What to wear for your family shoot?

Barnet family photographer, covering London and Hertfordshire
Family stood in front of Forty Hall, Enfield. Parents are watching on as children run around, and the birds flying around them.

So you’ve plucked up the courage to book yourself onto a family shoot, and now you are thinking ahead to the day of the shoot. I know how daunting being in front of the camera can be and it’s my job to make you feel comfortable and relaxed. To help, I’ve put together a couple of blog posts to give you an idea of what a family shoot with me is like, be it an outdoor family shoot, an indoor newborn shoot, or something else entirely.

But the most common question, by far, is  “What should I wear?”. 


The short answer is “Wear clothes that you like and make you feel comfortable”.


Here is the longer answer, including “5 things to consider” when choosing your outfit for a family shoot (this applies to both indoor and outdoor family shoots):

1. Make sure you are comfortable



Most importantly, wear clothes that are literally comfortable! Wear something that doesn’t make you feel self-conscious that you can move around in, walk easily etc. 


It is important that you feel like you on the day, so wear an outfit that reflects you and your style. This will help you to feel good, relaxed, and in the mood to interact and play with your family.  In turn I can capture those natural and genuine connections that make the best family shots. 


Likewise, if the children have a favourite outfit they insist on wearing, let them wear it as it’s all part of capturing that moment in time.

Family of three in Broomfield Park, Enfield. Standing underneath the pink cherry blossom tree.

2. Consider the Colour Palette



Many photos from family shoots are printed and hung on the walls of your home. It can be helpful to bear this in mind when thinking about what to wear. I suggest choosing a colour palette and style that you like. Wearing colours that are a similar tone and complement each other works really well, avoiding matchy matchy outfits (unless wearing matching outfits is something you like to do as a family!), and will give the shoot a natural, genuine, feel. 

Family of three in Greenwich park. Young boy sticking out his tongue in a playful way, whilst the parents are laughing!

3. Watch the Brands



I recommend choosing simple, unbranded clothing with minimal logos or other potentially distracting designs. 


The focus of the shoot should be your and your family, not the clothes you chose to wear on the day.  Wear something that has a good chance of standing the test of time. 

4. Layer Up!



On a family photoshoot, there generally isn’t the time or the space (especially if we’re shooting al fresco!) for a change of outfit. Layering is an easy way to add a quick new look to the shoot with minimal effort and add some variety to the album. Whether it's a cardigan, jumper, or jacket, removing one layer can instantly provide a fresh look without the need for a complete outfit change.

Couple pre-wedding photo shoot in Greenwich park, London. They are strolling hand in hand, smiling at each other.

5. Plan Ahead



Having three kids of my own, I know how hard it is to get everyone dressed, fed, watered and out the door. To make the morning of the photoshoot as smooth and stress-free, I recommend planning your family’s outfits in advance, laying out the clothes the night before if possible. Take the time to locate and wash everything you want to wear ahead of time, so you have one less thing to think about on the day!

Three young children on a photoshoot in Regents Park in London with Jane Nicholson Photography, playing with bubbles.

For me, a family shoot is about capturing a moment in time and freezing memories of that stage of your life. As a natural and candid photographer, my photos are not about capturing that posed catalog style family photo, but instead I’ll aim to create a gallery of images that reflect you and your family, that you can look back on and remember those moments for years to come. So wear what makes you happy, and enjoy spending that time hanging out with your family.