Planning your family photoshoot is an exciting time, and one of the most common questions I get asked at Dandelion Studio is: “What should we wear?” The good news is, dressing for your photos doesn’t need to be stressful! Whether you’re coming into the studio or we’re heading outdoors, the key is to feel comfortable and confident. Let’s break down some simple tips to help you choose outfits that will make your family photos pop.

1. Keep it Comfortable, Keep it You

First things first—comfort is key. You’ll want to look your best, but if you’re all wearing something uncomfortable, it’ll show in the photos. Choose outfits that feel natural and make you feel good. That way, you’ll be more relaxed, and your true personalities will shine through.

At Dandelion Studio, our indoor sessions are all about creating a cosy, relaxed atmosphere, so soft fabrics and well-fitted outfits work perfectly. Think cotton, knits, or anything that allows movement. If we’re heading outdoors, it’s still important to keep comfort in mind, but feel free to play with textures like denim or layering to suit the setting.

2. Coordinate Without Being Matchy-Matchy

When it comes to dressing the whole family, coordination is key—but that doesn’t mean everyone has to be in identical outfits. Instead of dressing everyone in the same colour, aim for complementary shades or tones within a similar colour palette. Neutrals, pastels, or earthy tones tend to work beautifully in photos and keep the focus on your faces rather than the clothes.

For example, if Mum is wearing a light blue dress, Dad could wear a beige or grey shirt, and the kids could be dressed in similar tones with a pop of soft colour. This way, your outfits will look cohesive without being too “matchy-matchy.”

3. Patterns and Prints: Keep it Simple

When it comes to prints and patterns, less is more. Small, subtle prints can work well, but it’s best to avoid anything too bold or busy, as it can distract from the overall look of the photos. If one family member wants to wear a patterned piece, balance it out with solid colours for the others. That way, you still get some visual interest without it feeling overwhelming.

In studio settings, patterns can sometimes compete with the controlled lighting and backdrop, so keep things simple. If we’re outdoors, you can play a bit more with textures and subtle prints that complement the natural surroundings.

4. Dress for the Season

If you’ve booked your session in the studio, we’ve got the temperature and lighting sorted, so you don’t need to worry too much about the weather. But if you’re heading outdoors, it’s important to dress appropriately for the season. In colder months, layering is your best friend—think cosy knits, scarves, and boots for a warm, stylish look. For spring or summer, light fabrics and flowing dresses are perfect for a breezy, relaxed feel.

Even in the studio, you can still dress to reflect the season. A winter shoot could feature warm, rich tones, while a summer session could have lighter, brighter colours to bring out that seasonal vibe.

5. Consider Your Studio Setting

Most of our sessions at Dandelion Studio are indoors, so think about how your outfits will work within the studio. I tend to use soft, neutral tones in the studio to create timeless, elegant images, so clothing that complements these tones works best. Whites, greys, pastels, and earthy colours will stand out beautifully against the simple setting, allowing your family’s natural connection to be the main focus.

6. Let the Kids Be Kids

When dressing your little ones, comfort is especially important. Kids need to feel free to move, play, and be themselves. For younger children, avoid overly formal outfits that they might find uncomfortable or restricting. Soft, stretchy fabrics in neutral or pastel tones are perfect, allowing them to look great while still feeling at ease. And if they want to bring a favourite accessory like a hat or headband, that can add a bit of their unique personality to the photos!

7. Personal Touches Make All the Difference

Family photos are all about capturing your story, so don’t be afraid to add some personal touches. This could be something as simple as a special piece of jewellery, a favourite scarf, or a meaningful prop that’s personal to your family. If there’s something sentimental you’d like to include in the shoot, let’s chat about how we can incorporate it naturally.

Final Thoughts

The best advice I can give when it comes to choosing outfits for your family photoshoot is to stay true to yourselves. You want to look back at these photos and feel like they represent who you are as a family, so choose clothes that reflect your personal style while keeping things simple and comfortable.

If you’re unsure about what to wear or need a second opinion, don’t hesitate to reach out! I’m always happy to help guide you through the process to make sure your photos are everything you imagined and more.