A guide on what to wear to your family photoshoot
Family Portraits – What to Wear
Planning outfits for your photo session can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be! What you wear plays a big role in the overall feel and style of your images. The good news is that with a few simple tips, choosing what to wear can be both fun and easy—and you’ll look fabulous doing it.
Styling Tips
Neutral colours are timeless.
Soft tones like dusty pastels always photograph beautifully. Earthy colours such as burnt orange, cream, beige, and olive green also look amazing in photos — especially when paired with natural fabrics like linen, cotton, or wool. These textures add depth and a relaxed, organic feel to your images.Solid colours photograph best
Patterns can be tricky on camera. If you love prints, keep it to one person in the group—and make sure it complements the others.Dress to feel great
Confidence shows in your photos, so choose outfits that make you feel comfortable, confident, and like you.Coordinate, don’t match
Aim for a cohesive look without everyone wearing the exact same thing. Use a shared colour palette to pull everything together.Accessorise with intention
A hat, scarf, or even fun jewellery can change the look and feel of an outfit without a full change. Accessories can add texture, colour, and personality to your session.Don’t forget the details
Your hands will show in close-ups, so tidy nails are a must.Less is more
Simple, well-fitted outfits without too many distractions will always photograph best.Iron your clothes
Wrinkles show up clearly in high-resolution photos, so take the time to prep your outfits the night before.
Rules of Thumb
Avoid stripes—they often don’t photograph well.
Stick to one person wearing a bold pattern in group shots.
No text, logos, and branding on clothing if possible.
Colour Palettes
Using a colour palette is the easiest way to plan your family’s outfits. It simplifies the process and ensures your group looks coordinated.
Here are a few palette ideas that work beautifully on camera:
Earthy Neutrals: Sand, cream, sage, rust, and soft brown
Soft Pastels: Blush, dusty blue, light grey, ivory
Cool Tones: Navy, white, olive, and soft denim
Warm Tones: Mustard, rust, cream, and forest green
You can also search online for “family photo colour palettes” to find inspiration that suits your vibe.
I hope this guide is helpful to you. Have fun planning your outfit and I will see you soon.
Sacha x
