What to Wear to Your Outdoor Photo Shoot: A Complete Guide for the Whole Family

One of the most common questions I receive before a session is, "What should we wear?" And honestly? It's a great question.

Choosing outfits for your outdoor photo shoot can feel overwhelming, especially when you're trying to coordinate multiple people without everyone looking too "matchy." The good news is that you really don't need to buy a whole new wardrobe or stress over finding the perfect outfit.

The most beautiful photographs come from wearing something that feels comfortable, makes you feel confident, and most like yourself.

Whether you're planning a new born session, maternity shoot, couples session, or simply updating your family photos, this guide will help you choose outfits that photograph beautifully while allowing your personalities to shine.

If it's a Family Session, Start with Mum's Outfit Or First

If you're planning a family session, I always recommend choosing Mum's outfit first.

Why? Because women generally have the most variety when it comes to dresses, textures, and colours. Once you've found something you absolutely love, it's much easier to build everyone else's outfits around it. Choose something that makes you feel beautiful and comfortable. If you're constantly adjusting your clothing or worrying about how it looks, that feeling will often show in your photos. Flowy dresses are always a favourite for outdoor sessions because they create beautiful movement in the breeze and photograph effortlessly in golden light. Be mindful of sheer fabric in the sun if you would like a more modest feel to your photos.

Choose Earthy, Natural Colours

Outdoor photography looks best when your clothing complements the landscape rather than competing with it.

Some of my favourite colours include:

• Cream
• Ivory
• Oatmeal
• Beige
• Taupe
• Olive green
• Rust
• Terracotta
• Sage
• Dusty blue
• Chocolate brown
• Soft denim
• Warm mustard
• 
  

These tones work beautifully in Australian landscapes and help create timeless images you'll still love years from now.

Instead of everyone wearing the same colour, think about choosing colours that work together.

For example:

• Mum in an ivory dress
• Dad in a light linen shirt with olive chinos
• Toddler in rust overalls
• Baby in a cream knit romper

The result feels natural, balanced, and full of depth.

Avoid Bright Colours and Logos

Bright neon colours, busy prints, and oversized logos can distract from what matters most and can clash with the earthy tones of the landscape.

Try to avoid:

• Neon colours
• Bright red
• Bright pink
• Large graphics
• Character clothing
• Sports jerseys
• Visible branding
• Loud patterns

Simple, timeless clothing helps keep the focus exactly where it belongs.

Texture Photographs Beautifully

Texture adds depth without making an outfit feel busy.

Think:

• Linen
• Cotton
• Knitwear
• Muslin
• Lace
• Corduroy
• Gauze
• Chunky knits
• Denim

Mixing different fabrics creates interest while still feeling soft and cohesive.

What Should Men Wear?

Dads often worry the least about outfits, but what they wear makes a huge difference to the overall look of your gallery.

Some great options include:

• Linen button-up shirts
• Henley tops
• Plain quality T-shirts (Thicker Cotton)
• Neutral knit jumpers
• Chinos
• Linen shorts
• Denim without too much distressing

Stick to earthy colours like olive, cream, beige, navy, rust, charcoal, or soft blue.

Avoid cargo shorts, athletic clothing, loud sneakers, or shirts with large logos.

Most importantly, wear something comfortable enough to run, cuddle, lift kids, and enjoy the session.

What Should Ladies Wear?

Movement photographs beautifully.

Long dresses, flowing skirts, oversized knit cardigans, and relaxed linen pieces create gorgeous movement during outdoor sessions.

Some favourites include:

• Linen dresses
• Cotton maxi dresses
• Midi dresses
• Knit sets
• Flowy skirts
• Relaxed denim paired with neutral tops
• Wide-leg linen pants

Choose outfits you can comfortably sit, cuddle, walk, and play in.

If you're unsure about sleeve length, remember that three-quarter sleeves and longer sleeves often photograph beautifully and create lovely lines.

What Should Non-Binary People Wear?

The best outfit is one that feels authentic, comfortable, and reflects your personality.

Whether your style leans masculine, feminine, androgynous, or somewhere in between, choosing timeless pieces in natural fabrics and earthy tones will help create beautiful, lasting photographs.

