What do we wear?
This is a GREAT question! It wasn't until I had my own family photos a few years back to I found the struggle to be REAL! Almost overwhelming to the point I just wanted to cancel the session. The one thing I learned myself is to choose a base colour and work around that. Here are my HOT TIPs for what to wear to an outdoor family photo shoot. Clients will receive a Style Guide upon booking their session.
choosing your outfits
what is the season?
🌸 Spring & Summer Sessions (September – March)
Spring and Summer in Sydney is fresh, light and full of soft greenery.
Best colours: Soft blush, Sage green, Cream, Light blue, Beige, Muted florals
Spring is perfect for flowy dresses and light fabrics like linen and cotton. Think soft, airy and relaxed.
Avoid anything too heavy or dark — spring and summer photos look best when they feel light and fresh
🍂❄️ Autumn & Winter Sessions (April – August)
Autumn and winter bring softer light, cooler air and beautiful earthy tones. These seasons are perfect for warmth, texture and rich colours that photograph beautifully in bushland and park settings.
This is one of my favourite times of year to shoot — the light is gentle and soft.
Best Colours: Rust, Olive, Mustard, Camel, Cream, Browns, Soft navy, Greens
These tones work beautifully against natural bushland and golden afternoon light.
Dress one person first (usually mumma!)
Choose ONE outfit you love (often Mum’s dress), then build everyone else’s outfits around that. The idea with colour is to choose colours that compliment rather than match. I mean, I don't mind denim and white at the beach but instead of ALL being the same, mix up the shades of denim and throw in some neutral tones instead of white and it will be beautiful!
For mums: Flowy dresses photograph beautifully, especially in outdoor sessions. They move with the wind and add softness to your images. Ensure dresses and skirts are not too short as you want to be able to feel like you're able to move easily throughout the session. Flat shoes for outdoor locations or barefoot at the beach.
For dads: Neutral chinos or linen shorts, Button-up shirts, Plain tees in soft tones.
For kids: dress them to be comfortable and colours and tones that compliment the adults.
have a trial run at home
Don’t just lay outfits on the bed — actually put them on at the same time.
Sometimes an outfit looks beautiful on its own but clashes once everyone’s together.
With larger groups, coordination matters even more. I usually suggest that each individual family dresses in slightly similar tones. Example:
Family 1: Cream + denim
Family 2: Sage + beige
Family 3: Soft blue + oatmeal
When placed together, it looks balanced and natural.
You also DO NOT want to discover 30 mins before your session that the kids shorts don't fit anymore because they have had a growth spurt :) The more comfortable you are, the more relaxed you'll be at the session.
If you’d like reassurance, feel free to send me a quick photo of your outfits laid out together — I’m always happy to help guide you.
other top tips
Choose classic over trendy
Family photos hang on walls for years.
Ask yourself: Will I still love this in 10 years?
Simple, neutral and classic always wins over what's on current trend.
A Few Things to Avoid
Neon colours, Large logos, Very dark outfits on everyone
Matching white shirts and jeans for all
Too many bold patterns.
Undergarments
Very practical but important. In bright outdoor light:
Bright bras can show under white, Neon underwear can show through light fabrics, Straps can slip
Better to notice at home first before your session.
