Choosing what to wear for a family photoshoot does not need to be stressful. The best outfits are usually the ones that feel natural, comfortable and coordinated without looking too forced. At Steve Lowrey Photography in Leigh, I photograph families from Leigh, Wigan, Manchester, Bolton and across Greater Manchester, and one of the most common questions I get asked before a session is: “What should we wear?”
When considering what to wear, think about the comfort and style that best represents your family during this special occasion.
It’s essential to remember what to wear can greatly influence the final look of your photos.
Consider what to wear for your family photoshoot to ensure everyone looks and feels their best.
As you plan what to wear, make sure to choose outfits that not only look good but also complement each other.
When deciding what to wear, soft neutral colours tend to photograph beautifully!
The simple answer is this: wear clothes that feel like you, but think about how the family will look together in the final photographs.
What to Wear – Keep Colours Coordinated, Not Matching
You do not all need to wear the same colour. In fact, everyone wearing identical outfits can sometimes look a little dated. A better approach is to choose a simple colour palette and let everyone dress within it.
Soft neutral colours usually work well for family portraits. Cream, beige, navy, denim, grey, soft blue, earthy tones and muted colours all photograph nicely. If you prefer stronger colours, that is fine too, but try to avoid too many bright competing colours in the same photo.
A good example would be:
- one person in navy
- one person in cream
- one person in denim
- one person in soft grey or beige
This gives the photographs a natural family connection without everyone looking overly staged.
Remember, while thinking about what to wear, avoid anything that may distract from the joy of the moment.
Avoid Large Logos and Distracting Patterns
So when it comes to what to wear, simplicity often yields the best results.
For family photography, faces and connection should be the focus. Large logos, bold slogans, football shirts and very busy patterns can pull attention away from the people in the photograph.
Consider the environment where the photos will be taken when deciding what to wear.
As you choose what to wear, take into account the main features of your home decor.
Small patterns can work, especially florals, checks or soft textures, but if several family members are wearing strong patterns, the image can start to feel cluttered.
Consider what to wear for each family member to ensure a cohesive look.
If in doubt, keep it simple.
Think About Where the Photos Will Be Displayed
If you are planning to put your family portraits on the wall at home, think about the colours in the room where they may be displayed. You do not have to match your sofa, but it helps if the clothing colours will sit nicely with your home.
For example, if your home has soft neutral decoration, natural colours and classic clothing may work better than very bright colours. If your home is bold and colourful, then stronger tones may suit you perfectly.
What Should Children Wear?
Children should look smart, but they also need to feel comfortable. If a child is wearing something itchy, too tight or unfamiliar, it can affect their mood during the session.
For younger children, simple outfits often photograph best:
- dresses
- dungarees
- smart jeans
- plain tops
- knitted jumpers
- classic shirts
- simple shoes or bare feet for younger studio portraits
Avoid anything that needs constant adjusting. If children feel relaxed, the photographs will look more natural.
Should Everyone Dress Smart or Casual?
That depends on the style of portrait you want.
For a relaxed family photoshoot, smart casual usually works best. Think of outfits you might wear for a nice family meal, not necessarily a wedding.
For a more formal family portrait, shirts, dresses, jackets and smarter outfits can work very well. This is especially good for multi-generation family portraits with grandparents, parents and children together.
Bring Options if You Are Unsure
If you are not sure, bring a couple of outfit options. I would rather you had too many options than arrive wishing you had brought something different. This is especially useful for children’s outfits, as a simple change can create a very different look.
When preparing for your shoot, having multiple options of what to wear can be beneficial.
You may also want to bring:
- a spare top for younger children
- hairbrush or comb
- wipes for little ones
- simple accessories
- a favourite toy if it helps your child relax
What About Studio Backgrounds?
At my Leigh photography studio, I have a choice of backgrounds and areas that can suit different family styles. Some outfits work better with darker backgrounds, while others suit lighter or more neutral setups.
This is another reason why simple, coordinated clothing works well. It gives more flexibility during the photoshoot.
Should We Wear Shoes?
For some family portraits, shoes matter. For others, especially relaxed studio images with younger children, bare feet can look natural and comfortable.
If you are wearing shoes, avoid old trainers unless that is part of your family’s style. Clean, simple shoes are usually best.
The Most Important Rule: Feel Like Yourself
The best family portraits come from people feeling comfortable. Do not wear something just because you think you “should”. If your family is relaxed, casual and playful, your outfits can reflect that. If you prefer a smarter, more classic family portrait, that is fine too.
A family photoshoot should show who you are, not turn you into someone else.
Book a Family Photoshoot in Leigh, Greater Manchester
Remember to ask yourself what to wear to ensure everyone’s comfort during the shoot.
If you are planning a family photoshoot and would like advice on clothing, backgrounds or styling, I am happy to help before your session. My studio is based at Spinners Mill in Leigh, and I photograph families from Leigh, Wigan, Bolton, Manchester and across Greater Manchester.
For more information, visit my main family photography page:
family photographer in Leigh
Ultimately, think about what to wear that aligns with your family’s personality.
If you need further guidance on what to wear, feel free to reach out for personalised tips.
