What do I wear?
The truth is, family photography doesn’t have to be stressful. In fact, it can be a ton of fun! Here are 10 tried-and-true tips to make your session with me relaxed, joyful, and memorable.
My Approach
You know your clan better than I do so ignore anything that doesn't work and embrace the chaos of kids for everything else..
As a family photographer on the Central Coast of Australia, I’ve seen it all: toddlers refusing to smile, parents stressing about outfits, and the occasional meltdown (and not just from the kids!). One of my favorite memories is of a dad who, halfway through a session, broke into a goofy dance routine to make his shy daughter giggle. Not only did it work like magic, but the unplanned moment became the highlight of their photo album.
Relax, Perfection Isn’t the Goal
The best photos aren’t the ones where everyone is stiffly posed, grinning on command. They’re the moments when your family’s unique quirks and connections shine through. Kids being kids, parents laughing at the chaos—these are the images that will make your heart swell for years to come. So let go of perfection and embrace the playful unpredictability of the session.
Choose Comfort Over Coordination
Coordinated outfits can look great, but they shouldn’t come at the expense of your family’s comfort. Choose clothing that allows everyone to move freely and feel at ease. Soft, neutral tones work beautifully, but don’t shy away from adding a pop of personality through accessories or favourite pieces. The key is for everyone to feel good—because relaxed families look amazing in photos.
Ideas on clothing
Choose outfits that are coordinated but not matching, opting for a cohesive colour palette rather than everyone wearing the same shade. Stick to solid, muted colors like earth tones, pastels, or neutrals, and avoid loud patterns or distracting logos.
You could start by finding one outfit you love and build the rest of the families outfits from there.
Comfort and confidence are key, so ensure everyone feels good in their chosen attire.
I recommend only one family member (in a family group) wears a patterned outfit, the rest wear block colours that compliment the patterned item. Too many patterns mixed together can look distracting and busy. You can sometimes get away with using two patterned outfits as long as they really compliment each-other, being similar colours, or one having a really subtle pattern.
Texture
Adding textured clothing to your styling, such as knit or waffle fabrics, linen, corduroy, lace, and more, can make your photos look so good. It adds interest and depth. Having some items of clothing with movement, like flowy skirts and dresses, also helps.
Pack the Essentials
Bring a bag with a few essentials to make the session smoother: snacks, water, and a favourite toy or blanket for younger kids. These little things can be lifesavers during breaks or if your child needs a quick pick-me-up. Oh, and don’t forget wipes or tissues for unexpected spills or sticky fingers!
Trust the Process
Some parents feel pressure to “manage” their kids during the session, but that’s my job! I’ll guide your family naturally, helping you relax and enjoy the experience. Kids can be unpredictable, but those unplanned moments often result in the most authentic and endearing shots. So take a breath, let me handle the flow, and just focus on enjoying time with your family.
Bring the Fun
Think of your session as a family outing rather than a photoshoot. Bring along items that encourage playfulness, like a favourite game, bubbles, or a cherished book. Whether it’s a tickle fight, a piggyback ride, or a silly dance-off, these moments create genuine joy that shines through in the photos.
Prepare Your Kids with Positivity
Before the session, talk to your kids about what to expect. Explain that it’s a fun time to play together and take some pictures—no need for pressure or perfection. Frame it as an adventure! If they know it’s a special family day, they’re more likely to approach it with excitement and curiosity.
Time It Right
Choose a time of day when your family is at their best. For some people it’s the very early morning (just before sunrise)
For younger children, sessions after naps or meals tend to work well. The sun unfortunately does not wait for little ones and Golden hour (the hour after sunrise or before sunset) provides stunning natural light.
If you can, push the last nap to just before our shoot. Rested and happy kids (and parents!) make for a smoother session.
Make It a Celebration
Turn the day into a mini celebration! Plan a fun family activity before or after the shoot, like a picnic, ice cream outing, or a trip to the park. Knowing there’s a special treat coming can keep kids motivated and excited, and it makes the day feel extra meaningful for everyone involved.
That’s it!
Your family photo session is about capturing the real, beautiful, messy magic of your lives together. By focusing on connection over perfection and embracing the playful spirit of the day, you’ll not only end up with stunning photos but also a wonderful memory of time spent together.