What to Wear for Your Family Photoshoot (and What to Avoid)

Choosing what to wear for your family photoshoot can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! The right outfits help your family look coordinated, confident, and timeless in your portraits. As a family photographer based in Great Dunmow, Essex, I’ve guided hundreds of families through this process, and I’m here to share my best advice on what works beautifully (and what doesn’t).

1. Coordinate, Don’t Match

Gone are the days of everyone wearing identical white shirts and jeans. Instead, aim for coordinating colours and complementary tones. Choose a colour palette of two or three shades that blend well, think soft neutrals, earthy tones, or muted pastels.

For example:

• A beige dress, cream jumper, and soft sage trousers create a natural, timeless look.

• Add texture with knits, linen, or cotton fabrics for a cosy, layered feel.

2. Start with One Outfit and Build Around It

Pick one key outfit, perhaps Mum’s dress or a child’s outfit, and build the rest of the family’s looks around it. This ensures everything feels cohesive without being too “matchy.”

3. Choose Timeless Over Trendy

For portraits that stand the test of time, stick to classic styles and simple patterns. Avoid large logos, neon colours, or overly bold prints that might date your photos. Soft florals, stripes, or solids work beautifully in studio and outdoor sessions alike.

4. Think About Your Location

If your session is in my Great Dunmow studio, neutral and soft tones photograph beautifully against the clean, bright backdrop. For outdoor sessions around Essex’s parks or countryside, warmer earthy tones like olive, rust, and cream work best with natural light.

5. Comfort Is Key

It’s important that everyone feels comfortable, especially children! Choose outfits that fit well and allow movement. When everyone feels at ease, your photos will look natural and relaxed.

6. Layer Up for Depth and Texture

Layers like cardigans, scarves, or light jackets add visual interest and allow flexibility during your shoot. You can remove or swap layers to create different looks within the same session.

7. Don’t Forget About Footwear

Shoes matter! Avoid bright trainers or flip-flops unless they suit the style of your shoot. Neutral boots, sandals, or bare feet (for studio sessions) tend to photograph best.

8. What to Avoid

Here are a few things that can distract from your beautiful faces and natural interactions:

• Bold logos or cartoon prints

• Bright neon colours

• Large checks or stripes

• Overly busy patterns

• Clothing that doesn’t fit well or feels uncomfortable

Bonus Tip: Bring a Spare Outfit for Little Ones

Accidents happen,  especially during family shoots! Having a backup outfit for babies or toddlers keeps everything running smoothly and stress-free.

Book Your Family Photoshoot in Great Dunmow, Essex

When it comes to family photography in Great Dunmow, I’m here to make every step simple and enjoyable, from what to wear to how to pose naturally. Whether your style is relaxed and rustic or elegant and refined, we’ll create timeless images your family will treasure for years to come.

Contact me today to book your family photoshoot in my Great Dunmow studio and start planning your perfect session.