What to Wear for Your Family Photoshoot – A Guide to Looking and Feeling Your Best

Fiona Bielby

Mar 143 min read

Updated: 3 days ago

Let's not let what to wear be the barrier between you and a Family Photoshoot

Planning a family photoshoot is exciting, but one of the biggest questions I get asked is: What should we wear? The right outfit choices can make a huge difference in how your photos turn out, ensuring a timeless, cohesive look while allowing your family’s personality to shine through. Here’s my guide to helping you choose the perfect outfits for a relaxed and beautiful family photoshoot.

Family sitting on a bed; parents gaze at a baby in father's arms during their Family Photoshoot. A child in a red dress leans in, smiling warmly. Loving atmosphere.

1. Keep It Comfortable and Authentic

First and foremost, wear something you feel comfortable in! If you’re tugging at your clothes or feeling self-conscious, it will show in the photos. The best family portraits capture real, relaxed moments, so choose outfits that reflect your family’s true style and personalities.

During their Family Photoshoot, a group of people, including children and a dog, walk on a rural path, smiling and talking. Background features fields and trees. Sunny day.

2. Coordinate, Don’t Match

Gone are the days of everyone wearing identical outfits! Instead of matching, aim for a coordinated look by selecting a complementary colour palette. Soft, neutral tones and earthy shades tend to photograph beautifully and keep the focus on your family’s connection. Think soft blues, warm greys, and muted greens, rather than bold patterns or clashing colours.

Family of four smiling while sitting on ancient stone ruins, during their Family Photoshoot. Green grass and trees in the background; a mood of joy and togetherness.

During their Family Photoshoot, joyful grandparents hold their grand daughter in their garden, surrounded by lush greenery. The woman wears a blue dress, the man a white shirt. Smiles abound.

A couple holds hands, smiling in a garden path with white gazebo. Two children run playfully in front, creating a joyful atmosphere,during their Family Photoshoot.

Family in a forest: dad holding his child with a knitted hat, mum smiling beside them, during their Family Photoshoot. Autumn leaves cover the ground, trees in the background.

3. Consider the Season and Location of your Family Photoshoot

Your outfit choices should complement the environment and time of year. For autumn and winter, rich tones like mustard, deep reds, and forest greens work beautifully, paired with cosy textures like knitwear and scarves. In spring and summer, lighter fabrics and pastel tones bring a fresh, airy feel to your photos.

Woman in yellow sweater crouches, smiling at a child in colorful knitwear. They’re on a leaf-strewn path for their family photoshoot, in a forest setting.

Three people in casual attire sit and stand by a large tree in a sunlit, grassy area. Their expressions are relaxed, with a wooden fence nearby for their Family Photoshoot.

Children laughing on grass; during their Family Photoshoot, one in a red skirt, the other in a black jacket. Autumn leaves scattered, joyful mood.

4. Avoid Large Logos and Busy Patterns

Logos, brand names, and overly busy patterns can distract from the natural beauty of your photos. Instead, opt for solid colours, subtle prints, or classic textures that add depth without overwhelming the image.

Family smiling in windy outdoor setting. One wears a "Vans Off The Wall" shirt. Hair is windswept, creating a playful mood. — This is just a snap on my phone, even so, do you notice how distracting he logo on my son's jumpers is, it's the first thing I'm drawn to, you want to avoid that for a family photoshoot to keep it more timeless and classic.

5. Dress in Layers and Textures

Layering can add dimension and interest to your photos while also keeping everyone comfortable. Think cardigans, scarves, or soft jackets—these not only look great but also allow for easy outfit changes if the weather shifts.

A family of three stands by a stone bridge in a grassy field. The parents smile while holding a baby, during their Family Photoshoot. Sheep graze in the background.

A family of four smiles by a green picket fence in front of an old stone building. The sky is partly cloudy, creating a cheerful atmosphere. — These were taken at a Christening, so obviously the outfits were planned to acclimatise them with the cooler church setting, in between and then the venue for drinks and nibbles, but the well-chosen layers here coordinate perfectly and add interest.

