Family Photography Guide
Creating That Effortless, Emotive Look
What to Expect • What to Wear • How to Prep Kids + Babies
Whether you're booking a family, maternity, or lifestyle session, this guide is here to help you feel relaxed and ready. You don’t need to be a model or worry about the kids sitting perfectly still. It's all about capturing the connection, personality, and real-life beauty of your family.
What to Expect - My sessions are laid-back, emotive, and connection-focused. I like to keep things relaxed and easy-going. No awkward stiff posing, no awkward smiles. We’ll spend some time hanging out, walking, chatting, playing, and following whatever pace your family is at. I’ll guide you with gentle prompts where needed.
Timeframe - Most sessions run between 45–60 minutes. We can allow time for snack breaks, outfit changes, nappy changes, feeds, and cuddle resets. I shoot with natural light, so sessions are usually timed for the soft golden hour, early morning or just before sunset
What to Wear for Your Portrait Session
A simple, down-to-earth guide to feeling good in your photos
So you’ve booked in your session (yay!) — and now you’re wondering what on earth to wear. Totally normal. It’s easily the most common question I get. The good news? You really don’t need to overthink it. The main thing is that you feel comfortable, relaxed, and like yourself. These photos are about capturing real connection, so what you wear should help you feel at ease, not stiff or self-conscious.
That said, there are a few things that can make a big difference to how your photos look and feel — so here’s a bit of friendly guidance to help you out.
Don't Know What To Wear
START WITH A COLOUR
The colours you wear will completely shift the vibe of your images. Keep Colours Neutral + Earthy,
- Oatmeal, cream, beige, stone, sand
- Dusty rose, rust, mustard, olive, sage
- Faded denim, soft grey, charcoal, warm browns
- Olive, sage, rust, mustard, burnt orange
- Faded denim, warm browns, charcoal, grey
- Muted pastels or natural whites (not stark white
- Dusty pinks or muted tones (avoid bright white or bright red)
Keep things simple and minimal. Loud logos or cartoon characters can be really distracting in a photo. If you’re drawn to patterns, stick with subtle, small-scale prints like delicate florals, fine checks, or gentle stripes in neutral tones. But hey, if your favourite top is bright blue and it feels like you, go for it. The most important thing is that you feel good.
COORDINATING
Please don’t stress about everyone wearing matching outfits. In fact, it’s better when you don’t. A little variety in tone and texture makes everything feel more relaxed and real.
The best way to approach it? Start with one outfit you really love, maybe Mum’s dress or a kid’s outfit, and build everyone else’s clothing around the colours in that piece. Lay it all out on the bed, take a few phone snaps to see how it looks together, and go from there.
Mix neutrals with a few muted tones, and bring in some soft texture — linen, knits, denim, cotton. That’s what gives your photos depth and warmth.
FOR THE LADIES
Long dresses are always a favourite. They give beautiful movement in the breeze and make sitting down easy. Midi dresses, skirts, jeans with a soft knit, anything that lets you cuddle your kids or sit on the grass without fidgeting. Go for something you can move freely in and that you feel lovely wearing.
FOR THE GUYS
Keep it casual and true to your usual style. You don’t need to dress up if that’s not your vibe. Think linen shirts, knits, cotton T-shirts with an open overshirt, rolled sleeves, or a breathable long sleeve. Empty your pockets before we start, phones and keys love to make unexpected appearances in photos!
FOR BABIES AND LITTLE ONES
Overalls, and soft cotton onesies. For babies still in nappies, pop on a nappy cover or bloomers so we’re not adjusting outfits mid-session. If you’ve got a messy wee one, maybe bring a backup outfit — just in case!
Some favourites:
- Soft layers (cardigans, vests, jumper
- Beanies and bonnets for texture (and warmth!)
- Leggings or bloomers under dresses to avoid accidental flashing
- Shoes optional — barefoot is perfect for beaches, parks, and home sessions
Simple is best: rompers, soft onesies, or knits. I love all-in-ones with a bit of texture - Feed and change them just before the session starts
- Layers are magic - cardigans, vests, leggings, socks
- Keep spares handy in case of spills or messes
- Cute hats and beanies add instant charm (and warmth!)
FOR GIRLS
Jeans, big sleeve tops, knit jumpers, dresses and layers are gorgeous. It’s worth trying things on beforehand to see how they sit when she’s twirling or being scooped up.
If she’s wearing a dress, keep in mind they often ride up when kids are carried or playing, if you're not keen on undies or nappies making an appearance, pop on some bloomers or bike shorts underneath, or go for a midi or maxi length dress.
FOR BOYS
Pants/jeans and tops took great, cotton, waffle, knits and layers
A QUICK NOTE ON LAYERS AND TEXTURE
Layers help give photos that cosy, natural feel. They also give us a bit of flexibility, if it cools down or warms up during your shoot, you can adapt easily. And for little ones, layers give them something to snuggle into or play with, which often leads to the sweetest moments.
Textures like linen, cotton, wool, waffle, or ribbed knits photograph really well; they catch the light and add softness.
PREPPING THE KIDS
Let go of any pressure for them to "behave" — really. Kids are unpredictable, and that’s half the magic. Whether they’re shy, silly, clingy, or charging around, it’s all good. We’ll roll with whatever energy they bring on the day.
Let them know we’re going on a little adventure, not a photo shoot. Bring a favourite toy or snack (just avoid bright wrappers or anything that’ll stain hands and faces). And if they need a break — cuddles, a feed, or a cry — we’ll take our time.
Let go of “perfect.” If your child is shy, wild, silly, clingy, or emotional, that’s all totally fine. We’ll roll with it. Some of the most heartfelt images come from moments of cuddling through tears or big belly laughs during games.
YOUNG CHILDREN
Play games! Shoulder rides, ring-a-rosy, tickles, aeroplanes, whispering secrets all help loosen everyone up and create real connection.
- Bring snacks can be a good motivator, just avoid anything messy or brightly coloured.
- Encourage movement, piggyback rides, dancing, swinging, running race, whisper secrets, sing songs, cuddle close
- Bring a favourite toy or comfort item (bonus if it looks nice in photos).
- Encourage movement, piggyback rides, dancing, swinging, running race
- Try not to say “Smile!” or “Say cheese!”, I’ll guide them in a way that gets more natural expressions
- You can prep them by saying we’re going for a little adventure or playtime with the photographer
PREPPING FOR YOUR SESSION
Give yourselves time. Don’t rush out the door, that always leads to stress. Arrive a bit early, breathe, and settle in.
And once we’re shooting, forget the camera. Be in the moment. Hug your kids, hold hands, wander together, laugh, play, be still. The more relaxed and present you are, the more the photos will reflect the real you.
These images aren’t just about how things look — they’re about how it felt to be there.
- Bring extras: Nappies, wipes, tissues, extra layers, and snacks. Especially with little ones.
- Location tips: If we’re outdoors, expect some wind, sand, or messy moments; it's all part of the charm.
- Hair + makeup: Go natural or slightly elevated. Avoid heavy powders or strong bronzers, as they can catch light harshly. Hair down and flowing, loosely tied, or styled with natural movement works beautifully.
A FEW FINAL TIPS
Relax. The more at ease you are, the more your family will be too.
Lastly… Come ready to just be together. You don’t have to perform. Hug your babies. Hold hands. Run wild. Sit in the grass. Get sandy or muddy or messy. This time is for you to remember how it felt, not just how it looked.
I’m so looking forward to capturing your story x
