You’re excited to have booked your family photography session with me and then the anxiety sets in…“what do we wear?!” This is one of the most common questions I’m asked as a lifestyle family photographer. Because we all want to look and feel our best - especially in photos that we intend to hang on the wall for everyone to see. Add to that the fact that Auckland weather is so changeable and it’s easy to get paralysed with confusion.

Don’t worry, I’m here to help! I want you to feel relaxed and comfortable in the knowledge that you look great! With that in mind, here’s my simple 5 step guide to choosing what to wear for your family session with me.

Step 1. Consider Your Location.

If you want natural, relaxed photos, you need to dress in a way that’s appropriate for your location. For example maxi dresses and lighter fabrics look great and feel natural in a beach or park setting.

If you’ve booked an in-home session with me consider that an excuse to go barefoot. You can almost guarantee that I’m going to photograph you snuggling on your bed - and shoes on the bed look wrong!

Think about the tones and colours in the setting. At the park there’s lots of green, brown and yellow. If you wear those colours you’ll blend in. If you wear soft complimentary colours (neutral tones + coral, blush, pink, or mustard) you’ll stand out more and compliment the setting.

Guys - choose more casual shirts. Either go collarless (a t-shirt or textured button collared grand-pa tee) or opt for softer linen or cotton fabrics instead of business style shirts.

Step 2. Account for the Weather.

Auckland can get 4 seasons in one day - so even in summer I encourage you to bring an extra layer for each person. Your strappy summer dress might be your favourite, but if it’s 14 degrees on the beach blue lips and goose bumps will make a crappy accessory.

If you’re having an Autumn or Winter session rug up against the cold using many thin layers rather than carrying bulky coats and puffers. I recommend tights or leggings with boots for little girls and even a thermal under-layer for little ones. For boys I love the look of merino layers with a sweater or vest. If you have a small blanket or rug that you love bring that too. It can multitask as something to sit on and something to snuggle in if it gets very frosty.

Step 3. More fun, less fuss.

Think about what you’ll be doing during your shoot. You asked for a fun, natural, relaxed session. That means you’ll want to be spontaneous and active. Whether that is throwing your toddler in the air or snuggling and tickling on the bed you want to be comfortable moving without worrying about tags, shirt-tails, nappies, knickers or bra straps being exposed.

If something constantly has you fiddling and adjusting, it’s not right. That includes your underwear. Make sure your wearing appropriate, well fitted underwear.

Think about nappy covers, all in one rompers or overalls for toddlers so that you can avoid shirts and singlets popping out or pants riding down to expose nappies. Consider tights or shorty shorts under little girl’s dresses.

Guys - once again opt for a shirt that is more casual comfy and less business. You’re going to want to be able to lift and interact with your kids.

Step 4. Work around Mum first.

Lets face it ladies, we’re the hardest to please. 9 times out of 10 mum is the most self conscious person on the day, so I advise you to start there before worrying about anyone else. Once you have your outfit sorted take your colour palette and fabric cues from there.

A flowing dress can be a wonderful way to hide wobbly bits, but if maxi dresses aren’t your thing put together a top and bottom you feel a million bucks in.  Think about the colours and outfits you receive the most compliments in. What do you love to wear? Whatever you choose you want to feel comfortable being active with your kids at your session.

Step 5. Patterns, Colours, Textures and Layers

Remember that 90s family photo where everyone wore matching white shirts and jeans?  Yeah, that’s over now.  Gone are the days of matchy-matchy and mini-me outfits.  Instead aim to co-ordinate with a palette that unifies you but with different textures and items that reflect your style. 

Avoid bold graphics and pictures, text or very tight patterns like paisley and small zig-zags. These send the camera into a tailspin and draw attention away from the most important thing - your lovely face.

I love neutral tones. I think white, cream, beige, tan, oatmeal and grey are all timeless. Especially paired with softer colours like mustard, rust, denim, olive, mint, coral or cantaloupe.  Whatever colours your choose, try to stick with a palette of just 2-3 main colours for everyone to work with a neutral colour thrown in to unify things. 

I also love layers! Layers translate to comfort, cosiness and relaxation.  Outdoors layers are the best way to avoid an uncomfortable chill and make you look seasonally appropriate.  They can also be a handy way to hide any bits you’re not so fond of. 

If you’re choosing a chunky knit on top, pair it with skinny pants and boots to give your body some shape and form. Otherwise consider softer fabrics like cashmere, mohair or merino as warm layers with floaty dresses.

WHAT TO WEAR AT A GLANCE

At the Beach or Park:

DO

• Choose lighter natural fabrics (e.g. soft breathable cottons, linen, fabrics that flow).

• Opt for softer linen, cotton or collarless shirts for guys. Think outdoorsy/casual not business.

• Consider longer flowing dresses with a bit of “swish” to the skirt.

• Choose a neutral palette with colours that are cohesive in that setting (think earthy tones with a pop of soft complimentary colour).

• Bring plenty of thin but warm layers for cold evenings. This includes cute beanies for kids.

• Consider rolling up your pants and going barefoot at the beach.

• Choose a nappy cover, tights, or all in-one options (rompers/overalls) for little kids so that they have freedom to move without exposing knickers or nappies.

DON’T

• Wear something you’re afraid to get wet or to sit on rocks, wet sand, tree branches or grass in.

• Wear stiff, business style shirts.

• Wear dress shoes.

• Wear puffer jackets or bulky overcoats.

• Wear anything restrictive (short skirts/overly tight jeans) - you want to be able to move freely with your kids.

In your Home:

DO

• Choose relaxed fabrics in colours that compliment your home environment.

• Opt for softer linen, cotton or collarless shirts for guys (t-shirts, button neck grandpa tees, textured long sleeve tops).

• Have your home warm enough that you don’t need a tonne of bulky layers to keep warm.

• Leave your shoes off. If you’re really self conscious about your feet then socks are ok.

• Choose a nappy cover, short shorts, or all in-one options (rompers/overalls) for little kids so that they have freedom to move without exposing knickers or nappies.

• Choose simple necklines, especially for kids. High collars or flutter sleeves can end up covering their smiles in photos.

DON’T

• Wear stiff, business style shirts or formal shoes.

• Take your watch off (unless it’s a statement piece) they draw attention in photos.

• Have everyone matchy-matchy.

• Wear anything that is going to restrict your movement (short skirts, overly tight jeans).

Finally, more important than any of these suggestions is that you just be you.  You probably have all you need right there in your wardrobe. And if you don’t you can find it affordably without too much trouble - you don’t need something extravagant.

Wear what you feel great in.  Wear what you’ll love to walk past every day on the wall. 

Still need more inspo?

For more inspiration check out my What to Wear PINTEREST boards