Family photo
SHOOT style guide
Let’s be honest, booking a family photoshoot is the easy win. It feels productive, decisive… like yes, we are that organised family. And then comes the part that quietly unravels everyone. The outfits.
This is where things go sideways fast. Suddenly it’s not just clothes, it’s coordination, colours, personalities, weather, body confidence, and that one child who refuses to wear anything that isn’t covered in dinosaurs or sequins. We’ve seen families stall here for weeks, overthink it, second guess everything, even delay their shoot entirely because they couldn’t land on what everyone should wear.
We have created this guide exists to make that part easy. No more overwhelm, no endless options, just clear direction so you can choose quickly, feel confident, and show up looking and feeling great.
Your Family Shoot, Without the Overwhelm
Inside you’ll find simple tips to help you choose outfits that photograph beautifully without overthinking it. The goal isn’t perfect styling,it’s feeling comfortable enough to relax, move, and actually enjoy the shoot. Because when you’re not adjusting straps, fixing collars or worrying about what you’re wearing, the real moments show up. And those are the photos you’ll actually love. If you’re stuck, send me your options and we'll help you choose. Easy.
The Outfit Panic Is Real
outdoor portraits
Outdoor shoots mean walking, sitting and exploring. Wear something you can move in. Maxi or midi dresses and relaxed outfits photograph beautifully and keep things natural.
The environment
Cold lips and goosebumps aren’t the vibe. Check the forecast and bring layers just in case the temperature drops.
The weather
Beaches are usually windy, which is actually great for photos. Flowy dresses and skirts create beautiful movement in the images. Expect a little sand and maybe some water, so pack a change of clothes for the trip home. If you're up for it, jumping in the water can create some of the most fun, intimate moments.
the beach
Golden light is magic... but moody skies can be just as stunning. We love shooting in both. If you have a specific look in mind though, let us know. We keep my schedule flexible so we can reschedule if needed and make sure you get the most out of your shoot.
rescheduling
what to
wear
We recommend women wear medium or long dresses as short dresses will be a challenge when we do any seated photos. Maxi dresses give you something to twirl in plus it covers your legs when you sit.
Consider colour and seams in undergarments. The right colour and the right type of underwear for whatever outfit you’ve chosen. Make sure there is no pulling / cutting in on you, no tight elastic etc. Do an underwear check to see if you have undie lines showing. This is particularly relevant for maternity shoots. If you don’t want bra straps showing choose clothes that properly covers your undergarments, in all types of movement scenarios.
Avoid strapless dresses can pinch in, you’ll be moving around a lot, not standing still in the ‘perfect’ position. You want to be able to sit/ stand / twirl in it.
Make sure you remove scrunchies and hair-ties on wrists
For ladies
Keep it casual and comfortable, most guys don’t wear dress shirts, especially in their downtime, so sometimes this has them feeling over dressed. Linen, loose cottons on collared shirts, breathable fabrics, or a T-shirt with an open shirt over the top will help look less business-y. Empty those pockets of phones and keys!
for gents
For little girls, often beautiful large sleeves, collared shirts and flutter sleeves on girl’s dresses/rompers can flip up and cover little faces from certain angles. Try the outfits and accessories on beforehand and see how they wear with movement and a little handling. Dresses will fly up, or ride up when a child is being carried so if you aren’t comfortable with a little flashing, go long, or pop something underneath.
FOR GIRLS
Pants and shirts for very young boys are cute but not always that practical, as soon as you pick them up the shirt rides up and get creased, the pants ride down tags are out and the nappy is out, it’s fussy and can waste time. ( If you’re committed go for it) but rompers and all-in-ones are so much easier! They can be thrown up and around without worrying about adjusting the outfit to cover nappies etc
FOR BOYS
Colour Sets the Whole Mood
How to Make Everyone’s Outfits Work Together
things to avoid
- Patterns or large logos that are really large/geometric/very colourful/highly contrasting will draw the eye. I’m not saying don’t go there at all but just be aware that the eye will focus on these strong patterns, especially if only one member of the family is dressed like this.
- Large logos – same as above.
- Matchy-matchy. As tempting as it may be to all dress the same (and easy) it really takes away each individual’s uniqueness and personality to dress exactly the same. Similar colour tones are great, but not necessarily the exact same colour.
FOR BABIES AND YOUNGER CHILDREN
- With babies and toddlers pop them in a nappy cover to cover their nappies.
- If you have a spilly baby you might like to have a spare outfit just in case!
Choosing one outfit is hard enough... choosing five can feel like a full-time job. The easiest trick? Start with one outfit you love (often mum’s dress) and build the rest around it. If it has a pattern or multiple colours, that becomes your colour palette. Lay everything out together on the bed or floor so you can see how it all works. Take a quick photo on your phone, it makes comparing options way easier. If it looks balanced laid out, it’ll look great in photos.
What you wear literally changes the story your photos tell. Our favourite palette? Warm, earthy, natural tones, think olive, rust, beige, dusty pink, soft creams. These colours photograph beautifully and keep the focus on you, not your clothes. If you’re doing family photos, aim to coordinate rather than match exactly. Same vibe, different pieces. A quick note: bright red, harsh black and pure white can photograph a bit tricky. Swap them for dark olive, charcoal, denim, off-white or cream, they give the same feel without stealing the spotlight.
