Session Guide: How to Prepare and What to Wear for Family Photos in Victoria
Simple, practical steps to help your family arrive relaxed, comfortable and ready to enjoy each other.
The most common thing I hear before a session is, “I have no idea what we should wear.” The second is, “I’m worried the kids won’t cooperate.” Both are completely normal, and both are easier than you think.
Once you book, you’ll receive my prep guide, a Pinterest board with outfit ideas and a short questionnaire so I can get to know your family. We’ll also have a free style and location consultation. This page gives you the big picture, so you can start planning with confidence.
My biggest piece of advice? Come as yourselves. The photos you’ll treasure most are the ones where everyone is comfortable and connected, not perfectly posed.
What to Wear
Think coordinated, not matching. Pick two or three colours that sit nicely together, then build each person’s outfit from there. Solid colours and soft neutrals usually photograph best, and gentle texture like knits, linen or a little lace adds interest without pulling attention from faces.
Choose your colours with the backdrop in mind. Neutral tones look lovely against the natural colours of the Island. In the forest, I’d avoid very dark outfits that can blend into the trees, and I’d skip busy patterns anywhere. For more detail by season, read what to wear for family photos in Victoria, season by season.
- Start with Mom’s outfit, then coordinate everyone else around it.
- Flowing dresses and skirts move beautifully when you walk, twirl or play.
- Add layers like a cardigan or jacket you can take on and off as the weather changes.
- Wear sturdy shoes for trails or beaches. I’m happy for you to swap into nicer shoes for a few frames.
- Bring meaningful touches, like a family heirloom or a favourite stuffed animal, and mention them to me ahead of time.
How to Prepare Your Family
A little planning goes a long way, especially with little ones. Schedule around naps and mealtimes if you can, and talk about the session as a fun outing rather than a big performance. My full guide on how to prepare your family for a photo shoot has more ideas.
Partners sometimes worry about being awkward on camera. Please don’t. Let loose, have fun and let me do the hard work of guiding you. I’ll be with you start to finish, so you never need to worry about what to do with your hands or where to look.
- Pack water, easy snacks and a change of clothes for the kids.
- Bring a blanket to sit on and a small bag for layers.
- Leave favourite toys or a little treat in the car as a reward for the end of the session.
- Arrive a few minutes early so nobody feels rushed.
- Have a few silly games ready. These ideas for making your kids laugh work like magic.
A Note for Moms
Mom is so often the one behind the camera, which means she’s missing from the family story. Please don’t skip yourself. Wear something that makes you feel beautiful and comfortable, and let yourself be fully in the moment with your children. Here’s why moms belong in family photos.
If you’re expecting, my guide to what to wear for maternity photos covers flowing, comfortable options, and I have a few outfits in my client closet you’re welcome to borrow.
Session tips from the blog
Questions families ask
Should everyone wear the same colour?
I’d avoid identical outfits. A coordinated palette of two or three colours looks more natural and lets each person’s personality come through.
What if it’s cold or rainy on our session day?
Bring warm layers for between photos, and choose outfits that look good with a jacket. If the weather isn’t cooperating, an in-home session is a lovely alternative.
Can I bring a few outfit options?
Yes. Bring a couple of choices or show them to me during your free style consultation, and we’ll decide together.
What should the kids do before the session?
Keep the day calm, make sure they’re fed and rested, and skip the pressure to smile. I’d much rather capture real giggles than a forced grin.
Let’s connect
Tell me a little about your family and the session you have in mind, and I’ll get back to you with dates and ideas.