What To Wear To Your Family Photoshoot
What you wear matters
Not because clothing should take centre stage, but because it affects the finished portrait.
The aim is simple: everyone should look like they belong together without looking as though they were issued a uniform.
Coordinate. Don't match.
Choose your colours
Black has been part of my studio work since 2005.
Against my black background, it keeps attention on faces, hands and expression. White, cream, grey, navy and other neutral tones can also photograph beautifully.
Bright colours can dominate a portrait, particularly when only one person is wearing them.
The people should be noticed before the clothes.
Keep it simple
Simple clothing dates well.
Avoid large logos, wording, cartoon graphics and strong or competing patterns. Check that clothing is in good condition too — worn, faded, frayed or pilled fabric will show in a finished portrait.
Long sleeves often photograph beautifully.
Children should be comfortable enough to move.
Nothing you wear needs to work harder than you do.
Coordinate rather than match
Lay everyone's clothes together before the session.
You will quickly see whether the colours work together or whether one item is shouting louder than everything else.
You don't need identical colours. You simply want the clothes to sit comfortably together in the same photograph.
For younger children, bring a spare outfit.
It should look like your family dressed together, not dressed alike.
Hair, makeup, hands and nails
Wear your hair in a way that feels familiar to you.
If you colour your hair, try to do it at least a week before the session. Keep makeup natural unless you normally wear it differently.
Hands often become part of family portraits, so moisturise them and check nails beforehand. If you wear polish, neutral or classic colours tend to date well.
Small details become surprisingly visible in a portrait.
Before you leave home
Put the complete outfits on.
Look for underwear showing through fabric, visible bra straps, creased clothing, uncomfortable shoes, missing buttons, pet hair and anything else you would rather discover at home than in the studio.
Bring an alternative if you are uncertain.
And if you're stuck beforehand, send me a photograph of the clothes together.
We can solve most wardrobe problems before you arrive.
See how it comes together
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JOHANNESBURG PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHER
One Moment. One Portrait. Forever
© 2005–2026 Bridget Corke Photography
Blairgowrie · Johannesburg · South Africa
International Master's in Portrait Photography
One of only two in Africa.