Choosing the right outfits for your family portrait session is an important step in making sure your photos turn out beautifully.
The clothes you wear can set the tone for the entire shoot, complementing your family’s style and the personalised setup in the studio. Here’s everything you need to know about what to wear for a family photography session at my studio to ensure everyone looks and feels their best.
Coordinate, Don’t Match
Gone are the days of everyone wearing the exact same outfit. For a natural, cohesive look, aim to coordinate your family’s outfits rather than match them perfectly. Choose colours that complement each other and work well together. Think soft, neutral tones with a pop of colour or subtle patterns. Avoid overly bright colours or clashing patterns, as they can distract from the natural connections between you and your loved ones.
Comfort is Key
Comfort plays a big role in how natural and relaxed you’ll look in your photos. You want to wear something that feels good and allows you to move freely, especially for children as, if you’re comfortable in what you’re wearing, it will show in your photos. Especially if you’ve got young children that you’ll be posing with, it’s worth knowing that you’ll probably be moving through lots of different positions so I’d probably recommend steering away from anything overly short or that you’ll need to keep adjusting during your session as it could give you just one more thing to think about when you’re wrangling a mobile little person. For families with young children, consider bringing along a spare set of clothes in case of spills or accidents – it’s Murphy’s law that if you don’t, this is the day that they’ll spill juice down themselves. The main thing though is don’t stress about perfection – while having a coordinated outfit definitely can tie a photo together, at the end of the day family photos are about capturing moments, not your fashion sense.
Think About the Studio Setting
You’ll have had the chance to browse my backdrop collection and let me know what you’d like to use during your session when you receive your pre-session form the day before you come to visit. You have the chance to use up to three backdrops in a full portrait session and you can change outfits up to three times as well so have think about what you’d like to wear with each backdrop choice. I’ll work to complement your choices with posing and lighting and I’m always happy to make suggestions if you’re not sure what would work, but of course you should definitely let me know if you have an idea of what you’d like to achieve and I’ll make it happen for you. There’s no rights or wrongs when it comes to colours – love pastels and light shades? Go for it… Fancy something bolder? I’m there for it!
Keep It Simple and Timeless
The key to a great portrait is simplicity. Choose clothes that won’t distract from your family’s expressions and connection. Avoid clothing with large logos, distracting text, or overly busy patterns that could take away from the focus of the photo. Timeless, simple pieces always stand the test of time. Remember, this is about capturing memories that will last for years, so avoid trends that may date your photos too quickly.
Dress for the Season
If your session is taking place in the cooler months, layering is a great option. A stylish jacket or a cosy scarf can add texture and depth to your photos. For warmer months, light fabrics and breathable materials are ideal for keeping everyone comfortable during the shoot. If you’re unsure, just bring along whatever you fancy and we’ll work it all out on the day. Better to have options and not use them then want something you didn’t bring along!
Shoes Matter Too
Lots of folk like to be barefoot in their pictures and so it’s worth making sure your feet are camera ready – and if you want to use that as an excuse to book in somewhere for a pedi then I’m happy to back you up. If you’re going to be in socks then make sure that they are matching and preferably plain. The chances are that your feet won’t be featured in a lot of the photos but if you’re going to wear shoes (and some outfits do need it) then choose what complements your outfit. With very small kids, it’s worth keeping shoes simple and plain so they are comfy and their footwear doesn’t distract – definitely avoid those muddy Peppa Pig wellies (however popular they might be)!
Accessorise!
Hair and accessories can make a big difference in how your family looks in the final images so don’t be afraid to bring along accessories that you love – you’ll have time to add them to your outfits when you change.
What About Babies and Toddlers?
For babies and toddlers, I recommend simple, comfortable clothes that allow for movement and expression. Soft fabrics like cotton are perfect for younger children, and layers are always a good idea in case they get fussy or need a change. Small children are quite famous for wearing their heart on their sleeve if something isn’t comfortable so definitely keep this in mind when you’re choosing what they’re going to be wearing!
Family Portrait Photography in East Grinstead
Your family’s unique moments deserve to be captured in stunning, professional portraits. Let’s work together to create timeless images that reflect your family’s personality and connections. Whether it’s a fun, candid shoot or a more formal portrait, I’m here to guide you every step of the way. Get in touch today to start planning your perfect family photography session!
