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Sonya Smith Photography

7 Tips on What to Wear for a Family photo shoot

1. First and foremost what you’re comfortable in!

Sonya Smith Photography

These pictures are to reflect you and your family’s personalities so wear clothes that reflect you! Simple is usually best.

2. Clothes that fit!

1. First and foremost what you’re comfortable in! These pictures are to reflect you and your family’s personalities so wear clothes that reflect you! Simple is usually best. 2. Clothes that fit! Sounds obvious but an important one..clothes that you can move around in easily without gaping/ flashing or ripping! 3. No logos or writing on clothing These can end up being very distracting in photos 4. Dress for the environment and the weather Think where we are headed..do you need wellies? Comfy shoes? Warm gloves? All the questions you ask every time you are headed out as a family! If your little girl loves climbing trees and doing cartwheels, then tights and leggings are a must to avoid flashing knickers! 5. Avoid really bold patterns Again these can be quite distracting. Stripes are ok but tiny checks can do crazy things to your eyes in images so best avoided! 6. No big bags or bulging pockets please! Anything you carry with you or in your pockets will be in your photos. pockets full of big phones+keys or huge bulky backpacks never look good. I’m happy to carry any little bits and bobs while we are out and about so they don’t spoil your pictures. 7. Not too matchy matchy! Instead of trying to put everyone in matching colours it can be helpful to think of matching tones. Try laying out outfits on your bed before the shoot to see how they all work together.

Sounds obvious but an important one..clothes that you can move around in easily while legging it around the park, chucking your kids in the air or climbing trees without gaping, ripping or flashing a bit more flesh than planned!

3. No logos or writing on clothing

1. First and foremost what you’re comfortable in! These pictures are to reflect you and your family’s personalities so wear clothes that reflect you! Simple is usually best. 2. Clothes that fit! Sounds obvious but an important one..clothes that you can move around in easily without gaping/ flashing or ripping! 3. No logos or writing on clothing These can end up being very distracting in photos 4. Dress for the environment and the weather Think where we are headed..do you need wellies? Comfy shoes? Warm gloves? All the questions you ask every time you are headed out as a family! If your little girl loves climbing trees and doing cartwheels, then tights and leggings are a must to avoid flashing knickers! 5. Avoid really bold patterns Again these can be quite distracting. Stripes are ok but tiny checks can do crazy things to your eyes in images so best avoided! 6. No big bags or bulging pockets please! Anything you carry with you or in your pockets will be in your photos. pockets full of big phones+keys or huge bulky backpacks never look good. I’m happy to carry any little bits and bobs while we are out and about so they don’t spoil your pictures. 7. Not too matchy matchy! Instead of trying to put everyone in matching colours it can be helpful to think of matching tones. Try laying out outfits on your bed before the shoot to see how they all work together.

These can end up being very distracting in photos so best to leave in the cupboard on photo shoot day!

4. Dress for the environment and the weather

Sonya Smith Photography

Think where we are headed..do you need wellies? Comfy shoes? Warm gloves? All the questions you ask every time you are headed out as a family!

If you or one your clan loves climbing trees and doing cartwheels in skirts, then tights and leggings are a must to avoid flashing knickers!

5. Avoid really bold patterns

Sonya Smith Photography

Again these can be quite distracting. Stripes are ok but tiny checks can do crazy things to your eyes in images so best avoided!

6. No big bags or bulging pockets please!

Sonya Smith photography

Anything you carry with you or in your pockets will be in your photos. Pockets full of big phones and keys or huge bulky backpacks never look good. I’m happy to carry any little bits and bobs while we are out and about so they don’t spoil your pictures.

7. Not too matchy matchy!

Sonya Smith Photography

Instead of trying to put everyone in matching colours it can be helpful to think of matching tones. Try laying out outfits on your bed before the shoot to see how they all work together.


The pictures we’ve had from Sonya mean the world, and are framed in our house, grandparents and aunts and uncles! They are so so special.

- Gwen O