A family photoshoot is more than a set of photographs; it’s a chance to pause, connect, and capture who your family is right now. But it’s completely normal to feel unsure about what to wear, how to prepare, or how to keep everyone calm on the day. This guide breaks everything down into clear, easy steps so you can walk into your session feeling relaxed, confident, and ready to enjoy the experience.
What to Wear
Sometimes deciding what to wear for your family photoshoot can seem like a daunting task. “What if I don’t choose the right clothing?” “What if the whole family doesn’t match?” “What if…?”
These are all common thoughts that run through your mind leading up to a photoshoot, and they’re absolutely normal. A family photoshoot is a great way to show off your family connection, and what you wear is a huge part of that. Here are 5 tips on what to wear for your photoshoot.
Tip 1. Don’t match, coordinate
Wearing matching outfits might seem like the perfect way to express the genuine connection between you and your family, but this isn’t the case. Matching outfits can feel forced and more “uniform”-like. It’s much better to coordinate what you’re wearing using 2–3 colours.
Tip 2. Colours Matter
Choosing the right colours is essential; having too many vibrant colours in a photograph can distract from the true subjects; you and your family. Neutrals are best; they help keep the focus on faces and connection rather than on clothing.
Tip 3. Accent colours add depth
This one is simple: adding one accent colour that stands out adds interest and depth to the photo without being overwhelming.
Tip 4. No logos or branding
As well as being a pain for licensing photos, having logos and branding on clothing can massively distract the eye when looking at images. They can create strange colour casts on the skin and are generally distracting in photos.
Tip 5. Your Footwear
Shoes are sometimes visible in photographs, so wearing footwear that’s both comfortable and subtle is important. Avoid shoes that are dirty or very bright, as these draw attention away from the moment. Sometimes barefoot works well to create a more natural vibe, but discuss this with your photographer first to see whether it’s practical.
How to Calm Nerves (Adults & Kids)
Feeling a little nervous about a family photoshoot is normal, but rest assured, it will be okay. Your photographer will guide you through the entire process. That being said, until you’re actually with your photographer, you might find it difficult to keep yourself or your family calm. Here’s some advice to keep everything running smoothly and help keep nerves down.
Tip 1. Be on time (the earlier the better)
Being on time for your photoshoot is one of the best ways to keep nerves at bay. It allows the photographer to walk you through the next steps and gives your family a chance to settle in. Being rushed and unprepared can translate into tense expressions and stiff body language.
Tip 2. Family > The Camera
The aim of the photographs is to be family-focused, and that’s how you should view your photoshoot. The more you focus on the camera, the less genuine the interactions will feel in the final images. Rest assured, I’ll capture every moment; you just need to enjoy yourselves.
Tip 3. Kids will be kids
There should be no expectation of “perfect” behaviour during a photoshoot. Putting pressure on children rarely helps and will only make the photos feel stiff. Let them explore, get comfortable, and have a fun time.
Tip 4. Expectations vs. Reality
Not every moment during a photoshoot is going to feel flawless, and that’s exactly what makes a family portrait feel human. Let the quirks show. One genuine smile is better than ten forced ones.
Final Thoughts
To summarise, a family photoshoot isn’t about being perfectly posed or standing to attention. It’s about capturing your family in their moment. With comfortable clothes, a little preparation, and a relaxed mindset, you’ll walk away with beautiful photos your family can enjoy for years to come.
If you have any questions about what to wear, what to expect, or anything in between, your photographer will be happy to help. Now it’s time to enjoy your photoshoot.