WHEN YOU LOOK GOOD, YOU FEEL GOOD

Styling your session can be much easier than you may expect. I have put together this little guide to help you put together the perfect pieces that will help your session look impeccably styled.

THINGS TO AVOID

FORMAL SHIRTS

Keep it softer, more casual and easier to move in. Loose linen photographs much better. Stiff cotton can feel too formal and creases easily.

THE WRONG UNDERWEAR

Please consider underwear for the whole family. Plain underwear for little ones (leave the Disney ones safe at home) in case they are wearing lighter coloured clothing etc. Mums, strapless bras or stick on bras are handy.

WHITE SNEAKERS AND SOCKS

Sandals in summer, bare feet for the beach or wherever possible. In winter, I suggest earthy coloured boots or sneakers. White stands out against clothing, and we don’t want them to distract in family images, we want you & your connection to be the focus. No heels. We want movability and comfort.

COLOUR COMBINATIONS

When styling the family, keep the tones similar. All deep or all light. A deep coloured dress and a white top doesn’t blend well and looks a little disconnected. The aim is to capture you all as one, blended in amongst one another, colours really help achieve this.

CHECK OR PATTERNED SHIRTS

If you have one you love, feel free to send an image over to us, but generally we find these too busy for photos.

AVOID LOUD COLOURS

Neons and loud colours don’t work well with my editing style, so I encourage earthy colours for a better result.

the basics

Family of five posing on a sandy desert with cloudy skies.

Earthy colours always work really well. A pop of floral or colour can work so nicely too and adds interest.

I usually suggest keeping the pattern or floral to one family member.

You want the clothing to complement the surroundings.

Fabrics are best kept on the natural side. Cotton, linen, waffles etc. Texture is so good in images. Knitwear in winter is perfect.

Neutrals are really safe, and always work beautifully. Particularly with kids and family sessions.

A couple sitting by the water, with boats in the background, smiling and embracing each other.

Outdoor sessions happen right before sunset when the day cools off. the nights can cool down quickly.

So always have a back up option if the weather isn't what you would expect it to be.

Cold children are not happy children. Be prepared!

In cooler months, scarves and beanies are so so cute on kids.

Hats are a current favorite, especially for parents that love the boho look.

Just remember, no expectations with accessories. Feel free to bring them, but with kids – who knows!

Family on a beach, including a young girl in a white dress with a bow, interacting with three women and an older woman, all smiling and engaged.
A couple walking barefoot on a beach, the woman is pregnant, holding hands, smiling.

for the mamas

It’s a good idea to decide on your outfit first, then style the rest of the family from there, as we can be a little pickier in terms of what we like to wear.

I’m a huge fan of a mum in a dress. I think it’s a beautiful opportunity to wear something that makes you feel special.

Woman sitting in a grassy field at sunset, wearing a light blue dress and looking thoughtfully into the distance.
Woman in floral dress holding a baby on a rocky beach.

Once you have chosen your dress, you will want to carefully consider which underwear will best suit your dress choice. Well-fitting underwear in nude and neutral colours that compliment your skin tone is always a good choice.

Another option is dress rental, this is a great option if you’d prefer not to buy a new outfit or borrow from my wardrobe - https://mamarentals.com.au. I have a discount code NICOLEREINE which gives you 15% off your order!

Woman in white dress holding a child high while smiling on a beach.
Woman holding a smiling baby outdoors near rocky background.

for the little ones

You can layer them for cooler months with knits and tights.

Some great affordable store suggestions: Miann & Co, Zara, Mamer, Best and Less, H&M, Cotton On, Hank Knitwear, Grown Store, Ziggy Lou.

Smiling child wearing a white dress and straw hat on a beach.
A young child smiling on a sandy beach with trees in the background.

Instead of two-piece outfits (pants and shirts) go for an all-in-one. When you pick up babies and toddlers, the shirts ride up, nappies come out the tops of pants and it gets too fussy. The easier the better and gives us more opportunities for amazing photos.

Young child in white dress walking through a field of colorful flowers.
Family sitting on a beach, smiling and interacting

for the older kids

Smiling child in a dress on a sandy beach with a house and trees in the background.

Avoid collars and fabrics that crease easily. Stiff shirts aren’t so comfy for kids running around. Long sleeve henley-style tops work much better, they are particularly beautiful in a waffle fabric. 

T-shirts with a denim shirt over the top are also a cute combo.

A few of my favorite shops for the perfect outfit for your older kids

Zara, Best and Less, Cotton On, Industrie, H&M

Woman in white dress sitting with a child on a rock in an outdoor setting, both looking toward the right.

Dresses are great for little girls. Just make sure the underwear is neutral. Older girls love something to spin around in. Tops/knits tucked into skirts also look amazing.

Knitwear is beautiful in photos and creates interest/texture in your photos.

On balmy nights in summer at water locations, no top is needed. Let them be little, topless & shorts or a sweet summer dress is all they need. Jeans/chinos/shorts/boardshorts for boys.

Family sitting on a sandy beach with overcast skies, smiling and relaxed.
A close-up of a man wearing glasses lovingly interacting with a young girl in a pink dress with a bow in her hair, both outdoors.

for the papas

Jeans, chinos, shorts. Tshirts, knits, t-shirts layered with a shirt over the top (this is more slimming) are all great options.

Something with texture always works best. Linen, waffle and knits always look best, over a flat t-shirt. 

A man lifting a smiling child in the air on a beach, with waves and cloudy sky in the background.
A couple walking hand in hand on a sandy beach, with the woman appearing pregnant. The background features sand dunes under a clear sky.

Keep it relaxed. there is a lot of movement in family photos. you will be throwing, holding, jumping and even getting wet if you choose a water location. its about elevated casual, not formal.

Some great men’s store suggestions: Venroy, Country Road, Target, Industrie, Uniqlo

Couple sitting on a log in a grassy field, embracing with trees in the background.
A family sitting outdoors, with two adults holding a toddler and a young child, surrounded by grass and plants.