Family portrait clothing tips.
A little thought about what to wear goes a long way. Here's what works, and what to avoid, so we can focus on the moments rather than the outfits.
The golden rule: tones, not colours.
The single best thing you can do is have every family member wear the same tone, not necessarily the same colour. A palette of soft creams, warm whites, dusty blues, or earthy neutrals looks coordinated and timeless without looking like a uniform. When the palette is cohesive, the eye goes straight to the faces, which is exactly where it should be.
What works well.
Simple, loose-fitting solid colours photograph beautifully and don't date. These are the classics:
- Jeans, khakis, overalls and sun dresses, all reliable choices for children that photograph very well
- Plain tees and jeans for boys; simple sundresses for girls (weather permitting)
- Bare feet, when the setting allows, keep things natural and relaxed
- If shoes, please make sure they're clean and unscuffed
- Hats, scarves and well-chosen accessories can add a lot of character
- Bring a couple of outfits and we'll choose together on the day
What to avoid.
- Stripes, busy patterns, plaid; these draw the eye away from the faces and can cause moiré in photographs
- Large words, logos and branded text, even children's fashion brands
- White in large amounts, since it reflects light strongly and can unbalance the exposure, particularly under studio lights
- Scuffed or dirty shoes
If you'd prefer a trendier, more fashion-forward look, that's absolutely fine. I still recommend avoiding bold logos and a lot of white, but let's talk and build the session around your style.
When children are being photographed together, aim for clothes that are similar in style so there's a cohesive look. They don't need to match exactly, just complement each other in tone.
Picking out props.
The best props are the ones that mean something to your family. Your props should help convey what is unique about you. They should evoke an emotion or make a meaningful statement about who you are together.
Some ideas that work well:
- A musical instrument one of the kids plays
- A favourite book or treasured toy
- A piece of jewellery that has a story
- The family pet
- Anything that reflects a hobby, a history, or what you love
Hats, scarves and belts can also add a nice layer to the overall look without overwhelming it. If you're not sure whether something will work, just bring it along, and we can always leave it in the bag.
Ready to book your session?
Send me a note about your family and when you're hoping to shoot. I reply within a day.
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