One of the most common questions before any session is — “What should we wear?”
This guide will help you prepare and feel confident for your photoshoot.
Our goal is for you to be the focus of your portraits — not your clothing. The right outfit enhances your natural beauty and connection as a family, drawing attention to your faces, emotions, and relationships.
Aim for a coordinated colour palette rather than matching outfits. Soft, neutral tones such as white, cream, beige, grey, black, or natural earthy colours work beautifully.
Please avoid logos, cartoon characters, bold patterns, numbers, or bright neon colours, as these can distract from your portraits.
Seasonal tones also make a big difference:
Autumn: warm shades like mustard yellow, brown, cream, navy
Spring: soft pastels such as blush, sage, or light blue
Summer: fresh tones like white, sand, or denim
Once you’ve booked your session, start planning outfits early. Clothes that seemed ready may suddenly not fit, need washing, or have a stain you didn’t notice. Preparing in advance saves last-minute stress and ensures everyone feels comfortable and confident.
The most important thing is that everyone feels good in what they’re wearing. Comfort and confidence naturally lead to relaxed, genuine expressions — and that’s what makes beautiful photos.
Remember: many studio sessions involve sitting or lying on the floor, so avoid anything too tight or restrictive.
14D Photography allows outfit changes during your session, so you’re welcome to bring an extra look for variety.
For group portraits, aim for harmony, not uniformity.
A few key tips:
Stick to solid colours and similar tones for tops and bottoms.
Avoid extreme contrasts (like a white top with dark trousers), which can draw attention to one part of the body.
Sleeves at least to the elbow are recommended — bare arms can sometimes distract from the face.
Your session location should reflect your family’s personality — whether it’s our studio, a local park, or a special family spot.
Think about how your clothing will look against the backdrop. For outdoor sessions, consider seasonal colours and weather conditions. Also, think about your home décor — how will these portraits fit with your style and colour scheme when displayed on your walls?
If you’ve bought a special outfit for the session, use its colours as inspiration for the rest of the family’s outfits. Accessories such as scarves, hats, or jackets can add variety and interest — and are easy to swap during the shoot.
Just remember, accessories should enhance, not distract. We want your smiles and connections to stand out most.
Avoid sleeveless tops, overly tight or revealing clothing.
Dress children in comfortable clothes that move with them — kids love to play and explore, even during shoots!
In studio sessions, bare feet often look better than shoes, unless shoes are clean and match your outfit style.
After family and group portraits, we often capture individual shots — especially of children.
Here, props can add creativity and personality. A favourite toy, book, or keepsake can make these photos extra meaningful.
Need outfit ideas? Browse Pinterest and search for “What to wear for a family photoshoot” — you’ll find endless inspiration.
If you have any questions or need help planning your outfits, please don’t hesitate to reach out via the Contact Us form — we’re always happy to help you prepare for a beautiful and stress-free session.