Some great outfit options include:

• Linen button-up shirts
• Relaxed-fit trousers
• Wide-leg linen pants
• Tailored shorts
• Oversized knit jumpers
• Plain quality T-shirts
• Denim jackets
• Flowy shirts or layers
• Cotton or linen overalls
• Simple dresses or jumpsuits
• Neutral knitwear

Stick to a colour palette that complements the rest of your group, such as cream, olive, taupe, rust, sage, chocolate brown, soft denim, or charcoal.

What Should Toddlers Wear?

Toddlers are happiest when they're comfortable.

Choose clothing that lets them explore, climb, cuddle, and play without restriction.

Some beautiful choices include:

• Linen overalls
• Knit rompers
• Cotton bloomers
• Neutral dresses
• Overalls
• Simple cotton shirts
• Soft knit jumpers
• Suspenders
• Bare feet when appropriate

Children don't need to be perfectly polished.

In fact, slightly messy hair, dirty little feet, and genuine giggles often become parents' favourite memories.

What Should Babies Wear?

Less is often more.

Simple outfits allow your baby's tiny features to remain the star of the photograph.

Beautiful options include:

• Knit rompers
• Muslin bloomers
• Linen rompers
• Neutral onesies
• Soft bonnets
• Chunky knit cardigans
• Simple bloomers

Creams, soft browns, oatmeal, sage, dusty blue, and muted earthy tones all photograph beautifully.

Avoid bulky bibs, brightly coloured socks, and outfits covered in cartoons or slogans if possible.

Shoes Matter More Than You Think

Shoes are easy to overlook, but they can completely change the feel of your photos.

Great options include:

• Bare feet (if you're comfortable with it, and there is soft ground)
• Leather sandals
• Simple boots
• Neutral sneakers
• Chelsea boots
• Classic leather shoes

Try to avoid brightly coloured running shoes, sports sandals, or shoes with flashing lights for children.

Dress for the Season

Queensland weather can change quickly, especially as the sun begins to set.

During cooler months, layering not only keeps everyone comfortable but also adds beautiful texture to your images.

Think cosy knit cardigans, scarves, denim jackets, or lightweight blankets that coordinate with your colour palette.

In warmer weather, breathable fabrics like linen and cotton will help everyone stay cool and relaxed throughout your session.

Coordinate—Don't Match

One of the biggest myths about family photos is that everyone needs to wear the exact same colour.

Instead of matching outfits, choose a colour palette of three to four complementary tones and mix them throughout the family.

For example:

• Cream
• Olive
• Rust
• Taupe
• Soft denim

This creates a natural, balanced look while allowing each person's personality to come through.

Wear Something That Feels Like You

Trends come and go.

Your photographs will stay with your family for generations.

Choose clothing that reflects who you are rather than what's currently popular on social media. When you feel comfortable and confident, you'll naturally relax—and that's when the magic happens.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, your family won't remember exactly what everyone wore.

They'll remember the laughter, the cuddles, the tiny hands reaching for yours, and the way this season of life felt.

The best outfits are simply the ones that help you feel present, connected, and free to enjoy the moment together.

If you're ever feeling unsure about what to wear for your outdoor photo shoot, don't worry, I'm always happy to help. Once your session is booked, I can offer personalised outfit guidance, colour palette suggestions, and advice on coordinating the whole family so you can arrive feeling relaxed and confident.

Because the most beautiful photographs aren't about perfect clothes.. they're about the people wearing them.

TIPS AND TRICKS

• Iron and steam all outfits the day before your session.
• Plan to change into your outfits when you arrive. Some people like to change in the car or local rest room, however I provide a pop up tent to my clients upon request.
• Lay all the outfits out together on a bed before the session to make sure the colours work well, and try them on!
• Get a back up outfit prepared for little ones in case of spills or accidents
• For accessories, simple jewellery photographs best. For any hats, keep in mind your location if it tends to be windy

My dear clients, please don't EVER hesitate to ask for outfit guidance from me. I honestly love the styling part of this whole photography thing I get to do.

With Love,

Summer