It’s the question every family asks me, usually a week before their session: “What should we wear?”
It matters more than most people think. The right outfits let the light, the setting and your connection with each other take centre stage. The wrong ones pull the eye away from what you’ll treasure most: your faces.
After photographing hundreds of families, here’s what I’ve learned works best.
Start with soft, pastel colours
Choose two or three colours that sit well together, and build everyone’s outfit around them. You don’t need to match; you need to belong together.
Soft pastels and gentle, muted tones always photograph beautifully: dusty blue, sage, blush, soft lilac, sand, oatmeal or soft olive. They flatter every skin tone, work in almost any setting, and still look timeless on your wall for years to come.
Colours to avoid
I once photographed a lovely family of five. Dad and the children had chosen beautifully: light blues and soft beige, none of them matching exactly, but all of them belonging together. Mum arrived in a bright neon pink dress.
The session was wonderful and the photographs came out beautifully. But in every single image, the first thing you noticed was that neon pink dress. Not the smiles, not the light, not the family. Just the dress.
That’s why some colours are best left at home, however lovely they look in person:
- White: it reflects so much light that it loses all its detail and draws the eye away from your faces. I’ve only ever photographed one family dressed all in white, and that was a specific look they had planned.
- Red: it’s overpowering in a photograph and reflects onto skin, giving faces an unflattering colour.
- Bright and neon colours: like red, they dominate the image and cast colour onto skin.
- Busy prints, bold stripes and large logos: they pull the eye straight to the clothing. A small, subtle pattern on one person can work, with the rest of the family in plain colours around them.
Choose fabrics that move and photograph well
Linen, cotton, knits and flowing dresses add softness and movement to your photographs. Avoid stiff or very shiny fabrics, which can look harsh, and anything that creases badly in the car on the way.
Think about your location
Your outfits should feel at home in the setting you’ve chosen:
- On the beach: light, airy fabrics and bare feet look best. Bring slip-on shoes for the walk there.
- In forests, gardens or fields: earthy tones and richer muted colours sit beautifully against the greenery. Wear shoes you can walk in comfortably.
- In the studio: simple, plain clothing in soft or deeper muted tones lets the light do the work.
- For early morning sessions: bring a light layer, as mornings can be cool.
Think about the little ones
Children are happiest when they’re comfortable. Avoid anything scratchy, tight or new that they haven’t worn before. Pack a spare set of clothes, along with snacks and wet wipes. Small accidents happen, and the session carries on.
Hair, makeup and small details
Keep makeup natural and slightly more defined than everyday. If you’d like a professional touch, I’m happy to put you in touch with a hair and makeup artist. Small details matter: remove hair ties from wrists, leave phones and car keys in the car, and give glasses a quick clean.
Don’t overthink it
Above all, wear something that makes you feel like you. Families who feel comfortable relax quicker, and relaxed families make the most beautiful photographs.
Once you’ve booked, I’ll send you a guide with your session time and how to prepare. And if you’re unsure about an outfit, send me a photo on WhatsApp. I’m always happy to help.
