What to Wear to your Family Photoshoot | A Simple Guide

If you’ve booked a family session (or are thinking about it), one of the first questions that usually comes up is:

“What do we wear to our family shoot?”

As a lifestyle family photographer based on the Gold Coast and Northern Rivers, I’ve photographed hundreds of families and guided them through this exact question. The most surprising thing I have learned is that its not about what you wear – there are a few donts for sure BUT it boils down to comfort and confidence.

Whether we’re shooting at a beach in Kingscliff, the Gold Coast hinterland, or a backyard in Byron Bay, here’s how to choose what to wear , all stress-free. Because this should be an easy experience , its not about the wardrobe , its about being together and being with the ones you love.

1. The one thing that really matters in your family photo outfits

Your family Photoshoot is about connection, not posing stiffly in unfamiliar clothes. Its about the cuddling, the inside jokes unique to your family , the (maybe ) last time you will be able to put your child on your hip, its about your story and details you want to remember ( curls , long lashes and chubby toddler legs and the sounds of their giggles)

On a practical level , everyone should wear something that allows for easy moving , LOTS of cuddling , chasing, tickles , getting muddy , getting wet or sitting in long grass. Its more important to wear something that will be easy to move in , whether you are sitting or standing or even chasing your toddlers in . If these clothes get dirty – its okay .The important thing is that you are TOGETHER.

I feel that its important to choose pieces you feel beautiful and relaxed in, these cultivate being relaxed and confident so you can focus on what matters. . We all own an item of clothing that we KNOW we look good in.

Think:

• Soft flowy dresses or skirts
• Linen shirts
• Oversized knits
• Relaxed pants or shorts, or your favourite pair of jeans that you know fits well and you dont mind getting messy
• Bare feet or simple sandals
• Or boots ( think hunter boots or colorful gum boots for your toddler)- which is especially important for locations with longer grasses.

2. Style Inspiration for your photoshoot – Choose Tones, Not a Uniform

The best family photos feel natural and cohesive, not matching. I love the trend of simple elegant and white and denim but the general idea is a vibe and a feeling not matching for the sake of matching . Choose a Palette and feeling , not a Uniform

The best family photos feel like you : natural, expressive, and connected.

Instead of identical outfits, think

• palette over perfection.
• Think feeling over looking like everyone else.
• Earthy tones, warm neutrals, soft textures, or a subtle pops of colour can photograph beautifully against the coastal light and hinterland backdrops of the Gold Coast and Northern Rivers.
• Also think of your surroundings – a beautifully styled Air BNB in Byron bay can inspire the tone of your family shoot ( minimal or boho) or maybe a relaxed beach setting in Dreamtime Beach will inspire a toned down look. Decide what suits your family and comfort.
• For paletyte inspiration – click here https://au.pinterest.com/rebeccarottcher/photoshoot-outfit-inspiration/ – its my pinterest board with ideas

3. Comfort is everything when choosing what to wear to your Family Shoot

This may be the most unexpected yet obvious tip you may come across: be comfortable and wear what fits . Your clothing should fit and fall on you beautifully .

Discomfort can’t be photoshopped. Confidence , joy and ease is what is timeless and will ensure you love these images and want them framed around your home. This tip should be at number one but I think its all part of the same idea ; be comfortable and at ease because when this happens not only are you more likely to enjoy the process , you will love the photos too.

This is also probably why I prefer longer dresses for mums because whether seated or standing it’s easier to photograph, its so often I cant have a mum seated with her babes because either , she hates how her legs look ( which , is exactly this tip wear what you’re comfortable in and know you’ll look good in) OR I cant pose her comfortably without underwear showing ( iykyk) Again, that’s that’s not a rule , do what makes you shine and gives you joy.

As for the rest of your family , if your little one loves their mustard overalls or your teen refuses to wear anything but green , we’ll make it work. It’s about capturing your family as they are, not squeezing into something they’ll hate (and want to rip off mid-shoot!). Lets get the whole family on board in every way and excited for photos , this isn’t a chore and shouldn’t be uncomfortable.

4.This is a collaborative process so ask your photographer on what to wear

All photographers LOVE being involved. It helps us get to know you too and gets us creatively orientated to your story and aesthetic.

