What To Wear For Your Family Photoshoot – The Summer Edition

 

One of the biggest questions parents always ask me before booking a Family Session is: What should we wear?

Don’t go buying an entirely new wardrobe! With a little planning, you can create clothes that goes together perfectly.

As a family photographer covering Surrey and Hampshire, I have photographed families in parks, woodlands, gardens, and outdoor locations throughout the summer months. Here are my top tips for choosing the perfect outfits for your summer family photoshoot.

 

Choose Colours That Complement Each Other

The key to beautiful family photos is coordination, not matching.

Instead of dressing everyone in identical outfits, choose a colour palette that works well together. Soft, natural colours photograph beautifully in outdoor locations and help create a timeless look.

Some great colour combinations for summer family photography include:

• Cream and beige
• Sage green and white
• Soft blue and neutral tones
• Dusty pink and cream
• Light grey and pastel shades
• Earthy tones such as tan, olive, and stone

These colours work particularly well in the natural outdoor settings found across Surrey and Hampshire.

 

Avoid Bright Neon Colours and Large Logos

Bright neon colours can distract from the most important part of the image – your family.

Large logos, character prints, and busy graphics can also draw attention away from faces and make photographs look dated over time.

For the best results, choose simple, classic clothing with no branding if possible.

 

Dress For Comfort

Children are happiest when they feel comfortable, and comfy children make for more natural photographs.

Avoid clothing that is itchy, restrictive, or constantly needs adjusting. If your children feel relaxed, they are more likely to enjoy the experience and interact naturally during the session.

For Summer family photo sessions, lightweight fabrics such as cotton and linen are excellent choices, especially on warmer days in Surrey and Hampshire.

 

Colours For Your Location

If your family photoshoot is taking place in a woodland location, earthy tones and neutral colours blend beautifully with the surroundings.

For open fields, parks, and countryside locations, soft pastel colours often work well during summer. If you’re having your family photos taken at a lavender field or flower garden, wear colours that complement rather than compete with the scenery.

As a Surrey and Hampshire family photographer, I am always happy to advise you on outfit choices based on your chosen location.

 

Think About Layers and Texture

Even in summer, adding texture can make your images look more interesting.

Think about wearing: Linen shirts, lightweight cardigans, summer dresses, textured fabrics, & denim jackets for cooler evenings

Texture adds depth to photographs without making outfits look busy.

 

Coordinate The Whole Family

When planning outfits, start with one family member’s clothing and build around it.

Shoes! Which Ones?

For outdoor family photography sessions, wear neutral sandals, clean trainers, ankle boots, or even going barefoot in suitable locations. Avoid brightly coloured sports trainers where possible, as they can stand out.

 

Summer Outfit Ideas For Family Photos

For Mum

Maxi dresses, midi dresses, flowy skirts, or linen trousers paired with a lightweight blouse are all great choices for a summer family photoshoot.

For Dad

Chino shorts or trousers, linen shirts, plain polo shirts, and neutral-coloured shirts create a relaxed and timeless look.

For Children

Cotton dresses, dungarees, linen shorts, lightweight shirts, and neutral-coloured sandals are comfortable options that photograph beautifully.

For Grandparents

Lightweight dresses, linen trousers, smart-casual shirts, lightweight knitwear, and comfortable neutral-coloured footwear work wonderfully.

These outfit choices photograph beautifully during outdoor family photography sessions across Surrey and Hampshire.

 

Definitely Avoid These Things For Family Photos

Neon colours

Large logos

Character clothing

Busy patterns

Matching everyone exactly

Clothes that are uncomfortable

Very dark outfits on hot summer days

 

Family Photography In Surrey And Hampshire

If you’re planning a family photoshoot in Surrey or Hampshire and would like guidance on what to wear, I provide styling advice for all of my clients to help them feel confident before their session.

View my family photography gallery here: https://photographybyzoe.uk/family-gallery/

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/photography___by___zoe/

 

Looking For A Family Photographer In Surrey Or Hampshire?

Email me at photographybyzoe.uk@gmail.com

Or call me on 0792 8798158

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See you soon!

Lots of love

Zoe xxx