Let’s be real — dressing yourself is hard enough on a normal day, let alone when you’re about to step in front of a camera with your whole family. I get it. Add kids (and possibly a partner or grandparents) into the mix and suddenly it feels like a whole production.

So, let’s take a deep breath.
This doesn’t need to be stressful — it’s meant to be fun. Your session isn’t about perfect outfits; it’s about connection, play, and real moments that look and feel like you.

TIP #1 BE YOURSELF

There’s truly only one “rule” when it comes to what to wear: **be authentically you**.
You can absolutely dress up, dress down, or find that middle ground where you feel comfortable but still a little bit special. The goal is to reflect your family’s *real personality* — the way you laugh together, cuddle in close, or chase each other through the sand.
Forget trends or “matching perfectly.”
If your daughter wants to wear a tulle skirt and gumboots — that’s wonderful. If your partner’s most “them” outfit is a soft linen shirt and rolled-up jeans — perfect. The most beautiful images come when everyone feels relaxed, connected, and confident in what they’re wearing.

TIP #2 MATCH YOUR OUTFIT
TO THE LOCATION & SEASON

We’ll move, play, and maybe even get a little sandy, grassy, or muddy — so wear something that lets you *enjoy the moment*.
**For outdoor sessions:** flowy fabrics, layers, and textures photograph beautifully. Think dresses that move, shirts that catch the breeze, or cosy knits for cooler weather.
**In summer**, choose light, breathable fabrics like linen, cotton, or gauze.
**In winter**, layer up — textures like wool, denim, and knits photograph so beautifully.
If we’re shooting at the beach or in a field, **bare feet** often look best and feel most natural.
For studio sessions, **simple and neutral** always wins — it lets the focus stay on your connection.
If you’re unsure, feel free to bring a couple of options. We can decide together on the day — and if your little one ends up half-covered in sand halfway through, that’s part of the magic too.

TIP #3 THINK in colour stories, not matching outfits

Gone are the days of everyone in matching jeans and white shirts! What works beautifully now is coordinated tones and complementary colours, not identical ones.

Start with one person’s outfit (usually Mum or whoever’s outfit feels most special) and build around that. Choose tones that work together rather than match.

For example:

If you’re wearing soft neutrals like beige, oatmeal, or sage, your partner might wear a muted blue or olive shirt.
Kids can bring in warmth — a floral print, a knitted romper, or soft blush dress adds character and movement.
Layers, textures, and subtle patterns (like small florals, linen, or stripes) add depth to photos.

Avoid anything with logos, writing, or very bold prints — they tend to distract from faces and connection.

If you’re ever stuck, think of it like creating a little colour palette: 3–4 tones that complement each other (for example: cream, rust, sage, and denim).

See examples of colour palettes below