What to wear for your Family Photos: A Simple Guide
Life moves so fast doesn’t it? Blink and the seasons change. So quickly, our tiny toddlers are not so tiny any more. You took the decision to capture those family moments and booked a photographer to freeze time and create memories for you that will last a life time. But . . . . . what do you wear? Most days, if you are anything like our family of four children, just getting dressed in anything is a challenge. But now you need to coordinate outfits? That’s where I can help out with my style guide for outfits and colours.
How you feel about your family portraits will be impacted by what you wear.
Just because an outfit looks great doesn’t mean it will shine in photos. You need to think about colours and textures too. Family photos are an investment, so plan your outfits whilst remaining uniquely you.
The way you style your family can impact how you use your photos. Would the colours make sense hanging on your wall? Choosing wisely will make your images will a family heirloom.
We don’t want your family session to be stress inducing, it needs to be fun and enjoyable for all. Lets walk through the process below.
Summer styling – 5 secret tips for your family photos
1 Say goodbye to perfect coordination
Keep it easy: you don't need everyone to match. Forget identical outfits and go for 4-5 complementary colours. Mix and match from your family's closets—no need to start fresh.
2 Think about where you are
The next key factor is location. Match your style with the surroundings. An urban setting demands a different vibe than a bohemian meadow. Also, consider practicality—can you move comfortably and are the outfits suitable for the conditions? If you are in the studio can you probably ignore this tip.
3 Kick off the process with mums wardrobe
Starting with mum is the first step. Mum’s look deserves special attention. Choose something that makes you feel beautiful, comfortable and confident. Women's clothing offers more variety in pattern and texture. Once your look is set, pick a few complementary colours for the rest of the family. Opt for long dresses in high-quality fabrics—they're flattering and functional. Choose a colour you love, ensuring freedom of movement and a slightly elevated feel. Maxi dresses or skirts work best if you have little ones, allowing ease during the session activities.
4 Emphasis well fitted clothing
While freedom of movement matters, avoid overly flowy or shapeless attire. Consider proportions, does your outfit create balance between your upper and lower half? Dresses or skirts with a tie waist define your shape, while slim-fit pants pair well with a looser top. Opt for fitted clothing, striking the right balance for flattering family photos.
5 Explore muted colours and delicate patters
For memorable photos, focus on your family's love and connection so we can capture the emotions. Muted colours direct attention where it matters, unlike bold hues. They harmonize with nature, creating dreamy imagery. Subtle patterns add depth, blending well with the environment. Opt for smaller prints to emphasize emotion in your family outfits.
Here are some things to avoid so you don’t regret it later:
Bold and dark colours
Bright white
Neon colours
Dads shorts
Logos
Thin stripes
Strapless, sleeveless, low cut / revealing tops
Undershirts
Sports shoes
Thank you for reading this article. If you are keen to explore your family portraits with David Roberts Portraits, please get in touch and leave a message.
I look forward to hearing from you.
