This is usually the first thing I’d avoid.

Large logos, characters, slogans and very busy patterns can pull attention away from the people in the photo.

And really, that’s what we want the focus to be.

Your child’s little face.
The way they hold your hand.
The cuddle.
The connection.
Your family as you are right now.

A giant logo or superhero shirt might be very loved in real life, but in photos it can be the first thing your eye goes to.

Instead, choose simple pieces in soft colours, gentle patterns or natural textures. Think linen, knits, cotton, denim, muslin, waffle, corduroy or anything that adds interest without taking over.

Bright colours can be fun, but neon and very strong colours can be tricky in photos.

They can often reflect onto skin, clash with natural outdoor colours, and feel a little harsh against the soft, neutral style I’m known for.

This doesn’t mean everyone needs to wear beige.

But softer tones usually photograph more beautifully.

Warm neutrals, creams, earthy tones, muted blues, soft pinks, dusty greens, rust, mustard, denim and gentle pastels all tend to work really well.

The goal is not to make everyone disappear into the background.

It’s to choose colours that let your faces and connection stand out.

Matching outfits can seem like a safe idea, but they can sometimes make family photos feel a little too staged.

You don’t need everyone in white shirts and jeans.

You also don’t need everyone wearing the exact same colour.

Instead, aim for outfits that feel like they belong together without being identical.

A good way to think about it is:

Coordinated, not matching.

Choose a soft colour palette, then mix different shades, textures and layers within that palette.

For example, one person might wear cream, another soft brown, another muted blue, and another a gentle floral or textured knit that ties everything together.

It feels more natural, more relaxed, and more like your actual family.

This one matters more than people realise.

If your clothes are too tight, too scratchy, too short, too stiff, too hot, too cold, or constantly need adjusting, you’ll feel it during the session.

And if your kids are uncomfortable?

Everyone will know about it pretty quickly.

Family photos involve cuddling, sitting, walking, playing, picking up children, possibly being climbed on, and sometimes chasing toddlers who have decided the session is now a running race.

So choose clothes you can actually move in.

For kids, comfort is especially important. If they hate the waistband, the collar, the shoes or the itchy tag before you’ve even left the house, it’s probably not the right outfit.

A comfortable child is usually a much happier child.

And a happier child makes the session feel so much easier.

Trends are fun, and I’m not saying you need to avoid anything current.

But if something feels very tied to a specific trend, it may date your photos faster than you’d like.

Family photos are usually the kind of images you’ll want to love for years.

So simple, timeless pieces are always a safe choice.

That doesn’t mean boring.

A beautiful dress, a textured knit, soft linen pants, a sweet romper, a relaxed shirt or a classic pair of overalls can still feel full of personality.

The aim is to choose outfits that feel like you, without making the clothes the main character.

This is especially important for outdoor family photos.

Melbourne weather likes to keep us humble.

One day it’s freezing. The next day it’s warm. Sometimes it’s both in the same hour.

If your session is outdoors, make sure everyone is dressed for the actual weather, not just the outfit you had planned in your head.

Cold kids do not want to cuddle beautifully.

Hot, sweaty kids do not want to be layered in thick knits.

And parents who are uncomfortable usually feel less relaxed too.

Layers can be really helpful, especially for outdoor sessions. Cardigans, jackets, knits and blankets can add texture and keep everyone warm, while still looking lovely in photos.

Accessories can be beautiful, but they should add to the outfit, not distract from your faces.

Big watches, very bold jewellery, large hats, chunky scarves or anything too flashy can sometimes pull attention away from the connection in the photo.

For babies and young kids, I’d also be careful with big headbands, oversized bows or accessories they’re likely to pull off every two seconds.

Simple is usually best.

A soft little bow, a sweet bonnet, a small necklace, a textured cardigan or a beautiful wrap can add something special without taking over.

Clothing with words, phrases or slogans can be distracting in family photos.

Even if the saying is cute, your eye naturally wants to read it.

And once that happens, it can take attention away from the moment.

It can also make the photo feel less timeless later on.

So where possible, I’d avoid shirts, jumpers or baby onesies with visible words across the front.

Plain pieces, soft textures and simple details usually photograph much better.

Shoes are easy to forget about until the day of the session.

But they do matter, especially for outdoor photos.

If we’re photographing in a park, garden, beachy area or somewhere with long grass, stilettos or uncomfortable shoes are probably not your friend.

You want shoes that suit the setting and let you move easily.

Boots, sandals, simple flats, neutral sneakers or bare feet can all work beautifully depending on the location and season.

For studio sessions, shoes are usually much less important because we often photograph barefoot for a softer, more relaxed feel.

And for little kids?

Make sure they can actually walk, run and play in whatever they’re wearing.

The location and outfits should feel like they belong together.

If your session is in a garden, beach, field or natural outdoor space, soft colours, earthy tones and relaxed textures usually work beautifully.

If your session is in my white studio, simple pieces, neutral tones and soft layers help keep everything feeling clean, calm and timeless.

You don’t need to match the location perfectly.

But it helps to think about the overall feeling you want from your photos.

Soft and natural.
Warm and playful.
Clean and timeless.
Relaxed and connected.

When your outfits support that feeling, the whole gallery comes together more beautifully.