A Surrey family photographer's guide to looking timeless without buying a whole new wardrobe
One of the first questions families ask after booking is, "What should we wear?"
It's a completely understandable question. You want everyone to look and feel their best, but the thought of choosing outfits for the whole family can quickly become overwhelming. Suddenly you're wondering whether everyone's clothes need to match, if the children have outgrown everything nice they own and whether you should be buying a whole new wardrobe just for one afternoon.
The good news is that you really don't need to. In fact, some of the most beautiful family photographs I've taken have featured clothes my clients already had hanging in their wardrobes.
The photographs should still feel like you
When you look back at these photographs in 20 or 30 years' time, I want you to recognise yourselves. That doesn't necessarily mean everyone is dressed up in their smartest clothes.
It means you've chosen outfits that feel comfortable, natural and like something you would genuinely wear.
There's something lovely about looking back at old family photographs and remembering the jumper your little boy wore every weekend or the dress you lived in one summer. Those details become part of the story. If an outfit feels uncomfortable or unlike you, that often shows in the photographs. I'd much rather you felt relaxed than overly dressed up.
You don't need to match
This is probably the biggest misconception. Coordinating doesn't mean everyone has to wear exactly the same colours or identical white shirts and jeans. Instead, think about choosing colours that sit comfortably alongside each other. Soft creams, warm neutrals, muted greens and earthy tones all work beautifully because they allow the focus to stay where it belongs - on your family rather than your clothes.
The aim isn't for everyone to look identical. It's for everyone to look like they belong together.
Texture photographs beautifully
One of the things that makes photographs feel warm and timeless isn't actually colour, it's texture.
Linen, cotton, knitted jumpers and soft flowing dresses all catch the light beautifully and add a lovely sense of movement to your images. They also tend to photograph much more naturally than shiny fabrics or clothes with bold graphics.
Little details like these make a surprising difference without ever feeling overstyled.
Dress for movement, not perfection
My sessions are designed around connection rather than posing. That means there'll be walking, cuddling, picking children up, playing games and plenty of moments where little ones simply want to explore.
Choosing clothes that allow you to move comfortably makes the whole experience feel much more relaxed. If you're constantly adjusting a dress strap, worrying about a tight waistband or asking your toddler not to get muddy, it's much harder to stay present.
The best outfit is usually one you stop thinking about five minutes after you've put it on.
You don't have to buy anything new
This is something I always reassure families about. There's absolutely no expectation that you'll go shopping before your session. In fact, I'd often recommend starting with what you already own.
When you book with me, you'll receive a Welcome Guide with styling advice to help you coordinate everyone's outfits, and I'm always happy to offer suggestions if you're deciding between a few options. Sometimes a quick photo sent over email is all it takes for us to choose together.
I also have a carefully curated client wardrobe with a selection of beautiful dresses for mums, along with outfits for babies and younger children that you're very welcome to borrow. Many families find this takes away one more thing to think about during an already busy season of life.
What about dads?
Dads often get overlooked when planning outfits but they don't need anything complicated either. A well-fitting shirt, a simple knit or a plain linen top in soft, neutral colours always works beautifully. The aim is simply to complement the rest of the family rather than draw attention.
More importantly, I want everyone to feel like themselves. Some of my favourite photographs have been taken when families have completely forgotten about the camera, and comfortable clothes play a big part in making that possible.
A note from Jenny
If I'm honest, I don't think anyone has ever looked back at a family photograph and thought, "I wish I'd bought a different jumper."
What people remember is how that stage of life felt. The children who insisted on wearing wellies with everything. The tiny pair of dungarees that suddenly didn't fit a few months later. Those little details often become some of the most nostalgic parts of a photograph because they remind us so clearly of who our children were at that age.
So if you're worrying about what to wear, my advice is always the same. Let's keep it simple. Choose clothes you feel comfortable in, let me help with the rest and focus your energy on enjoying an hour with the people you love most. That's what you'll remember long after the outfits have been forgotten.
Looking for a family photographer in Surrey?
If you're looking for a Surrey family photographer who'll guide you through every step of the experience including styling advice, a client wardrobe and a relaxed, child-led session, I'd love to help.
Whether you're planning a family photoshoot in Surrey, celebrating a new arrival or simply wanting to preserve this chapter before your children grow even more, I'll help make the whole experience feel easy from beginning to end.
