Journal

March 15, 2026

What to Wear to Your Family Session

Styling a whole family can feel overwhelming. Here's a simple framework that always works — and a few mistakes to avoid.

One of the most common questions I get before a session is: "What should we wear?" It's a great question — what you wear has a huge impact on how your photos feel. Here's the approach I share with every family I work with.

Start with one anchor piece

Pick one outfit you love — usually whoever is hardest to dress (dad, a toddler, a newborn). Build everyone else's colours around that piece. This is much easier than trying to coordinate everyone at once.

Stick to a soft palette

Neutrals photograph beautifully and keep the focus on your faces and connection. Think creams, warm whites, taupes, sage, dusty blue, terracotta. Avoid bright neons or busy patterns — they compete with the people in them.

Coordinate, don't match

Matching outfits can feel a little stiff. Instead, think of your family as a cohesive palette — everyone pulls from the same colour story, but in their own way. Mixing textures (linen, knit, denim) adds visual interest without chaos.

Comfort is non-negotiable

Especially for kids. If they're tugging at something or can't run around freely, it'll show. A relaxed kid who feels comfortable is infinitely more photogenic than one who's uncomfortable in a stiff outfit.