Family portrait style inspiration — Emotif Photography
Style Guide

What to wear to your
portrait session.

One of the questions I get asked most — so here's everything you need to feel confident and look amazing on the day.

The golden rule: wear something you feel comfortable and confident in. Relaxed people make for the best photographs — so choose casual over formal every time.

Everything else below is guidance to help you look your best. And if you're ever unsure, just send me a photo — I genuinely love helping with this part!

Family at beach with colour pop outfits
Tip 01 — Colour

A pop of colour goes a long way.

Plain base colours — denim, white, cream, tan and warm neutrals — are your foundation. Then add a pop of colour through one or two people's outfits to add energy and interest.

Think coordinated, not matching. You want everyone to feel like they belong together without looking like a uniform. Pink, teal, yellow and terracotta all work beautifully as accent colours against neutrals.

Using the season to your advantage can also add amazing colour to your shoot — autumn tones in particular look stunning outdoors.

Family with spring colour pop — mustard and navy
Family with florals and neutrals

Colour pops and florals with neutrals — both timeless choices that photograph beautifully.

Family in casual neutral tones
Tip 02 — Keep It Timeless

Neutral & casual never fails.

If you want portraits that still look beautiful in ten years — go neutral. Soft whites, creams, stone, sage and warm browns keep the focus on your faces, which is exactly where it should be.

Avoid clothing with logos, text or strong graphic patterns. These date quickly and pull focus away from your expressions. Subtle textures like linen, denim and soft knit add depth without competing.

And please — wear something you've worn before! Brand new outfits can feel stiff and uncomfortable, and that always shows in photos.

✓ Do

  • Wear something comfortable and confidence-boosting
  • Choose casual over formal
  • Coordinate colours, don't match exactly
  • Use seasonal tones to your advantage
  • Wear slightly more makeup than usual — it reads naturally in photos
  • Bring a spare top — especially for newborn sessions! 😄

✗ Don't

  • Wear logos, text or strong graphic patterns
  • Wear something brand new you haven't broken in
  • Go too matchy-matchy — it can look stiff
  • Wear neon or very bright colours that reflect onto skin
  • Stress too much! Send me a photo and I'll give you honest feedback.
Newborn family in autumn tones
Tip 03 — Newborn Sessions

Soft, simple & let baby shine.

For newborn sessions, keep your own outfit soft and understated so your baby is the star. Muted tones, warm neutrals and relaxed fits work beautifully.

I provide all the newborn wraps, props and posing equipment — so you don't need to worry about any of that.

And a very practical tip: bring a spare top for both parents. With a nude newborn on daddy's chest, sometimes things happen. You will thank me later!

Newborn family in autumn tones
Newborn family in white neutrals

Warm autumn tones or classic white neutrals — both make for stunning newborn portraits.

Free to Borrow

The Emotif maternity wardrobe

I have a beautiful collection of maternity gowns and pregnancy dresses you're welcome to borrow for your session — at no extra cost. Just let me know your size when you book and I'll have something gorgeous ready for you.

Maternity wardrobe — sage green gown outdoors
Maternity wardrobe — black lace gown
Maternity wardrobe — white gown in nature

Want more inspiration?

I've curated Pinterest boards for every session type — full of outfit ideas, colour palettes and real examples to help you plan.

Ready to book your session?

Once you're booked I'll send you a full styling guide so you feel completely prepared on the day.

Book Your Session