What to Wear for Family & Maternity Photos
What to Wear for Family & Maternity Photos
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One of the most common questions I receive before a session is, "What should we wear?" The good news is that creating beautiful photographs doesn't require a brand-new wardrobe or perfectly matching outfits.
A few simple choices can make a big difference. In this guide, I'll share some of my favourite tips for choosing outfits that photograph beautifully while keeping the focus on what matters most—the people you love.
When choosing outfits for your family or maternity session, think about comfort, coordination and timelessness. The goal isn't to match perfectly, but to choose colours and clothing that complement one another while allowing your family's personalities to shine through.
Soft neutrals and earthy tones tend to photograph beautifully in the beautiful natural outdoor settings Chilliwack has to offer. Colours like cream, beige, taupe, soft browns, sage green, dusty blue, rust, and warm grey create a timeless look that complements the natural beauty of the Fraser Valley. While I often recommend softer tones, black can also photograph beautifully and add a classic, elegant feel when paired with coordinating colours and simple textures.
Rather than matching exactly, try choosing a colour palette and building outfits around it. Coordinating colours create a cohesive look while still allowing each family member's individual style to shine. The goal is for your outfits to feel connected, not identical.
Texture can also add warmth and visual interest to your images. Knit sweaters, linen dresses, cardigans, denim jackets, and natural fabrics help create depth while maintaining a relaxed and timeless look. Layers can be especially helpful during cooler months and add variety to your final gallery.
For maternity sessions, choose something that makes you feel beautiful and comfortable. Flowing dresses, fitted outfits that highlight your bump, cozy sweaters or simple neutral clothing can all photograph beautifully. I do have a very small collection of maternity dresses and gowns to use, free of charge.
Most importantly, wear something that makes you feel comfortable and confident. When you're comfortable, you're able to focus on the people you love rather than your clothing—and that's when the most meaningful moments happen.
Shoes are often one of the most overlooked parts of an outfit, but they can have a surprisingly big impact on the overall look of your photographs. Whenever possible, choose footwear that complements your outfit and feels comfortable to walk, play, and move in.
Neutral-toned sandals, simple flats, ankle boots, clean dress shoes and classic sneakers tend to photograph beautifully and help create a cohesive look. For outdoor sessions, consider the location and terrain when choosing footwear to ensure everyone is comfortable and able to move freely throughout the session. The goal is for your footwear to blend naturally with your outfit rather than become the focal point.
While there are no strict rules when it comes to choosing outfits for your session, there are a few things that can distract from the connection and emotion within your photographs. Bright neon colours, large logos, graphic designs, character clothing, and clothing with a lot of text tend to draw attention away from the people in the image and can quickly make photographs feel dated.
Busy patterns and multiple competing prints can also be distracting, especially when several family members are wearing them. Instead, consider choosing colours and textures that complement one another while keeping the overall look simple and cohesive.
Most importantly, avoid wearing something that doesn't feel comfortable or true to you. If you're constantly adjusting your clothing or feeling self-conscious, it becomes much harder to relax and enjoy the experience. The goal isn't perfection—it's creating photographs that feel natural, connected and timeless, with the focus remaining where it belongs: on your family and the moments you share together.
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