Yana Skakun
A Working Photographer's Guide
What to Wear for a Family Photoshoot
Colour palettes by season, what works, what to avoid — practical guidance from someone who photographs families every week.
Quick Answer
Coordinate within a palette of 2-4 earth-tone colours (mustard, sage, cream, dusty blue, terracotta) without matching. Choose textured fabrics like linen, knit and soft denim. Layer for depth. Avoid logos, neon brights and matching outfits. Comfortable shoes for everyone. The family that wears genuinely-themselves clothes within a coordinated palette always photographs better than one in unfamiliar formal wear.
Six Principles
Coordinate, don't match
Identical outfits across the family read as awkward and dated. Instead, pick a small palette of 2-4 colours and dress each person in one or two of those colours. Variety within a palette photographs beautifully.
Earth tones over neon
Mustard, sage, terracotta, cream, dusty blue, charcoal, soft pink. These tones photograph well in almost any setting and age extraordinarily well. Bright neon colours date quickly and dominate the frame.
Texture is your friend
Linen, knit, wool, corduroy, soft denim, chambray. Texture adds visual interest without colour distraction. Avoid heavy synthetics that don't drape naturally.
Layer for depth
Cardigans, denim jackets, scarves, hats. Layers create natural shape and movement in photographs. They also give you outfit-change options without full wardrobe changes.
Avoid logos and slogans
Branded shirts, character prints, big logos. These date photographs to specific years and shift focus to the brand rather than the family. Plain colours and subtle patterns win every time.
Comfortable shoes
Whatever shoes you wear must let the wearer walk, climb, sit on grass, and chase a toddler. Heels are fine for portraits if you can walk in them; reconsider if you can't.
By Season
Spring (March-May)
CreamSage greenSoft pinkDusty blueLavenderLight grey
Fabrics: Cotton, linen, light knit, chambray. Layer for cool mornings and warm afternoons.
Avoid: Heavy wool, dark winter colours, white shoes that show grass stains.
Notes: Bluebells, daffodils, blossom — pale palettes complement the season's pastel landscape.
Summer (June-August)
CreamSoft yellowCoralOliveTerracottaStone
Fabrics: Linen, light cotton, gauze. Sun hats welcome.
Avoid: Black (heat absorber, photographs as a void on bright days), synthetic fabrics that show sweat.
Notes: Golden hour is later — sessions often run 18:00-20:00. Sun-protection considerations for kids.
Autumn (September-November)
MustardRustBurnt orangeCreamForest greenBurgundy
Fabrics: Knit, wool, corduroy, soft denim. Cosy textures.
Avoid: Pastels (read as out-of-season in autumn landscape), short sleeves for older kids in late October.
Notes: The richest photography season. Even mid-budget outfits photograph beautifully against autumn colour.
Winter (December-February)
CharcoalCreamForest greenBurgundyCamelSoft white
Fabrics: Wool, cashmere, knit, faux fur. Layer heavily.
Avoid: Anything you don't want photographed on a grey day. Bright pure white can read as too clinical.
Notes: Hats, scarves, mittens add charm. Plan a shorter session (45 minutes vs 90) for younger children.
By Age
Babies and toddlers (0-3)
Comfort first — itchy fabrics produce screaming babies. Soft cottons, knit jumpers, leggings. Avoid anything you'd be heartbroken to see covered in food. Bring a backup outfit.
Young children (4-8)
Let them have one element of self-expression — a favourite cardigan, a particular pair of boots — within the palette. They'll be more comfortable and the photographs will reflect their personality.
Tweens and teens (9-17)
Negotiate, don't dictate. Show them the palette and let them choose within it. A teenager who feels heard photographs as themselves; one who feels forced photographs as resentful.
Adults
Whatever makes you feel like yourself. The single biggest 'mistake' adults make is wearing something dressier than they normally would because they think a photoshoot requires it. The family who turns up in genuinely-themselves clothes always photographs better than the family in unfamiliar formal wear.
Book a Family Session
Family sessions from £350 in Cambridge and across the UK. I'll send a tailored outfit-planning guide when you book.
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