What to Wear for Family Photos: Outdoor & In-Home Styling Guide.
Once you have booked your family session, the very next question is almost always: "What on earth should we all wear?"
It is completely natural to want your family to look their best, but traditional portrait advice often leads to families looking stiff, uncomfortable, or overly coordinated. (We’ve all seen the late-90s trend of everyone wearing identical denim jeans and white t-shirts!)
As a Surrey family photographer specialising in candid family photoshoots, my goal is to capture your family exactly as you are—laughing, playing, and interacting naturally. Because our sessions are completely unscripted, your wardrobe needs to change slightly depending on whether we are headed to one of our gorgeous local parks or staying in the cozy comfort of your own home.
Here is a practical guide—complete with curating the perfect colour palettes—to style your family for both environments so that your images feel effortless, timeless, and completely you.
Heading Outdoors
(Think: The open lawns of Frimley Lodge, the wild heathlands of Lightwater Country Park, or the tall water meadows at Shepherd Meadows)
When we are shooting outside, your clothes need to handle movement and stand out beautifully against nature's natural backdrops.
Prioritise Mobility: Because your kids will likely be exploring log trails or hitting the playground, comfort is key. Choose breathable fabrics that allow you to sit on the ground, run around, and lift your kids up effortlessly. Opt for soft, breathable materials like linen, cotton knits or relaxed denims. For mums, long flowing midi or maxi dresses look breathtaking on camera as they catch the movement of the breeze.
Say No to Neons and Big Logos: Very bright, fluorescent colours can reflect an unnatural colour cast onto your skin in bright sunlight. Similarly, giant graphic logos or cartoon characters distract the eye away from your family's genuine expressions.
Example Outdoor Colour Palettes (keeping local parks in mind):
Palette A: The Earthy Meadow
The Colours: Sage Green, Oatmeal, Cream, and Rust.
Why it works: This palette looks stunning against the long, wild grasses of Shepherd Meadows or the green lawns of Frimley Lodge. It feels deeply grounded, warm, and timeless.
Example Style: Mum in a flowing sage green maxi dress; Dad in a cream linen shirt and dark denim; Toddler in an oatmeal romper with a tiny rust-colored cardigan or hair bow.
Palette B: The Wild Heathland
The Colours: Charcoal, Soft Linen, Warm Beige, and Mustard.
Why it works: Perfect for the rugged, beautiful textures of Lightwater Country Park. The mustard provides a lovely pop of warmth against neutral tones without being distracting.
Example Style: Mum in a beige knit sweater and jeans; Dad in a charcoal casual button-down shirt; Kids in soft linen shirts and mustard corduroy dungarees or pinafores.
Staying In-Home
(Think: Cuddles on the master bed, baking in the kitchen, or playing on the living room rug)
An in-home documentary session is all about intimacy, warmth, and the quiet, real rhythms of your everyday life. The styling here should feel even more relaxed, cosy, and casual.
Lean Into Textures and Layers: Texture is a documentary photographer's best friend indoors. Think chunky ribbed cardigans, soft waffle-knit henleys, linen shirts, or cosy muslin rompers for babies. These fabrics catch filtered window light beautifully.
Keep it Casual and Barefoot: Ditch the formal outdoor shoes when indoors! Being barefoot or wearing cosy, neutral socks feels instantly more authentic. A relaxed jeans-and-tshirt look or a comfortable lounge knit sweater perfectly fits the vibe of a Sunday morning cuddled up on the sofa.
Example Indoor Colour Palettes
Palette C: The Lazy Sunday
The Colours: Soft Greys, Crisp White, Oatmeal, and Light Denim.
Why it works: This palette keeps things light, bright, and completely minimal. It lets the interior of your home feel incredibly bright and airy, keeping 100% of the focus on your interactions.
Example Style: Mum in an oversized oatmeal lounge knit sweater and light-wash jeans; Dad in a simple white t-shirt or soft grey henley; Kids in matching neutral grey or white cotton sleepsuits or leggings.
Palette D: The Warm Sanctuary
The Colours: Milk Chocolate, Biscuit, Olive, and Cream.
Why it works: This palette brings an abundance of physical warmth and a cosy, cinematic feel to cuddles on the bed or playing on the living room rug.
Example Style: Mum in a cream ribbed dress or casual lounge trousers; Dad in an olive green tshirt; Toddler in a sweet biscuit-colored waffle knit top.
The Best Rule of Thumb? Be You!
At the end of the day, the most important rule is that you feel like yourself. If your family is happiest in well-worn sweaters and boots, let's head to the park. If your toddler refuses to take off their favourite everyday outfit or insists on holding a beloved toy companion, let's capture it exactly as it is right now. Those are the details that turn a photograph into a treasured memory.
When you book a session with me, we will collaborate closely on a personalised styling guide to ensure everyone feels confident, comfortable, and ready to have fun.
Ready to capture your everyday routine or family day out? Let's chat about booking your session.
