What to Wear to your photo session

This is one of the main questions I get asked. What do I wear to my photo session? And what do I dress my kids in? Here are some tips to help you look and feel your best.
Your outfits should be unique to you and your family, as your photo session is to photograph you authentically. These Family photos are a wonderful way to capture the love and connection within your family, and the outfits you choose play a significant role in your photos' overall look and feel of your photo session. The right wardrobe choices can elevate your images, creating timeless memories you’ll cherish for years.

Colours & Patterns - Start with a Coordinated Color Palette

Instead of matching outfits, aim for a coordinated colour palette that ties everyone together. Here’s how to do it:

Choose a Base Color: Begin with a neutral base, such as beige, navy, white, or grey, and build around it.
Add Complementary Colors: Incorporate 2-3 complementary tones that work well together. For example, soft pastels, earthy tones, or jewel tones are great options. Greens and browns with cream work, or Pastel blues and yellows with cream.
Seasonal Colors: Match your palette to the season. Think warm and earthy hues for autumn, cool tones for winter, light and airy shades for spring, and vibrant colours for summer. Summer colours I love at the moment are reds & hot pinks!
Patterns: If you are interested in adding patterns to your session, try for softer patterns like light florals or light-checked patterns. I would opt for only one person to be wearing a patterned outfit and then match the rest of the family to the colours from that pattern.

Stick to Timeless Styles

Classic clothing styles ensure your photos look elegant and will always look great in photos; this helps to avoid trendy items that might date your photos in a few years. Have you ever based your wardrobe around staple pieces… Like having that one pair of denim jeans and a white T-shirt. Well, dressing in timeless styles is similar to building that staple wardrobe. Here are a few timeless styles to consider:

Solid colours or subtle patterns like florals or checkered patterns.
Flowy dresses, tailored shirts, or well-fitted pants for a polished yet natural look.
Textures like knits, lace, or denim add depth to your images. These create more beautiful natural looks that add a little something extra to your images! I always recommend one of these!

Dress for the Location and Season

Consider the location of where your photo session will take place and dress to match. If you are having a session in a park or field, you probably won’t be in your swimmer or light summer dress like you are heading to the beach. Here are a few locations to consider when matching your outfits to the location of your photo session:

Beach: Light, airy fabrics and soft pastel or neutral tones work beautifully, or you can go the other end and if it’s going to be a summer beach session, wear bold colours like red and pink and even opt for your swimmers if you want to capture those fun summer moments with the kids.
Park or Woods: Earthy tones like greens, browns, and creams blend well with nature. Also, lace and knitted clothing work great when surrounded by greenery and nature.
Urban Setting: Think of stylish and modern outfits with a touch of boldness, such as darker shades or metallic accents.
Season: Wear cozy layers for Autumn, warm and rich tones for winter, and light, breathable fabrics for spring and summer.

Layer and Add Texture

Layers and textured fabrics can add visual interest and make your photos more unique if you have. a favourite hat or cardigan, bring it along and let’s add it to your session to create those extra special personal touches. I always love bringing a blanket to family sessions to create big, cozy family hugs; It creates more warmth and love in the photos.

Cardigans, blazers, vests, blankets or shawls
Accessories like scarves, hats or belts
Mixing fabrics like denim, knits, or linen to bring more texture and depth into your photos.

Pay Attention to Shoes

Shoes can make or break your outfits. Ensure they’re clean, neutral, and appropriate for the location. For instance:

Boots or closed-toe shoes for sessions in parks and fields. Gumboots can be my favourite for these sessions too!
Sandals or barefoot for a beach shoot. I would always opt for bare feet every time during a beach session!
Avoid sneakers or overly casual footwear unless it’s part of the theme.

Plan for Comfort and Confidence

Wearing something that you don’t feel comfortable or confident in is going to show up in your photos, it’s always best to wear clothing that you feel comfortable and confident in to help you all relax and look natural during your session.

Choose well-fitted outfits that allow movement. Flowy dresses are great for this!
Avoid itchy fabrics or pieces that require constant adjusting. I have been to many sessions where some dresses are too low cut or bra straps are hanging out and it can make you feel uncomfortable and having to adjust them constantly can get annoying, this is something to consider when choosing your outfit.
Ensure kids are comfortable in their clothing to avoid fidgeting or discomfort.

Things to avoid wearing during your photo session

Logos & Bold Graphics
Loud Patterns
Matchy Matchy outfits (All white tops & Demin pants)
Clothes that you don’t like or don’t feel comfortable in.

My favourite places to shop for outfits!

Kids: Seed, Best & Less, Childen of the Tribe, Our Folk, Marlow & May, Zara, Cinnamon Street Kids, Willow Dreamer

Women: Spell, Ghanda, Ottway, seed, SABO, Daughters of India, Dissh, Hazel & Folk.

Mens: Ottway, Ghanda, Thrills, Industrie, Connor.

Contact Me: If you are still unsure, please feel free to send me a message or take photos of your outfit choices, and I can help!

Have a look at my Pinterest inspo board here for some ideas! https://pin.it/1kSTmpsT8

Your family photo session is about capturing the love and connection you share, and your outfits should reflect that. By planning, coordinating colours, and focusing on timeless, comfortable styles, you’ll create images that you’ll treasure for years to come. With these tips, you’ll be ready to step in front of the camera with confidence and style!