly morning or there’s a chance of rain, layering is your friend (more on that below). For warmer days, light fabrics that breathe will keep everyone feeling cool and happy. Ultimately, the goal is to feel at ease so you can focus on being present in the moment, rather than worrying about adjusting your outfit.

Embrace Patterns and Personality, but avoid big logos

While I usually recommend steering away from logos, when it comes to patterns, I’m all for embracing bold and bright designs if that’s what reflects your family’s style! Patterns can bring a lot of personality and energy to your photos, whether it’s vibrant florals, playful polka dots, or funky stripes. The key is to balance it out – if one person is rocking a bold pattern, keep the other outfits a bit more toned down.

Bright colours and lively patterns can add an exciting visual element to your photos, showing off your family’s unique style. So, don’t shy away from them – just make sure they’re coordinated enough to not overwhelm the overall look. We want the patterns to enhance, not distract from, your family’s beautiful faces and connection.

Layers and Textures for Depth

One way to add some interest to your outfits without going overboard on patterns is by playing with layers and textures. Layers are great for adding depth and dimension to your photos. Plus, they’re practical! Think of light cardigans, scarves, jackets, or even a cute beanie or hat in cooler weather.

Textures like knits, corduroy, or denim also add a rich, tactile quality to your photos. And they’re great for breaking up the visual uniformity of flat fabrics. Just remember, we don’t want to go too bulky with layers – keep them light and relaxed to allow for natural movement. This is especially important if we’re outdoors, where we might need to be a bit flexible with the changing weather.

Dress for the Season

Dressing appropriately for the season is key. If it’s hot, go for light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. Flowy dresses, shorts, or even a sunhat can look beautiful in warm weather. For autumn or winter sessions, layering is your best friend. Cosy knits, scarves, boots, and jackets not only keep everyone warm but add a lovely seasonal touch to your photos.

And don’t be afraid to embrace the season’s vibe. Autumn leaves, winter scarves, or summer hats can become charming details that help tell the story of the moment. Just make sure the kids are comfortable and not too hot or cold – happy kids make for happy photos!

Importantly, if the temperature dramatically changes - eg it’s summer and you’ve got your summer wardrobe all planned, but it suddenly turns cold, don’t’ try to tough it out in your hot weather clothes. There’s nothing more uncomfortable than being freezing and trying not to show it! At a minimum, pack jumpers or jackets just in case!

Bonus Tip: Lay Everything Out in Advance

Here’s a little practical tip – once you’ve got all your outfits sorted, lay them out together and take a good look. This will give you a clear idea of how they’ll work as a group. You’ll be able to see whether any colours clash or if you need to add or take away an accessory. It’s an easy way to avoid last-minute wardrobe panics on the day of the shoot.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, your family photo shoot is about you – your connection, your personalities, and the fun you have together. I won’t tell you exactly what to wear or where to go because I believe your family’s uniqueness is what makes these photos special. So relax, enjoy the experience, and know that whatever you choose to wear, we’ll capture the moments that matter most.

If you’re ever unsure or want a second opinion on outfits, I’m just a message away and happy to help!