Dressing thoughtfully for your family shoot helps create timeless, natural images where the focus stays on your family’s connection—and lets the beautiful seasonal colours shine.

Here are a few tips to help you choose outfits that photograph beautifully:

Keep it Simple and Coordinated
Choose 1–2 main colours for the whole family to build your outfits around. Soft, earthy tones like beige, cream, brown, rust, or dusty rose work wonderfully in autumn light. Avoid bright greens, which can blend too much with natural backgrounds.

Mix Textures
Especially in the colder months, this is the perfect season to layer cosy fabrics. Think wool knits, corduroy, linen, denim, or soft cotton. Mixing textures adds warmth and visual depth to your photos, even with simple tones.

Avoid Logos and Loud Prints
Skip bold patterns, big prints, or visible brand logos—they can distract from the emotions and atmosphere in the images. Small patterns or subtle checks can work if they stay within your chosen colour palette.

Accessories Make a Difference
Don’t be afraid to add character with hats, scarves, or knit beanies—especially for little ones. Long dresses or skirts add movement and a timeless, elegant feel to outdoor portraits.

Think About Hands
Hands are often in focus during a family shoot—they help tell the story of connection through touch and gesture. It’s a great excuse for a little hand care (or even a manicure!) before your session.

Footwear and Practical Layers
Closed shoes or boots are ideal for walking on leaves, grass, or forest paths. Bring warm layers (like a cardigan or coat) that look good in photos if needed—especially during cooler autumn days.

No Sunglasses, Please
We love seeing your eyes! Sunglasses can hide your expressions, so it's best to leave them at home.

If you’re unsure about what to wear, feel free to send over outfit ideas before your session—I’m always happy to help you pull it all together.

The most beautiful photos come from real connection—and that starts with staying close.

Stay Close, Stay Connected
During your session, make sure you're always touching in some way. Holding hands, resting your head on a shoulder, or simply placing a hand on someone’s arm—these small gestures speak volumes in a photograph. Physical closeness creates emotional closeness in the image, while space between people can sometimes look like distance, even if it doesn’t feel that way in the moment.

Let Love Show
This is your chance to lean into affection. Touch your children’s cheeks, smell their hair, kiss their heads, tickle them, hold them tight. These everyday gestures of love are what make the images feel honest, warm, and uniquely yours.

Be Yourselves—with a Little Awareness
You don’t need to pose stiffly or smile at the camera all the time. Natural movement and interaction are what I’m looking for—but do keep in mind that I’m there, capturing it all. Try not to turn your back to me completely, and be mindful of where the light is falling. A slight shift or glance can make all the difference.

A Note for Partners

Let’s be honest—most family sessions are booked by mums, and sometimes partners (especially the dads) aren’t quite as excited about having their photo taken. I get it.

In my own family, I tell my partner: “You don’t have to be my everyday Instagram husband. But once a year, I want some proper photos where I’m in the frame too.”

Many mothers tell me the same: “I’m never in the pictures.” Always the one behind the camera, capturing everyone else, but never fully seen in the story. These photos are not just for now—they're memories for your children to hold onto one day. For them to see the love, the connection, and yes—you, just as you were.

So show up, hold your people close, and be part of something that will matter more with every passing year.

Bringing Props

I always bring a blanket to sit on during our session—but you’re more than welcome to bring a few favourite things too, especially if they help your children feel comfortable or make the session more playful.

Think bubbles, a kite, a little tricycle, or a favourite soft toy—anything that fits the mood of the shoot and your family's style. As long as it visually blends in with the natural or neutral tones of the session, it's welcome! These small items can create lovely moments of fun and connection.

If you're unsure whether something will work, just send me a message before the shoot—I'm happy to help you decide.