You are here: / / Outdoor family photography: What to wear
  • Family of four come together for an outdoor family photograph

Outdoor family photography: What to dress my kids in

The things you really need to know about styling family photography.

The weather is nicer, lockdown restrictions are easing. Finally! It is so nice to be able to plan some amazing outdoor family photography sessions in and around London’s parks.

Whether you’re looking for natural family photography featuring just the kids or the whole family – and pets too! – there’s something really freeing about being able to let the kids be kids, have a great time and get the moment recorded, captured on camera for you to treasure forever.

You want it to look natural. Unposed. Timeless. I get it. But what are the kids going to wear? Does it matter?

Family photographer North London parks make a great venue
Free Family Photoshoot!
Girl poses in the sun on a table for the best family photographer North London
A boy poses just once during a candid family photography session
A boy plays with some stone during an outdoor family photography session

Let the kids be kids

What makes a great candid family photography session is when you let the kids be kids – natural expressions, genuine emotions and heartfelt reactions. You know when your own kids run around the park with their siblings or friends, their pure delight and imagination drives how they look and feel.

I treat all my outdoor family photography sessions like a play date. We have loads of fun and the time just flies by.

But what to wear for the perfect timeless look? Something neutral is always a good place to start; not too bright colours or patterns that will distract from your kids’ faces. Having said that, many children love their bright colours and if that’s your kid, then go for yellow – it generally doesn’t clash with other colours!

You can always compromise and let the kids wear wellies; they always seem to love these and they make for endearing photos!

Wear something comfortable!

While you might pay attention a little more to a neutral colour palette, (or, like countless parents, simply give up on that idea just to get your three year old to leave the house on time!) – you definitely want to make sure you and your family are comfortable.

You’ll be running around in the park, sitting, standing – and on your feet for a bit. This is like an active playdate so make sure you wear comfy shoes and add layers, which you can de-robe from if you’re too hot and add to if the weather goes a little cloudy and cold.

Above all, dress your kids in something that you don’t mind if it ends up with grass stains or muddy bums! These make for great shots after all!

Have you thought about how to display your favourite images after a North London photographer session?
Family photoshoot North London: Don't be afraid to let your little ones be themselves

______ FREE FAMILY PHOTOSHOOTS ______

This April 2021 I’m giving away TEN free family photoshoots outdoors, worth £145.

To celebrate the easing of lockdown – and the fact we can mostly meet up in parks again! – I’d love to photograph you and your family to capture the most special times.

Let’s make summer 2021 a year to remember! Sessions booked by May 3, 2o21, can be for later in the year. Just ask for more details!

I also offer year-round NHS discounts to NHS staff. Click London for NHS Discounts

Yes! Free Family Photoshoot!

A girl hangs over the bar of a beach hut during an outdoor family photoshoot
Outdoor family photoshoots at the beach can be incredible

Fit your style to your location

A (messy) run around in the park can be quite different to a more stylised shoot down at the beach. Here the little girl wore her favourite ‘Sunday best’ outfit which I teamed up with a beautiful beach hut in similar tones. You want your daughter or son to be the star of the show and before your family photoshoot, we’ll discuss what you plan to wear so I can plan carefully where the best location is.

If it rains – great!

You really don’t need to worry if you open your curtains on the morning of your outdoor family photoshoot and it looks a bit drizzly or grey skies. Typical English weather!

Sometimes the rain and a sweet umbrella prop (I’ll bring) makes for great and unique photos.

Of course if it’s absolutely pelting it down, you might want to reschedule – but a little light rain won’t stop us!

Outdoor family photography doesn't have to be in the sunshine
outdoor family photography: A boy makes the most of the rain in his back garden
Muswell Hill baby photographer Louisa Peacock

Louisa is the owner of Louisa Peacock Photography and runs an award-winning studio in her own home in Muswell Hill. She specialises in family, baby and newborn photography in the studio or out and about in London’s beautiful parks. Above all her photoshoots are relaxed, fun and meaningful.

______ FREE FAMILY PHOTOSHOOTS ______

This April 2021 I’m giving away TEN free family photoshoots outdoors, worth £145.

To celebrate the easing of lockdown – and the fact we can mostly meet up in parks again! – I’d love to photograph you and your family to capture the most special times.

Let’s make summer 2021 a year to remember! Sessions booked by May 3, 2021, can be for later in the year. Just ask for more details!

Yes! Free Family Photoshoot!