What to Wear to Your Family Photo Shoot
A Common Question
One of the most common questions I’m asked by parents preparing for their family photo session is: “What should we wear?”
While I’m always happy to offer guidance, the most important thing is that your family stays true to who you are. I don’t want to overly direct your wardrobe—these memories belong to you. If capturing your children exactly as they are right now means a favourite superhero T-shirt or a ballet tutu, then that’s perfect.
If you’d like a little more direction to create a cohesive and timeless look, here are some helpful tips. Above all, let your personalities shine through.
Quick Tips
- Choose neutral, natural tones or soft pastels
- Coordinate outfits rather than perfectly matching
- Consider your footwear as part of the overall look
- Dress for the season and location
- Prioritise comfort
- Let your personalities shine through
Choosing Your Colour Palette
I recommend selecting 3–5 complementary colours to build your outfits around.
Neutral tones and soft colours are the easiest to style and photograph beautifully. Bright, bold colours can sometimes be distracting—especially in outdoor, nature-based settings—and may cast unwanted tones onto the skin (for example, strong reds).
Instead, consider shades like:
- Blue-grey
- Cream or ivory
- Soft pinks
- Muted greens
Richer tones can also work beautifully depending on the season and location:
- Olive or forest green
- Indigo blue
- Deep purples
- Rust, mustard, or claret
A great starting point is to choose one outfit you love, then build the rest of the family’s looks around it.
Dressing for the Season & Location
The time of year and setting play a big role in what works best.
Spring & Summer:
Light, breathable clothing such as summer dresses, shorts, and soft fabrics work well. Pastels and natural tones complement the vibrant greens of outdoor locations.
Autumn:
Earthy tones like teal, rust, mustard, camel, and taupe photograph beautifully and suit the season perfectly.
If you’re planning a session in a specific location—like gardens or open parklands—consider colours that will complement, not compete with, the surroundings.
A Note on White
Solid white can sometimes appear flat in photos. Softer alternatives like ivory or light cream are often more flattering.
That said, a classic white-and-denim look can still work beautifully if that’s your style.
Think About Your Home
It’s worth considering where your images will be displayed. Choosing colours that complement your home décor can help your photos feel even more timeless and connected to your space.
Comfort is Key
Feeling comfortable and confident in what you’re wearing will make a noticeable difference in your photos.
Choose outfits that allow you to move freely—especially when playing with your children, cuddling, or walking during the session. If something feels uncomfortable or not “you,” it will show.
For children, comfort is especially important. Make sure they’re dressed appropriately for the weather and location.
Relaxed, casual clothing—like jeans, light shirts, blouses, or floral dresses—often works best. There’s no need to dress overly formal unless that reflects your personal style.
Don’t Forget Footwear
Footwear plays an important role in pulling your look together.
For outdoor sessions:
- Boots (like wellingtons) can be great for children in cooler or wet conditions
- Neutral shoes tend to work best
For in-home or private property sessions:
- Bare feet can create a relaxed and natural feel
Things to Avoid
- Large logos or bold graphics that can distract from your family
- Overly “matchy” outfits (like identical white tops and jeans) unless it’s intentional
- Too many patterns—ideally limit patterns to one or two people
- Ill-fitting or restrictive clothing
Should I Get a Fake Tan?
I generally recommend avoiding fake tan before your session.
My editing style naturally adds warmth to skin tones, and artificial tanning can sometimes appear orange or uneven in photos. It may also transfer onto clothing, particularly lighter fabrics.
Final Thoughts
- Choose neutral or soft colour palettes
- Coordinate rather than match
- Dress for the season and setting
- Focus on comfort
- Keep it natural and true to you
Most importantly, these photos are about capturing your family as you are right now—authentic, connected, and full of personality.
Ready to Book Your Family Photo Session?
If you’re planning your family photo shoot in Lockyer Valley or surrounding areas and would love relaxed, natural images that capture genuine connection, I’d love to hear from you.