As a Melbourne based professional baby and family photographer, one of the most common questions I get from my clients is, “What should we wear for our photo session?” It’s a great question because the clothes you choose can make a huge difference in the final outcome of your photos. Your clothing can either complement the natural beauty of your family or distract from it.

To help you feel confident and prepared for your upcoming session, I’ve put together a few tips on what to wear. Let’s dive into how you can choose outfits that will make your photos look stunning while keeping everyone comfortable.

Coordinate, Don’t Match

Gone are the days of everyone wearing identical outfits. Matching outfits can look a bit forced and take away from the natural, candid feel of family photos. Instead, I recommend coordinating colours and styles. Choose a colour palette that works well together. For example, soft neutrals, pastel tones, or earthy shades always look beautiful in photos. You can incorporate a mix of textures to add visual interest, but keep it simple. Too many bold patterns or overly bright colours can compete for attention and distract from the faces of your loved ones.

Pro tip: Think about the location of your session. If the photography session is going to be held outdoors soft, neutral tones often work best. For a studio session, you may want to opt for more sophisticated, classic looks. Either way, ensure the colours complement each other without being too matchy-matchy.

Comfort is Key

While it’s tempting to dress everyone up in their best attire, comfort should always come first, especially when it comes to babies and young children. If they’re not comfortable in what they’re wearing, it will show in the photos. Parents, this applies to you too! If you’re constantly adjusting your outfit or your kids are squirming in theirs, it can take away from the relaxed vibe of the shoot.

For babies, think soft, comfortable fabrics—onesies, soft dresses, or simple tops are always a win. For toddlers and older children, make sure they can move freely. Avoid clothing that’s too tight or itchy. Everyone should feel at ease so we can capture those beautiful, genuine smiles.

Layering is a Great Idea

Layering adds depth to your outfit and gives you more options for different looks during the session. For example, a cozy cardigan or jacket can be added or removed depending on the mood of the shoot. Layers also allow for a little variety in your photos without having to do a full outfit change.

Avoid Large Logos and Distracting Graphics

While it’s fun to wear shirts with your favourite characters or logos, they can be distracting in photos. The focus should be on your family, not a graphic on your shirt. I recommend sticking with simple, timeless clothing without bold logos, text, or overly busy prints. Subtle patterns like polka dots, stripes, or florals work beautifully, but remember less is often more.

Think About the Details

Sometimes the smallest details can make the biggest impact. For babies, I love including some of my sweet accessories like headbands and hats. These can add a lot of personality to your photos without being overdone. For older children, consider adding a scarf, suspenders, or a cute vest. Just make sure that any accessories are comfortable and won’t distract from the overall look.

As for shoes, if you’re planning on walking around, make sure they’re comfortable and fit well. You don’t want to be caught with a pair of shoes that are too tight or uncomfortable for your little one.

Don’t Forget About the Whole Family

Sometimes, it’s easy to focus on the kids and forget about your own outfit, but don’t underestimate the impact of the entire family’s wardrobe. Parents and siblings should feel just as good as the little ones! If you’re doing a family portrait, it’s important that everyone is coordinated. When everyone’s in a cohesive outfit, it creates a beautiful, unified image that reflects the bond and love you share.

Get Creative with Textures

Textures can add an extra layer of richness to your photos. Think soft knits, denim, lace, or linen. These textures look amazing on camera and can help create a lovely, natural look. Just be mindful of not overdoing it with too many textures in one outfit or family photo. A mix of one or two textures, like a knit sweater with a denim jacket, can look effortlessly chic.

Ultimately, the goal of your family photo session is to capture the love and connection between you and your loved ones. What you wear is important, but it’s your emotions, expressions, and interactions that will shine the brightest. Keep it simple, coordinated, comfortable, and timeless, and you’ll be well on your way to creating beautiful memories that you’ll cherish forever.

Ready for your session? I can’t wait to capture these moments for you! Let’s chat about the perfect outfits for your family’s session and make sure you’re all set for your photo day by contacting me here.

I cannot wait to work with you soon!

Stace x