"What should we wear?"
One of the questions I hear most often before a family photography session is:
"What should we wear?"
The good news is that you don't need matching outfits, complicated styling or a completely new wardrobe.
The best family photographs usually happen when everyone feels comfortable and looks like themselves.
My approach to family photography is natural and relaxed, so I want your clothing to feel the same way.
Start With How You Want Your Photographs to Feel
Before choosing outfits, think about the feeling you want from your photographs. Do you want them to feel:
relaxed and beachy?
warm and earthy?
timeless and neutral?
playful and colourful?
simple and modern?
Your clothing should support that feeling rather than compete with it.
Don't Match - Coordinate
One of my favourite tips is to coordinate rather than match. You don't all need to wear the same colour. Instead, choose a small palette of complementary tones. For example:
Soft neutrals: cream, beige, tan, oatmeal, soft grey
Earthy: olive, rust, brown, mustard, warm cream
Coastal: white, sand, denim, pale blue
Warm and timeless: terracotta, cream, camel, muted green
This creates variety while still making everyone look connected.
Think About Texture
Texture photographs beautifully.
Linen, cotton, knitwear, denim, soft dresses and natural fabrics can add depth and interest without making the photographs feel busy. This is especially lovely for outdoor sessions where we are surrounded by natural textures such as sand, grass, trees and water.
Let the Children Be Comfortable
This one is especially important.
If your child hates wearing something, don't put them in it just because it looks beautiful. A child who is uncomfortable will be uncomfortable in the photographs too. Choose clothes they can move in.
Let them run.
Let them climb.
Let them get sandy.
Let them be children.
Those moments are often the photographs you'll treasure most.
Consider the Auckland Weather
Auckland weather can change quickly, so layers are your friend. A beautiful cardigan, jacket or knit can add another layer to the photographs while keeping everyone comfortable.
For beach sessions, consider bare feet.
For cooler days, think about warm textures and layers.
And don't panic if the weather isn't perfect.
Some of my favourite photographs happen when the wind is blowing, clouds are moving across the sky or the weather gives us something unexpected.
What About Shoes?
Shoes don't have to be complicated.
For beach sessions, barefoot is often perfect.
For parks, simple neutral shoes, boots or sneakers can work beautifully.
The main thing is to choose something you can comfortably walk and move around in.
What About Dad?
Dads are often the hardest people to dress for family photographs!
Keep it simple.
A plain shirt, linen shirt, knit, polo or good-quality T-shirt with jeans, chinos or shorts can look fantastic.
You don't need to dress up more than feels natural to you.
What I Would Avoid
I generally recommend avoiding:
large logos
very bright fluorescent colours
clothing with lots of competing patterns
everyone wearing exactly the same outfit
anything that makes you feel uncomfortable
You want the photographs to be about your family, not about what you're wearing.
The Most Important Rule
Wear something that feels like you.
If you're usually a jeans-and-T-shirt family, don't suddenly arrive dressed like you're going to a formal event.
If you love dresses, wear one.
If your children live in sneakers, that's okay.
The photographs should feel authentic to your family.
I'll Help You Plan
When you book a session with me, we can talk about your location, the light, the season and what you're thinking of wearing.
I'll help you put everything together so that you can arrive at your session feeling confident and relaxed.
You don't have to know how to pose.
You don't have to know what to do with your hands.
And you definitely don't need to be a model.
Just come as you are.
I'll guide you through the rest.
