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Styling Guide

What to Wear for Your Family Photography Session

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Dressing for Timeless & Beautiful Photos

What you wear for your family photos can make all the difference in how your images turn out. The right outfit choices enhance the mood, create visual harmony, and help tell your family's unique story. This guide will help you choose what to wear (and what to avoid) so your photos feel effortless, natural, and truly timeless.

What to Wear:

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  • Coordinate, Don’t Match – Aim for a cohesive colour palette rather than identical outfits. This keeps the look natural while showing individuality.

  • Neutral & Earthy Tones – Soft whites, muted blues, warm browns, beiges, and sage greens photograph beautifully and complement natural surroundings.

  • Layers & Textures – Linen, knits, lace, denim, and flowy fabrics add depth and movement to your images.

  • Flattering Fits – Choose clothing that highlights your best features while allowing you to move freely.  Clothes that hide nappies on younger kids are ideal (rompers, bloomers, tights etc).

  • Classic Over Trendy – Timeless styles ensure your photos age well and don’t feel dated in a few years.

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What to Avoid:

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  • Neon & Bright Whites – These can reflect harsh light and wash out skin tones. Opt for off-white or cream instead.

  • Black: Black shirts, dresses or pants will appear flat and without detail. They can also draw attention away from faces. Charcoal or grey is better. 

  • Logos & Graphics – Large text or bold branding is distracting. 

  • Overly Tight or Baggy Clothes – Both can be unflattering and uncomfortable.

  • Too Many Competing Patterns – One subtle pattern is great, but multiple busy prints can be distracting.

Choosing The Right Colours

When picking outfits, remember that photo editing may subtly alter colours. Some bold shades may look different in post-processing. Stick to muted, earthy tones like beige, olive, rust, or soft blues or light pastels for a delicate, airy feel.

Sand Dune

Riverbed

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 Harvest

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Field

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Dusk

Winter

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Lush Fabrics, Elevated Style

Neutral colours don't need to be boring! Layer different textures to create depth, movement and atmosphere. â€‹

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Velvet

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Chunky Knits

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Suede

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Silk

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Fine Rib Knits

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Simillar Tones

Final Touches: Accessories & Grooming

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1. Footwear: Shoes are taken off for studio sessions to protect the flooring from scuffs. Shoes are usually worn for outdoor sessions, but you may choose to remove for river or beach sessions, and certain maternity poses. Secure boots are recommended for field sessions like Rouse Hill Regional Park. â€‹

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2. Headwear: Hats, scarfs and headbands are a nice detail which add personality and variety to a session gallery. Windy days benefit from hair being kept away from the face with clips, headbands, hats or up styles. 

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3. Make Up: Make up is best kept natural, no harsh contour, eye shadow or blush. Lipstick is ok, so long as it is not drying the lips.

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Styling Tips For Every Family Member

For Moms & Women:

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  • Flowy dresses, skirts, or well-fitted jeans with soft blouses create elegant movement.

  • Midi or maxi-length dresses flatter most body types.

  • Soft curls, natural waves, or a loose bun complement timeless portraits.

  • Opt for neutral or soft makeup. A nude lip or chapstick is best as colours may change in editing.

 

For Dads & Men:

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  • Neutral chinos or jeans paired with a casually opened button-up, henley, or casual knit sweater.

  • Avoid stiff, formal outfits as you may be swinging kids around — aim for relaxed yet polished.

  • Stick to muted tones and layers for a classic, comfortable feel.

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For Kids & Babies:

 

Kids will be kids, and chances are they will end up in all sorts of strange and energetic positions. Choose unrestrictive, breathable clothes.

  • Rompers are great for little ones still in nappies to keep them from peeking out in photos.

  • Bloomers under dresses help maintain modesty while keeping the look adorable.

  • Simple, cozy outfits in soft fabrics—dresses, overalls, or knitwear—are perfect.

  • Barefoot for beach or lawn sessions; fully enclosed shoes (like boots) for wild fields.

  • Bring towels and change of clothes for sessions near the water in case kids get wet. 

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Browse Client Wardrobe

My client closet contains babies, kids and women's items. Use is fee with your photography session. 

Hiring

I have a relationship with Mama Rentals and can provide you with a 15% discount code towards gown hire, for clients with booked sessions. MammaRentals have a gorgeous selection of frocks suitable for before, duringa and after pregnancy. 

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I also have a selection of rompers, wraps, and bloomers for newborn babies to complement your family style. This can be discussed closer to the shoot once you have planned your outfits.

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Feeling Comfortable, Confident & Camera-Ready

The best outfit is one that makes you feel great. Prioritize comfort so you can focus on enjoying the moment. When you feel good, it shines through in the photos. Trust the process, relax, and let the magic happen.

 

Ready to create beautiful memories? Let’s make it happen!

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