Planning a family photoshoot is exciting — and one of the most common questions I hear from families across Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, and Northamptonshire is: “What should we wear?” The right outfits can make the difference between portraits that look good and portraits you’ll treasure for a lifetime.
In this complete guide, I’ll walk you through colour palettes, coordination tips, what to avoid, advice by age group, and how to prepare for the day — so you can walk in confident and focus on enjoying every moment.
The Golden Rule: Coordinate, Don’t Match
The most common mistake families make is dressing everyone in identical outfits. While it feels like the safe choice, matching outfits can make portraits look flat and strip away each person’s individuality.
Instead, coordinate your outfits. Choose a palette of 2–4 complementary tones, then dress each family member in their own variation. One parent in cream, the other in warm beige, children in soft grey — the result is harmonious without being rigid.
Colour Palettes That Photograph Beautifully
Certain colours work exceptionally well under studio lighting, while others can be distracting or unflattering. Here’s a quick reference:
✓ Works beautifully
- Soft neutrals — cream, ivory, beige, taupe
- Earth tones — terracotta, rust, mustard, olive
- Muted pastels — dusty blue, blush, sage, lilac
- Rich classics — navy, burgundy, forest green, chocolate
✗ Best to avoid
- Neon & very bright colours — cast unwanted colour on skin
- Bold logos & graphic text — date quickly, distract from faces
- Fine stripes & tiny checks — create a flickering moiré effect
- Pure bright white — can “blow out” against light backdrops
Outfit Advice by Age Group
Babies (0–12 months)
Keep it simple and soft. A cosy romper with a knit cardigan is always perfect. Neutrals and whites work beautifully for the youngest family members — and avoid anything with fiddly buttons or tight straps that might cause discomfort.
Toddlers (1–3 years)
With toddlers, comfort is everything. If they’re not comfortable, they won’t be happy — and that shows instantly in photos. Choose soft fabrics, avoid tight waistbands, and don’t put them in shoes they’re not used to. If they have a favourite top they love wearing, feel free to work it in — their personality is part of the story.
Children (4–12 years)
Involve your children in choosing their outfit — when they feel they’ve had a say, they’re far more enthusiastic in front of the camera. Keep it age-appropriate and comfortable. Layering works brilliantly: a shirt with a lightweight jacket adds texture and variety without being over-the-top.
Teenagers
Teenagers often feel self-conscious in front of the camera. Let them wear something they genuinely feel confident in — within the agreed colour palette. When they have input and feel stylish rather than “dressed up”, they naturally relax and the portraits become authentic.
Adults
As adults, we’re often the most indecisive. A simple, well-fitted outfit in a complementary tone is always the right choice. Avoid anything too baggy or shapeless — well-structured clothing photographs far better.
For women: wrap dresses, midi skirts, and tailored blouses work beautifully. For men: chinos with a well-fitted shirt or a simple crewneck always translates well on camera.
The most important factor, above all else, is that everyone feels comfortable and like themselves. Wear something you’d genuinely choose to wear — confidence always shows in portraits.
Layers, Textures and Accessories
Adding layers and textures creates visual depth in your portraits. Great options include cardigans, blazers, denim jackets, knitted jumpers, and scarves (especially for autumn and winter sessions). Linen and soft cotton photograph with a lovely natural quality.
For accessories, keep it simple and meaningful — a delicate necklace, small earrings, a classic watch. Accessories can add a personal touch without overwhelming the overall look.
Preparing Your Outfits in Advance
A little preparation makes a big difference. Here’s what I recommend in the days before your session:
- Try everything on together — lay all outfits out 2–3 days before so you can see the full picture and make any changes
- Iron or steam the night before — don’t leave this until the morning
- Bring a backup top for young children — last-minute spills happen to the best families
- Pack a small touch-up kit — lip balm, comb, light powder if needed
- Bring both options if you’re unsure — I’m always happy to give an honest opinion on the day
Frequently Asked Questions
Should everyone wear exactly the same colour?
No — coordinate, don’t match. Choosing a shared palette and letting each person wear their own variation within it produces far more natural and visually interesting portraits than identical outfits.
Can we do an outfit change during the session?
Depending on your package, yes. Most families opt for a smarter coordinated look for the main portraits, then a more casual set (jeans and plain tops) for candid, playful shots. Just let me know when you book and we’ll plan accordingly.
What if my child refuses to wear their outfit on the day?
It happens! Don’t stress. A happy, relaxed child in a slightly different outfit will always make for better portraits than a tearful one in the “perfect” one. Flexibility is key, and we’ll always find a way to make it work.
What colours work best with your studio backdrops?
Neutral and earth-toned outfits work beautifully with virtually any backdrop. If we’ve already discussed a specific theme or colour for your session, feel free to ask me what palette works best — I’m always happy to advise before your session.
Ready to Book Your Family Photoshoot?
My studio is based near Milton Keynes, serving families across Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire, and Bedfordshire. Sessions are relaxed, fun, and designed around you — no stiff poses, just genuine moments you’ll treasure.