Elderly couple smiling, during their Family Photoshoot, on a tractor in a sunny garden with lush greenery. She wears a striped shirt; both appear happy and relaxed.

Family of four outdoors on frosty hillside. Parents lift kids joyfully, during their Family Photoshoot. Overcast sky, winter attire, and rolling hills in background.

A family walks outdoors, smiling. Parents hold a child between them, another child runs beside them, during their Family Photoshoot. Stone wall and grass in background.

6. Think About Footwear

Your shoes will be visible in many of the shots, so make sure they fit the vibe of your session. For outdoor shoots, avoid overly bright or sporty shoes and instead opt for boots, sandals, or neutral trainers that work well with your outfit choices.

Child balancing on a wooden beam in a garden, guided by adults. Blooming trees and a house are in the background. Sunny day vibe.

During their Family Photoshoot, family of four sitting on a log in a park, parents smiling, young children wearing blue and gray jackets. Autumn leaves in background.

7. Let Kids Be Kids During Their Family Photoshoot

If your little ones are comfortable and happy in what they’re wearing, it will make a world of difference in the photos. Avoid anything too stiff or restrictive—soft cottons, dungarees, or floaty dresses allow for movement and natural playfulness during the session.

Family of five in a forest holding hands. Two parents, three children; one baby held by father. Autumn leaves on ground, during their Family Photoshoot. Smiling faces.

Family enjoying nature; woman holds smiling girl, man lifts child joyfully. Sunlit forest path, lush greenery around, creates happy vibe, during their Family Photoshoot.

Girl in purple dress smiles with finger on lip, standing in autumn leaves. Family sits playfully in background under sunny sky.

Kids in denim jump off a hay bale, while others pose in front on a grassy field. Cloudy sky sets a playful, joyful mood, during their Family Photoshoot.

Toddler in a white dress takes first steps assisted by an adult, during their Family Photoshoot. Other children in white and black clothes play nearby on a grassy field.

8. Choose Flattering Coats and Avoid Bulky Layers

If your session is during colder months, consider wearing a flattering-shaped coat rather than a bulky one. Large puffer jackets or oversized coats can make you look undefined in photos, losing the shape of your body. Instead, opt for tailored coats, belted jackets, or stylish layers that complement your figure while still keeping

you warm.

Family with a baby and dog smiling in an autumn park, surrounded by fallen leaves. Trees in the background add a warm, cheerful atmosphere.

A group of seven adults, two kids, and a small dog pose in a formal garden,during their Family Photoshoot. The scene is sunny, with lush greenery and an ornate building.

Family of four smiling by a tractor in a sunny field. Young man and woman sit on tractor, with older couple standing beside them. Lush trees in background.

9. Bring Props to your Family Photoshoot for Fun and Personality

Props can add a dynamic element to your family photos, making them feel even more fun and personal. Consider bringing hats that suit the season—sun hats for a summer session, beanies for winter—or even sunglasses that can add a playful touch.

Props like scarves, picnic blankets, or even a favourite family book can help create relaxed, natural interactions during the shoot. And if you have kids, small items they love, like a soft toy or bubbles, can keep them engaged and happy throughout the session.

Children and adults play with bubbles and rackets in a lush garden. The scene is joyful, during their Family Photoshoot, with greenery and a brick house in the background.

Family sitting on grass in a forest, smiling. Woman in hat, man in glasses, during their Family Photoshoot. Two kids in plaid and navy. Warm, joyful atmosphere.

Woman lovingly embraces a boy outdoors. The boy is in a light blue shirt with a red and blue bracelet. The setting is a grassy area.

Adults and kids joyfully blow bubbles in a garden, surrounded by greenery. The scene is lively and colorful, during their Family Photoshoot.

Your family photoshoot is all about capturing love, connection, and joy, so wear something that makes you feel great and lets your personality shine. If you’re unsure, I’m always happy to offer guidance and suggestions to help you look and feel your best on the day.

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