One of the most common questions families ask after booking a photoshoot is, “What on earth should we wear?” It is completely normal to feel a little stressed about outfit choices. After all, these are photographs you will look back on for years to come! The good news is that dressing for your family portraits does not have to be complicated. With a few simple guidelines, you can ensure everyone looks their absolute best while still feeling comfortable and authentically themselves.
The Golden Rule: Coordinate, Don’t Match
Gone are the days when families had to wear matching white shirts and blue jeans for their portraits. Today, the most beautifully styled family photos rely on coordination rather than identical matching. When everyone wears the exact same outfit, the image can feel a bit rigid, and individual personalities can get lost. Instead, focus on finding a cohesive look where your outfits complement one another.
Choosing Your Colour Palette
The easiest way to achieve a coordinated look is to select a simple colour palette. Start by choosing two or three compatible colours, and then let each family member wear a different combination of those shades.
Neutral, earthy, and muted tones are incredibly flattering on camera and tend to be much easier to coordinate than bright, neon, or highly saturated colours. Think about soft contrasts—for example, pairing a soft sage green with cream and a touch of navy. By using a shared palette, your family will look connected in the photos without looking perfectly identical.
Using Patterns and Textures Carefully
Adding texture—like a chunky knit cardigan, a linen shirt, or a corduroy jacket—is a fantastic way to add warmth and visual interest to your photographs. However, when it comes to patterns, less is usually more.
One subtle pattern (such as a soft floral dress or a muted plaid shirt) can look wonderful and tie your colour palette together. But if several people are wearing large, competing patterns, it can quickly pull the viewer’s attention away from the most important part of the photograph: your faces. If one person wears a pattern, try keeping the rest of the family in solid, complementary colours.
Dress Children for Movement
This is perhaps the most important tip for families with younger children: comfort is far more important than formality. Family photoshoots are active! We want to capture your children playing, walking, sitting, and laughing naturally.
If a child is wearing stiff clothing that restricts their movement, or an outfit that they find itchy or uncomfortable, it will undoubtedly affect their mood and the flow of the session. Choose clothing that allows them to move freely so their true, joyful personalities can shine through.
Do You Need an Outfit Change?
Families often wonder if they should bring a second set of clothes. Generally, you should only plan for an outfit change if your session length comfortably allows for it. Every time someone changes clothes, it eats into your valuable shooting time.
This is especially true for families with younger children or larger groups. Instead of changing entire outfits, consider bringing layers—like a beautiful jacket, a hat, or a cardigan. Peeling off a layer halfway through the shoot is a quick and effortless way to get a variety of looks without losing any time behind the camera.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should we avoid logos and graphics on our clothes?
Yes, it is highly recommended to avoid large logos, character graphics, or bold text on clothing. These elements are very distracting in photographs and can quickly date your images. Solid colours or subtle, timeless patterns will ensure your photos look beautiful for decades.
Does the location affect what we should wear?
Absolutely. Think about where your photoshoot is taking place. If you are in a natural, earthy setting like a forest, rich autumnal tones or soft neutrals look incredible. If you are in the studio, simple, clean colours work beautifully against our backdrops.
What about footwear?
Footwear is an important part of your outfit! Avoid bright white trainers if possible, as they draw the eye downwards. Opt for boots, leather shoes, or smart casual footwear that matches your overall vibe. If you are shooting outdoors, make sure your shoes are practical for walking on grass or uneven ground.
