Styling Tips for a Perfect Family Beach Photo Session
Choosing the Right Outfits for Your Family Beach Session
One of the questions I’m asked most is what everyone should wear. I get it. Trying to coordinate an entire family without making everyone look like they’re wearing a uniform can feel like a lot.
But it really doesn’t need to be complicated.
Wear something you actually feel good in
Start with your own outfit. Choose something comfortable that you can sit, walk and cuddle your children in without constantly adjusting it.
The same goes for the kids. I’m a mum to three girls with very strong opinions, so I understand that sometimes they want a say too. Letting them choose between a couple of options usually works better than putting them in something they hate and hoping for the best.
Everyone should still look like themselves.
Coordinate, but don’t match
You don’t need everyone wearing the same colours. White shirts and blue jeans had their moment.
An easy way to start is by choosing one outfit with a pattern or a few colours in it, then using those colours to help with everyone else’s clothes. Rust, mustard, dusty pink, brown, soft blue and earthy green all work beautifully.
Patterns are completely fine. I’d just avoid putting everyone in a different bold pattern unless you’re particularly fond of chaos.
Think about texture
Linen, denim, knits and other textured fabrics add a bit of interest without looking too styled. Loose shirts and dresses that move are lovely outdoors, especially when there’s a breeze.
Layers are handy in winter too. They look good and can be removed when somebody inevitably announces they’re too hot.
Dress for where we’re going
For a beach session, wear something you don’t mind getting sandy or slightly wet. Bare feet are always welcome, and you can bring swimmers if your family might want to get into the water at the end.
For an in home session, wear whatever feels natural. A dress is lovely, but jeans, shorts or a favourite T-shirt are completely fine too. You don’t need to suddenly dress like a different family because I’m coming over with a camera.
If we’re heading to a field, farm or somewhere with uneven ground, comfortable shoes are a good idea. You can always take them off once we get there.
You can read more about my Gold Coast family photography sessions if you’re planning a session locally.
A few things I’d avoid
Large logos or slogans
Everyone wearing exactly the same thing
Lots of bold patterns together
Neon colours
Anything that needs constant adjusting
Clothes your children already refuse to wear
They’re not strict rules. They’re just the things most likely to distract from the people in the photos.
Most importantly, make sure you look like and feel like yourselves
Choose things you can move, sit, cuddle and play in. The aim is for you to forget about your clothes once the session begins.
If you’re planning a session you can read more about my Gold Coast family photography sessions here.