Taking the Stress Out of Styling Your Session
You’ve finally booked your session, chosen a stunning local backdrop, and marked the date on the calendar. But then the inevitable panic sets in: What is everyone going to wear? Choosing outfits for family photos in Perth doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In fact, it should be a fun extension of your family’s unique personality.
As a local Perth family photographer, I know firsthand how our unique Western Australian climate and landscapes impact your final gallery. This complete guide will walk you through exactly how to coordinate your wardrobe for timeless, beautiful portraits.
1. The Golden Rule: Coordinate, Don’t Match
Gone are the days of everyone wearing identical white polo shirts and blue jeans! Instead of matching exactly, aim to coordinate. Start by choosing a color palette of 3 to 4 complementary colors.
- Pick a “hero” outfit first: Usually, this is mom’s dress. Once you have a piece with a beautiful pattern or color, pull accent colors from it for the rest of the family.
- Mix textures: Denim, linen, knits, and corduroy add depth and visual interest to your photos, preventing the group from looking flat.
- Vary the shades: If your color is blue, mix navy, chambray, and soft dusty blue rather than having everyone in the exact same shade.
2. Dressing for the Perth Climate
Western Australia is famous for its gorgeous weather, but it can be unpredictable. When planning what to wear to your Perth family photoshoot, you need to dress for the elements to ensure everyone stays comfortable and happy.
Spring & Summer Sessions
Our summers are famously hot, and coastal breezes (the Fremantle Doctor) can pick up in the afternoon. Opt for breathable fabrics like cotton and linen. Flowy maxi dresses are stunning on the beach because they catch the sea breeze beautifully. Avoid tight, synthetic materials that will make you sweat and feel restricted.
Autumn & Winter Sessions
Winter in WA offers some of the most magical, soft lighting for photography. The key to winter sessions is layering. Think chunky knit cardigans, stylish boots, textured beanies, and denim jackets. Layers not only keep the kids warm—preventing red noses and shivers—but they also look fantastic on camera. Always check the local forecast a few days before your shoot!
3. Match Your Palette to Your Location
Your outfits should complement the environment we are shooting in. Perth has two main aesthetic vibes, and your wardrobe should reflect the one you’ve chosen:
- The Coast (Beaches like Cottesloe or Trigg): Stick to soft, muted tones. Think dusty blues, seafoam greens, crisp whites, soft pinks, and sandy neutrals. These colors blend seamlessly with the ocean and white sand.
- The Bushland & Hills (Parks and Forests): Embrace warm, earthy tones. Mustard yellows, burnt oranges, deep olive greens, tan leather, and rich burgundies look spectacular against the native Australian bush and gum trees.
4. What to Avoid Wearing
To ensure your faces remain the focal point of the images, there are a few styling choices you should try to leave in the closet:
- Neon Colors: Bright neons cast terrible color reflections onto your skin (known as a color cast).
- Large Logos and Text: They are incredibly distracting and immediately date your photos.
- Tiny, Busy Patterns: Very tight stripes or tiny checks can cause a dizzying optical illusion on camera. Stick to larger, subtle prints.
Comfort is the Secret to Great Photos
At the end of the day, if you or your kids are uncomfortable, it will show on your faces. Avoid itchy tags, shoes that pinch, or dresses that constantly need pulling up. If you feel confident and comfortable in what you’re wearing, your genuine joy will shine through.
Need more inspiration or ready to lock in your date? Visit my Family Photography page to view recent galleries, get in touch, and start planning your dream session today!