I want your family to shine and to bring your own colour, character, and confidence to the shoot. As a family photographer I’ll guide you to choose outfits that feel effortless, authentic and beautiful but what inspires me most is when your wardrobe choices help tell your story.

5) Do we need new clothes for our family photoshoot?

You don’t need to. Some of the most relaxed and beautiful images come from pieces you already own and feel good in. I’m not opposed some retail spoiling either and love any excuse for a new spoil , just make sure you absolutely love it and feel confident and comfortable in that new item of clothing. It must be true to you , true to your family ( if your kids don’t wear clean linen overalls ever don’t force them to do it for a photoshoot – I promise they will not enjoy the process and the photos often end up being a reminder of that awkwardness)

FAQ’ s when planning what to wear to your Family Photoshoot

What colours look best in family photos?

I don’t think there is a right or wrong colour , but if you want a rule for the sake simplifying things I would say , neutrals always work well and are classic. I also love pops of colour if that’s your personality . Choose tones that suit both the beach and the lush greenery of the Northern Rivers or Gold Coast hinterland and creeks and that’s usually neutral colours . As long as they work with you and bring out your best features too. Please avoid neon , I have learned that neon colours wreck skin tones so please avoid these as I cannot photoshop skintones wrecked by a reflective neon. For more inspiration I have created a pinterest board – click here https://au.pinterest.com/rebeccarottcher/photoshoot-outfit-inspiration/

Can you help us with planning outfits for our family shoot ?

Yes , styling is part of the process. When you book a shoot, I’ll send you a styling guide and offer help choosing outfits from your wardrobe . I also love helping you style your kids and partner too . My advice here would be to plan and not leave it to the day ( or night ) before.

Do you offer a client wardrobe? What is a photographers wardrobe ?

Right now, I don’t offer a client wardrobe and that’s very intentional. Photographers often have curated wardrobes , I don’t offer this service as I have never really had a call for it. And I want your images to look like you not everyone else. I have seen hiring services and can point you in that direction if you want the ease of this service.

This is why I don’t offer a curated wardrobe : I want your photos to reflect you and your family’s personality, style, and connection. The best sessions are the ones where you show up feeling like yourselves, not like you’ve stepped into someone else’s version of what a family “should” look like. I also dont want your movement or the moment ruined if you’re too concerned about ruining a garment ( or your kids ruining a garment) on beach and creek shoots we are in the water , focusing only on the joy and intentional time with your family . Family shoots get messy , lets have the freedom to allow that , its one less thing to worry about while we are on your family shoot creating memories.

Instead of providing a wardrobe that may not feel true to you, I offer guidance and a collaborative styling process that helps you choose outfits you feel comfortable, confident, and beautiful in. I’ll send you inspiration, colour palette ideas, and tips for choosing pieces that photograph beautifully (and won’t date next season). And if you want to bounce ideas or get my eyes on your options I’m happy to do that too . Or if you want to be totally casual in your bathers and what you wear everyday , I’m here for it all. I want comfort above all else.

Because this isn’t about recreating someone else’s Pinterest board. It’s about telling your story.

We’re doing a shoot at the beach , what should we wear to our beach photoshoot?

For beach shoots, think soft textures, breathable fabrics, and tones that flow with the sand and sky. Linen, cotton, or gauzy can layers work beautifully. If we are shooting in summer – pack some bathers too and lets get in the water. It always relaxes kids and draws out their best smiles. For that matter, I love the idea of a dressed down shoot too , this is about YOU and what you want to preserve.

Final Thoughts on What to wear

When you feel comfortable and confident in what you’re wearing, the connection and joy shine through and that’s what makes the photo magic happen.

I’m here to help you every step of the way, whether we’re shooting at Broken Head, Currumbin, or your own backyard in Cabarita Let’s make it easy and beautiful.

For more inspiration , visit my Families page , I also provide my clients with a more in depth guide so if you are looking to book I would love to chat and see how we can create candid , fun and natural family photos click here to get in touch , if you just looking for inspiration , Pinterest is great and I have created a board with palettes to inspire you https://au.pinterest.com/rebeccarottcher/photoshoot-outfit-inspiration/