📸 What to Wear for Your Family Photoshoot



Style Tips to Help You Feel in Sync + Look Amazing

Coordinating outfits doesn’t mean matching exactly — it’s all about finding harmony in colour, tone, and vibe so your family looks beautifully connected while letting each personality shine.

 

1. Choose a Colour Palette, Not Matching Outfits

Pick 2-3 main colours and 1-2 accent tones. Think earthy, muted, or pastel tones that complement each other.

✨ Tip: Neutrals like cream, tan, olive, rust, soft blues or warm browns photograph beautifully and allow your expressions (and any cultural pieces) to shine.

Example: Soft beige, cream/white, and forest green = stunning!

Or white and denim…

 

2. Textures Over Patterns

Textures like linen, knits, denim, or cotton add depth. Avoid loud prints or big logos. A subtle pattern on one family member can work if the rest are in solids.

✨ Woven prints or korowai? Let those be the hero pieces - keep everything else minimal to let them stand out.

✨ The only pattern I suggest that may add to photos is if they were the modern matching cultural pattern family sets sold online at multiple stores e.g. @pacificwaygiftshop @tav_pacific etc

3. Comfort is Key

Make sure kids can move and feel like themselves. Bring backup options (just in case), and avoid anything scratchy or tight.

✨ Tip: If a child loves a certain outfit or cultural piece - let them wear it! Confidence looks amazing in photos.

4. Barefoot Or Simple Footwear

Barefoot looks natural and connected, especially in lifestyle sessions. Otherwise, stick to simple footwear like tan sandals, loafers or clean sneakers. Avoid bright runners unless that’s part of your family’s look.

 

5. Consider The Location

Outdoor session? Think flowy dresses, boots, or sandals (depending on location of session) or rolled sleeves.

Studio session? Opt for fitted but comfortable - avoid heavy layers unless it’s part of your look.

 

6. Cultural Elements Welcome & Celebrated

If you’d like to include woven prints, ta’ovala, ie faitaga, ula, or korowai, let’s make them the centrepiece. I love helping tell your story through visuals, and your culture is always welcome here.

 

Quick Checklist ✅

  • ✔ Stick to a 2-3 colour palette
  • ✔ Mix textures (knits, linen, cotton)
  • ✔ Avoid bright logos or clashing patterns
  • ✔ Bring a backup for the kids
  • ✔ Let cultural pieces lead when included
  • ✔ Be yourselves - connection > perfection

 

  • Symphony

    Mandy gave me my forever moments back. We have a family of 10 shoot with my grand daughter being 3wks old. Mandy managed to capture a variety of precious memories at all my asks, with two dress changes. She extended her time, had the utmost patience with our family, catered for my ASD child, really bringing our vision of our shoot out through her lens. Impeccable timing and consistency, professional skill set and upskilling, turnaround time to receive photography was quick. We look forward to capturing more forever milestones and memorabilia with New Way in the near future.

  • Zena

    I love love love Mandy’s work!! My kids first ever photo shoot together and I love it soo much!!

  • Lacynia

    What an absolute experience getting family photos done. The quality and outcome of the photos were so beautiful with each shot full of creativity. Cannot thank Mandy enough for not only being welcoming and working with us but being so patient and gentle with my children! 110% would recommend New Way Photography to friends, family and anyone who is looking at getting a wholesome professional family photo experience etc.

Contact form