What to Wear for Family Photos: Simple Styling Tips from a Maidstone Photographer

claireroads
Feb 5
2 min read

You’ve booked a photo session, and the big day is drawing nearer…

Now for the tricky bit – what do you wear?!

As a Family and Newborn photographer in Maidstone, Kent, I’m asked this question alllllllll the time.

…and while I’ll never tell you what you have to wear (because this is your family and your story), I do have a few tips to help you feel calm, confident and beautifully coordinated on the day ❤️

1. Mum, start with yourself (trust me on this one)

If you take just one thing away from this guide, let it be this:

Choose your outfit first.

Choose something you feel good in; whether that’s your favourite pair of jeans or a beautiful dress.

Get everyone else to work around you.

Don’t put yourself last this time, trust me.

2. Coordinate your family outfits, don’t match

When planning what to wear for a family photo session, aim for coordinated, not identical.

Choose 2–3 colours that complement each other and then mix in neutral tones like beige, cream, denim, navy or grey.

(The aim is to avoid that trend in the 90s where everyone wore blue jeans and a white top (you know exactly what I am talking about 😉)

3. Avoid logos, neon colours and character prints

These bright or busy details can be really distracting in photos — and they tend to date quickly.

Simple, plain items photograph beautifully and make sure the focus stays where it belongs: on your gorgeous family.

4. Patterns are welcome — just use them thoughtfully

Patterns can look gorgeous but try to stick to just one patterned outfit within the family.

If one of you is wearing floral, striped or checked clothing, keep everyone else in solid colours to keep the overall look balanced and relaxed.

5. Above all… wear something comfortable and “you”

More important than colour palettes or patterns is how you feel in your clothing.

I want you to look and feel like YOURSELF.

When you look at your images in years to come, I want you to see your family as they are now and the love, connections and relationships which tell your story.