One of the first questions I get asked before a family photography session is:
“What should we wear?”
And honestly, I completely understand why.
You want everyone to look good together, but you also don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on a whole new wardrobe, force your children into uncomfortable clothes, or end up stressing about outfit choices for weeks.
The good news is that choosing outfits for family photos does not need to be complicated.
In fact, the best family photos happen when everyone feels comfortable, relaxed and like themselves.
If you’d like to see how this all comes together in real sessions, you can explore my portfolio here.
The family above are a great example of choosing colours that work together without everyone wearing exactly the same thing.
Start With Mum’s Outfit (this is where everything begins)
I always recommend choosing mum’s outfit first.
Every family photography session includes my comprehensive What to Wear Guide along with a complimentary styling call. Together we’ll go through colours, outfits and any questions you have, so by the time your session arrives you’ll feel confident and completely prepared.
Why?
Because if mum feels comfortable and confident, everything else becomes much easier.
Choose something you feel good in, that allows you to move comfortably and spend time with your family without constantly adjusting or worrying about what you are wearing.
Once you have chosen your outfit, it becomes much easier to build everyone else’s clothing around it.
As part of my family photography experience, every family receives a comprehensive styling guide packed with advice on colours, clothing choices and how to coordinate everyone without looking overly matched.
You’ll also receive a complimentary styling call where we can chat through outfit ideas together.
If you’re standing in front of your wardrobe wondering what works, you’re never expected to figure it out on your own.
Many families even send me photos of potential outfits beforehand so I can help narrow down the options.
Choose Colours That Work Together (Not Matching Outfits)
The goal is not for everyone to match perfectly.
Instead, choose a colour palette that works well together.
I generally recommend choosing three or four colours that complement each other and then building everyone’s outfits around those tones.
Soft earthy tones, blues, creams, greens and warm neutrals often photograph beautifully, but the best colours will also depend on the location and season.
Adding texture through linen, knits, layers and subtle patterns can also help create depth and interest in your images.
If you’re looking for inspiration, you can browse my family photography portfolio to see how different families have coordinated their outfits in a natural and timeless way.
The family above are a beautiful example of this. Nobody is wearing exactly the same thing, but every outfit works together because the colours and textures complement each other.
What Should Children Wear? (comfort always wins)
Children photograph best when they are comfortable.
Simple outfits that allow them to move, play and explore naturally are always a great choice.
I generally recommend avoiding large logos, character clothing, overly bright colours or accessories that become distracting in photographs.
The goal is for your child to look like themselves, not a miniature adult.
Comfort almost always wins.
Happy children create the most natural photographs, so I always encourage families to choose clothes that let kids run, cuddle, climb and simply be themselves
What Should Dad Wear? (keep it simple)
Poor dads often get organised last.
Simple shirts, linen, denim, chinos and soft colours tend to work beautifully.
Avoid large logos, bold graphics and anything that feels uncomfortable or restrictive.
The goal is simply to coordinate with the rest of the family rather than stand out from the family.
Can We Include Our Dog? (yes, please do)
Absolutely.
Pets are family too.
Some of my favourite family photographs include wagging tails, sandy paws and curious noses. If your dog is part of your family, I’d love to include them too.
If you would like to include your dog, just let me know when booking so we can choose a suitable location and make sure everything runs smoothly.
Need Help Choosing Outfits? (you don’t have to figure it out alone)
One of the biggest worries mums have before a family photography session is getting everyone’s outfits right.
The good news is you don’t need to do it alone.
Every family receives my styling guide before their session, along with a complimentary styling call where we can chat through colours, outfit options and how everything will work together.
Many families send me photos of potential outfits beforehand and I am always happy to help.
The goal is not creating a perfectly styled catalogue look.
The goal is helping your family feel comfortable, connected and like yourselves.
What Should You Avoid Wearing?
A few things can be distracting in photos:
• Large logos
• Bright fluorescent colours
• Busy graphics
• Clothing that constantly needs adjusting
• Matching everyone exactly the same
Simple, comfortable and coordinated almost always photographs best.
My Approach to Family Photography
My family photography sessions are centred around connection rather than perfect posing.
I am not expecting your children to sit still, smile on command or behave perfectly.
In fact, some of the most meaningful photographs happen in the in-between moments.
The cuddles.
The laughter.
The chaos.
The way your child reaches for your hand.
The best family photographs aren’t perfectly posed. They’re the moments where your family is simply being together.
Planning Ahead
Many families first find me through family photography and later return for maternity photography and newborn photography as their family grows.
It is one of the things I love most about what I do, documenting families through different stages of life and creating photographs that become more meaningful every year.
Frequently Asked Questions About Family Photos
What colours look best for family photos?
Colours that work together rather than match exactly tend to photograph best. Soft earthy tones, blues, creams, greens and warm neutrals are always popular choices.
What if I have no idea what to wear?
Don’t worry. Every family receives a comprehensive styling guide and complimentary styling call before their session. I am also happy to review outfit options beforehand.
Can we include our dog in family photos?
Absolutely. Pets are part of the family and are always welcome.
What if my children don’t cooperate?
Please don’t stress. Children don’t need to sit still or smile perfectly. My sessions are designed around connection, movement and genuine moments.
Do you also photograph maternity and newborn sessions?
Yes. Many families first book a family photography session and later return for maternity photography and newborn photography as their family grows.
Do you also photograph maternity and newborn sessions?
Absolutely. Grandparents are a special part of many family sessions and often become some of the most treasured photographs. If you’d like to include extended family, just let me know when booking so we can choose the best location and allow enough time.
Ready to Plan Your Family Photography Session?
Choosing what to wear is often the biggest thing families worry about before their session, but it doesn’t have to be.
When you book your family photography session with me, you’ll receive my comprehensive What to Wear Guide along with a complimentary styling call. Together we’ll choose colours, chat through outfit ideas and make sure everyone feels comfortable and confident before the day arrives.
My goal is to make the whole experience feel easy, relaxed and enjoyable, so you can simply focus on spending time with the people you love.
If you’re ready to start planning your family photography session in Perth, I’d love to hear from you.
