The autumn is already fading away and this is the best time to publish a new guide on what to wear for your family photoshoot, winter edition! Winter starts on the 21st of December and ends on the 23rd of March, but it’s the UK and the weather becomes quite cold and humid even before then, so you can use this guide from the start of December.

During our session, it is necessary that you are warm and comfortable, as it will be a shame to shorten our session because of discomfort or a red nose.

In this guide, I will walk you through the Dos and Don’ts and give you a few examples at the end.

Say Oui to…

• Choose a colour scheme: Colour scheme is not colour matching: it’s using different colours that go together. I have given you a few examples at the bottom of the page.

• Bright colours: I shoot mostly outdoors in parks, fields and the city. Therefore our surroundings will be quite bare with no leaves on the trees, so let’s not be shy. Colourful coats, beanies, and scarves are welcome. Say yes to Pine green, Rich Reds, Burgundy etc…

• Natural fabrics are beautiful and bring rich texture to the photos. Say yes to wool, cotton, fur, leather or shearling jacket, etc…

• Under layers: stay warm with layers of clothes underneath that won’t look too bulky, you don’t want it to look like you’ve put on some extra ‘weight’. Under layers could be some thermos tights under mum’s long skirts, or warm long sleeves undershirts for the little ones.

• Over layers: Let’s play with layers that will keep you warm but also make you look good. It could be a shirt under dad’s jumper, knitted cardigans on top of another jumper, you name it! Be creative.

• Accessories: add some woollen or leather gloves, scarves, boot socks and beanies. Also, I LOVE fedora hats, they bring a great sense of style to my families sessions, just make sure they are not too dark or otherwise they will create heavy shadows on your eyes. Pro tip: get some hand warmers from Amazon prior to your session that can be hidden in your coat pockets.

• Clean and tidy: Make sure the clothes are ironed, and free of lint, haircut appointments are booked, your partner has shaved the night before, etc… so everyone looks neat in the photos. For mums: curly and wavy hair always looks great.

• Blankets: I LOOOOOVE using blankets during my shoots. They are lovely as we can use them to cuddle up and stay warm or use them to sit on the floor for some hugs and sitting shots.

• Bring a change of clothes for your kids, it will be useful if they vomit on them or fell over and get them dirty.

Say Non to…

• Black! I am sorry guys but I am not a fan of black unless it’s just on your shoes or limited to a small area. I know it’s an easy colour to wear but I find it sad, and boring and you will blend into the background. Instead, privilege browns, beige, colours or even grey, but please, not black!

• Avoid patterns that are highly fashionable right now. Because 7 years down the line you won’t be able to see yourself in these photos without having a giggle. Instead, bet on plaid, checkered, classic patterns, or plain!

• Matching Outfits. I find matching outfits outdated and cheesy. Let’s aim more for something simple and timeless that you will not be embarrassed to have on your walls in 10 years.

• Inappropriate shoes: No stilettos that will dig in the mud, instead warm and comfortable boots with thick heels. You are welcome to bring a change of shoes until we get to the shoot location if that is easier for you.

Styling tips

1. Find Mum’s outfit first: Because mom is the Queen and she bloody deserves it. Plus it’s a lot easier to style the girl’s outfit first as it tends to be more complicated than guys who can just slap a shirt on smart trousers and look great (sorry guys!!). Women have a bit more thought into their outfits as there are MANY more items to select (sometimes for the best or not!).

2. Don’t wait last minute to put the Family outfit together to avoid a stressed run to the mall the day before the session. Send me a photo of your outfit before the session if you need some advice or just a thumbs up.

I have put together a Pinterest Board on What to Wear for your Winter Family Session you can check it out here.

Worried about doing it wrong? Check my Pinterest Board on What NOT to wear at your family photoshoot here.

One more thing, but not least: Mums, yes you! Don’t take all the workload, ask your partner and kids to give you a hand with the prepping. That will invest them in this family activity and create excitement prior to the session.

I hope you find this guide helpful. If you follow these steps, you should be perfectly ready and stress-free for your family session. I can’t wait to meet you and have fun.

If you have any questions, feel free to send me an email following the link below.

Alba.