Pants and shirts for very young boys are cute but not always that practical, as soon as you pick them up the shirt rides up and get creased, the pants ride down tags are out and the nappy is out, it’s fussy and can waste time. ( If you’re committed go for it) but rompers and all-in-ones are so much easier! They can be thrown up and around without worrying about adjusting the outfit to cover nappies etc
Pants and shirts for very young boys are cute but not always that practical, as soon as you pick them up the shirt rides up and get creased, the pants ride down tags are out and the nappy is out, it’s fussy and can waste time. ( If you’re committed go for it) but rompers and all-in-ones are so much easier! They can be thrown up and around without worrying about adjusting the outfit to cover nappies etc
Maternity clothing can be difficult.. It can be tricky finding the perfect outfit when you're pregnant! The following advice really is dependant on body shape, how far you are along, and how you are carrying, but as a guide here’s what we recommend.
If you are comfortable with a form-fitting garment, this is ideal as with baggy clothing as it is easy to lose the baby bump shape and it means you have to constantly hold your belly if you want to show the curve. This can look a little unnatural and limits movement and posing options.
If you’d like to do some shots with the bump out we are all for it! Depending on how much skin you want to show, Kimono, wrap dresses, button dresses or shirts are all great options for this type of shot too.
MATERNITY
wear
hair and
makeup
Hair
If you’re wondering whether professional hair and makeup is worth it for your shoot, our answer is almost always YES. Not because you need it (you’ll look beautiful regardless), but because that little extra polish does wonders for your confidence. When you feel good, you relax. And when you relax, the photos feel natural, easy and like you.
Below is a list of makeup artists we trust to create fresh, natural looks that photograph beautifully. Reach out to them directly to book around your session and check their rescheduling policies too, just in case the weather has other plans. And a gentle nudge: if your hair, colour or brows are on your mental “I should really do that” list, book the appointment. Those little things often make the biggest difference in how much you love your photos.
Cherie B Hair and Makeup Artist
Marnie Jade Make Up Artist
Brydie Donaldson Make Up
Abbie Hartland Makeup Artist
makeup
DRESS
HIRE
If you can’t find anything you love in your own wardrobe, Lend Me The Dress offers an amazing range of beautiful garments you can hire in a variety of sizes and colours. Use the discount code ‘photographer20’ for 20% off. We can use these at the beach, but need to keep them out of the sand and water.
SHOPS WE LOVE
Baltic Born
Free People
Max
Avy and Co
Hazel and Co
Lullaby Club
Country Road
For the MUMS
Jamie Kay
The Vintage Plume
Burrow and Be
Le Edit
Cotton on Kids
Lullaby Club
FOR THE KIDS
Barkers
Farmers
Country Road
Hallensteins
H & M
Three Wise Men
For the dads
what to
EXPECT
When we first meet, we willspend a few minutes chatting and getting to know you while quietly scouting the best light. Don’t worry if we're not shooting straight away, those first few minutes help everyone relax and set the scene. We’ll usually begin with something easy like walking together or a bit of movement, and we will grab one photo of everyone looking at the camera early on. After that, the session flows naturally depending on how the kids are feeling.
Family shoots can feel a little chaotic and that’s completely normal. Kids might need snacks, cuddles, or a quick reset, and sometimes we finish early because we’ve already captured everything we need. Other times we take a little longer. The magic usually happens in the unplanned moments anyway.
You don’t need to ask your kids to say “cheese” or force smiles. We will guide things through play, movement, singing, dancing and a bit of silliness to get natural expressions. Sometimes we'll photograph the kids on their own for a moment too. They often behave surprisingly well for a stranger with a camera.
The most important thing is that you relax and join in with your kids. The more fun you’re having, the more they will too and that’s where the real moments come from.
FAMILY SHOOTS
When it’s just the two of you, the shoot runs more like a relaxed couple session than anything overly posed. Think walking, moving, leaning into each other. Natural moments rather than awkward, cheesy poses. A lot of mums-to-be feel a little self-conscious about their changing body, so we will always guiding you into positions that feel comfortable and photograph beautifully. If there’s anything you’re feeling unsure about, let us know beforehand so we can keep it in mind.
And dads-to-be… I know maternity shoots aren’t always top of your “things I’m excited about” list. But don’t worry, you won’t be standing there wondering what to do with your hands. If it helps, show them some of my work beforehand so they know it’s relaxed, natural, and over before they know it.
MATERNITY SHOOTS
WHAT TO
BRING
FOR TOUCH UPS
Any personal appearance touchup items you might want, including things like lipstick or a hairbrush.
FOR LITTLE PEOPLE
Plenty to drink and some small snacks (nothing too messy or that will stain clothing). It’s best not to tell kids about the treats before the session; wait until the kids start getting fatigued before you pull out candy card! They’ll usually perk right up then!
Optional: A favourite toy, outfit, cuddly, bike, musical instrument, balloons etc can calm little people down if they are feeling overwhelmed during the session but if you don’t want this in all the photos leave it at home!
FOR SHOOTING NEAR WATER
If you are photographing near a body of water like the beach or a river or lake pack a towel and wipes. I always bring a change of clothes, even if it’s just for the way home.
more
inspo
Odds are, you already have a vision in mind about how you want to present yourself in these photos. But sometimes, that vision can be hard to describe when it’s not sitting right there in front of you. For more outfit inspiration Pinterest is where it’s at.
We have curated a bunch of helpful resources like the ones you see here, so take a look at my boards below, and feel free to re-pin to your own board!
