what to wear. 

Two children sitting on the floor with an adult. The children are girls, one wearing a blue and white striped dress with pink sneakers, the other wearing a blue shirt and jeans. The adult is wearing black Converse sneakers, white socks, and a denim jacket, and is holding a child's hand.

Whooohoo the fun part!

The wardrobe, I know this can feel overwhelming, but don’t stress! This is honestly my favourite part when I plan my own family photos. I’ve got plenty of tips and tricks to guide you, so think of this as a friendly guide rather than a strict rule book.

A woman with dark wavy hair wearing a blue denim shirt is sitting outside on a white blanket with two children. One young girl with blonde hair pulled back is on her lap, and a toddler boy wearing a gray t-shirt with the word 'busy' and striped pants is sitting on her lap. They are in a park with autumn leaves on the ground and trees in the background.
Two young children, a boy and a girl, hugging each other in a park during autumn, with colorful fall leaves on the ground and trees in the background.

Begin with the Essentials You Already Own

Begin by selecting one person’s outfit as the base, and build the rest of the wardrobe around it. Incorporate colour and subtle patterns to add interest — this could be through a graphic tee, playful prints, or carefully chosen accessories.

To create balance, pair these elements with timeless staples such as denim or neutral tones (whites, creams, browns). This approach ensures variety while maintaining a cohesive overall look.

Pregnant woman holding her belly while sitting, wearing a yellow knit sweater, with a child sitting on her lap in a plaid shirt and white leggings.
A woman and a young girl playing outside next to a yellow vintage van.

Think about incorporating different textures and fabrics, they add depth and detail that can really set the mood of your photos. For example, a light linen floral dress works beautifully in spring, while a chunky knit brings warmth and coziness in winter.

Textures That Tell the Season’s Story

Three kids playing around a vintage teal car during autumn in a park with orange and green trees.
A young boy with blonde curly hair standing indoors with a smiling man crouching behind him. The boy is wearing a yellow t-shirt, colorful striped overalls, and blue sneakers with socks. The man has curly blonde hair, is wearing a black and white checkered shirt, gray jeans, and brown shoes, and is smiling at the camera.

There are a couple of small things I’ll ask you to remove before your session — smart watches, phones, keys, or wallets in pockets.

For ladies, don’t forget hair ties around the wrist! These details might seem minor, but they can become little distractions in your photos.

Fashion watches and jewellery, however, are always welcome.

The Little Things Matter

Quick tips

Overalls for Toddlers: Easy to wear and perfect for little ones who get picked up a lot — no constant adjusting needed.

Dresses for Little Girls: Pair with bloomers or bike shorts to keep nappies or underwear covered.

Layer Up: Bring a cardigan or jacket in case the weather turns during your session.

Plan Your Outfits: Lay everything out and see the look. Unsure? Send me a photo — we’ll sort it together.

See lookbook guide below for more ideas!

Lookbook guide

  • Image of clothing items for a family of five, including adult and children's casual outfits, with a color palette of five colors at the top.

  • Collection of clothing items for a family, including a woman's cream-colored outfit, a striped men's t-shirt, brown men's pants, a white patterned baby shirt, pink overalls with a white top, a yellow baby jumpsuit, pink sandals, and sneakers, with a color palette of six neutral shades.

  • Clothing collection for a family of three with a newborn, including a dress, a long-sleeve shirt, a pair of jeans, a floral sweater, knitted booties, and a color palette.

  • Clothing items for a family of four, including a woman wearing a white knit cardigan, a beige striped short-sleeve shirt, a pink and white striped baby onesie, checkered wide-leg pants, brown shorts, a blue vest, a gray and white long-sleeve shirt, striped pants, and children's shoes and socks, with color palette swatches at the top.

  • A family outfit display featuring a woman in brown lacy pants and top, a pair of brown pants, a light blue denim jacket with a tan collar, a white sweater, orange overalls with straps, and a pink and white button-up shirt with blue patterned pants, labeled 'Family of four with Toddlers' and a color palette of six shades.

  • A family of four with toddlers, including a woman in a white outfit, a person in light blue jeans and a green denim jacket, and a toddler wearing a colorful knit cardigan, blue jeans, a brown sweater, and striped pants. There are also color swatches at the top.

  • Collection of clothing for a family of four and toddlers, including shirts, pants, overalls, a dress, sneakers, and color swatches.

  • An assortment of clothing and shoes for a family of four, including dresses, shirts, jeans, shorts, sneakers, and boots, with color palette swatches.

  • Clothing and accessories for a family of three, including a brown dress, cream cardigan, green beanie, pink and yellow hats, beige sweater, knit booties, black boots, black sneakers, and brown plaid pants, with color swatches of brown, blue, green, and beige.

Take me back to the welcome guide