What To Wear To Your Family Photoshoot

Most people that book a family photoshoot with me ask me the same question, what should my family wear to the session?

I love helping with this and have some simple tips, which I’ve outlined below - that can really help you pull together complimentary family outfits.


I do find it helpful when Mum finds an outfit she loves best first, or if there is a special item of clothing that you have for another family member eg: patterned baby outfit, that way you can build the rest of the family outfits around that piece.

Choose your colour palette


Tips for Choosing Outfits for Family Photos

Family photo sessions are a wonderful way to capture memories, but deciding what everyone should wear can be a bit challenging. Here are some helpful tips to ensure your family looks cohesive and stylish in your photos.

Choose a Color Palette

Start by selecting 1-2 main colors for your outfits. Neutrals and soft colors are an excellent choice as they are easy to style and blend harmoniously with natural settings. On the other hand, bold and bright colors can be distracting and might stand out too much against outdoor backdrops.

Start with a Favorite Outfit

Find one outfit you absolutely love—it could be for yourself or another family member—and use it as the foundation. From there, build the rest of the family's outfits around it. If the outfit has a pattern, consider pulling colors from the pattern to incorporate into other family members' attire. This creates a cohesive and visually appealing look.

Consider Your Home Decor

Think about where you plan to display these photos in your home. Will the colors and backdrop of the photos complement your home decor? Ensuring that your clothing colors match or complement your living space can bring a sense of unity and style to your home’s aesthetic.



Color palette displaying various shades of brown, beige, gray and blue-gray brush strokes arranged in horizontal rows.

Patterns

I suggest that only one family member wears a patterned outfit while the others don solid colours that complement the patterned piece. Mixing too many patterns can appear overwhelming and chaotic. Occasionally, you can manage two patterned outfits as long as they harmonise well, either by sharing similar colours or featuring a subtle pattern.


Comfort is Essential:

Ultimately, wearing clothing that makes you feel both comfortable and beautiful is key. This will enhance your natural glow during the photoshoot. Uncomfortable clothing or outfits that are not your usual style will be evident in the images. It's equally important to ensure that children are dressed comfortably; they should be warm enough and have suitable footwear for the shooting location.


Things to Avoid:

  • Clothing with large graphics or brand logos, as these can date quickly and become distracting in your photos.
  • Dressing the family in overly matching outfits.
  • An excess of patterns; if everyone wears something patterned, it will look too busy. A good rule of thumb is to have one person in a pattern, or at most two.
  • Clothing that doesn’t fit well or is restrictive; you want to be at ease during the shoot, able to run around and embrace your kids comfortably. Also, be mindful of avoiding visible bra straps in ill-fitting tops or dresses.



Joyful moment captured outdoors with people wearing blue dresses and casual clothes sharing laughter under trees.
A group of people in black attire stand together on a sun-drenched hillside with scenic views of rolling terrain in the background.

Classic Black


Classic black, mixed with Denim, and neutrals.

A large group poses together outdoors against a backdrop of lush green trees and foliage in casual attire.

A theme of blue!


Here a colour was added: The same with a theme of blue!

A group stands on a sandy beach in front of dramatic rocky cliffs and coastal formations on a sunny day.

On the beach, or in the bush


Neutral, blue and denim.

A group in white clothing stands together on a beautiful beach with dramatic cliffs and coastline in the background.
A group of five people in casual blue and white outfits standing together outdoors with a small brown dog in a grassy field.
Three people wearing blue jeans walking together and laughing on a wooden boardwalk surrounded by coastal vegetation.
A heartwarming outdoor family portrait shows a senior man sitting with two young children against a sunlit tree backdrop.
Group poses together with a black shaggy dog on a sunny grassy hillside with trees in the background.
A family and their black dog enjoy time together on a grassy hillside during a sunny afternoon.
A family kneels together on a grassy hillside with their large black dog on a sunny afternoon.
A family with their dog stands on a grassy hillside under a large established tree on a sunny day.
Two people stand together at the edge of a scenic beach with rocky cliffs and blue ocean waves in the background.
Family shares a joyful moment together on a rocky beach with cliffs in the background.
A couple sits with a baby on a rocky beach near tall coastal cliffs.
A group in white clothing stands together on a rocky beach with coastal cliffs in the background.
A joyful moment shared between parent and child playing together at a rocky beach during sunset.
A group stands outdoors on a nature trail with two dogs against a hillside backdrop and eucalyptus trees.
A group gathered on a rural hiking trail with two dogs beside them in a scenic hillside setting.