Just so you know, this is not about the outfit

If you are staring at your wardrobe thinking, I have nothing to wear, I just want to say it plainly.

These photos are about you and your presence with your family.

Not you in a new outfit that looked good online but doesn’t quite feel like you. Not you spending three late nights trying to coordinate everyone into something that looks “right” on Pinterest.

Just you, as mum, in a season your children will one day look back on and remember. The way you held them. The way you leaned in. The way you were there.

So our goal is simple. Choose something comfortable, something that feels like you, and something that lets you move close.

Start with mum (because you always put yourself last)

This is one of those small decisions that gives you a much needed starting point.

Mum chooses first. Not because you have to be the star, but because you are the anchor. Once you pick your outfit, it becomes much easier to choose pieces for everyone else that complement you without trying too hard.

A few mum outfit ideas that tend to work beautifully, whether you’re relaxed at home or outdoors at your favourite beach in Sydney:

• A maxi dress if that feels like you (it moves beautifully and gives you room to cuddle and lift kids)
• A comfy linen set with room to move
• Your favourite jeans with a pretty top that feels like “you on a good day”

The key is not the specific item. It is the feeling. If you arrive feeling like yourself, that is one less thing you will second guess.

A simple colour formula that keeps it easy

Thoughtful consideration is lovely, but I promise it does not need to be a project.

Here is the framework I recommend:

1. Choose one dominant colour or overall feel
2. Add one complementary tone
3. Fill out the rest with neutrals in different tones and textures

Neutrals can be warm or cool. Think creams, soft whites, oatmeal, stone, tan, denim, soft greys, charcoal.

Dress for the season in Sydney

I love colour, and Sydney gives us so much to work with across the year.

• Spring and summer: lighter, brighter, airier tones often feel at home
• Autumn and winter: earthier, moodier tones can feel grounding and beautiful

And if you are not sure, neutrals with one or two gentle colours woven in almost always photograph timelessly.

Textures matter more than “matching”

If you want a secret that makes outfits look elevated without feeling fussy, it is this: Choose soft, organic textures that feel wonderful to snuggle in.

I especially love cottons, linens, denims, soft wools and knits. Over the years I’ve noticed that when the fabric is comfortable, everyone relaxes faster. When everyone relaxes faster, the photos will show this too.

What I suggest avoiding

This is the short list that saves a lot of regret later.

• Bold logos (they date quickly and pull the eye away from faces)
• Anything scratchy or uncomfortable for kids (it almost always becomes the whole mood)
• Polo shirts or stiff collars for dad (they tend to get in the way of close cuddles)
• Matchy matchy outfits (everyone in the same look often feels forced, and you lose personality)

Are patterns okay?

Yes. Soft patterns are totally fine, and I personally have a soft spot for pretty floral prints. The main thing is that the pattern does not shout louder than your connection.

Sydney location notes

North Shore bushland and suburban parklands

In open parklands and bushland, we often have rich greens and darker foliage.

In these spaces, outfits that tend to shine are:

• Neutrals
• Softer tones
• Lighter and brighter colours (they can help you stand out from the greenery)

Colours I tend to be less inclined to choose here are:

• Greens and browns that closely match the foliage (they can blend in)

Sydney beaches (sand, rock, sky, ocean blues)

On the beach, we get such a beautiful mix of:

• soft golden sand
• textured rocks
• the blues of ocean and sky

Here, creams, denims, and many colours work well across the seasons. Beach backdrops are often forgiving and timeless, especially if you keep the clothing comfortable and not too formal.

Weather in Sydney

Sydney weather can shift quickly, and outdoor sessions often feel cooler than expected, especially early morning and around sunset.

My simple advice:

• Bring an extra layer
• Bring a rug or blanket you can wrap in
  It is cosy, practical, and it photographs beautifully too.

If your kids refuse the outfit, here is what I want you to do

This one comes up a lot, so let’s make it easy.

If your child is obsessed with a favourite outfit or even a costume in this season, and wearing anything else is going to start a battle before you even arrive, it might bother you, but my honest advice is:

Let them wear it.

Bring a second option along, and once they have warmed up and feel safe, we can often coax them into a different outfit. But even if we do not, we will still make beautiful photos because your child feeling free matters more than them looking “perfect.”

And one more gentle rule that saves everyone: don’t force your kids into wearing anything stiff or too formal. They will likely fight you, and the last thing I want for you is arriving stressed.

For kids, I am always happy to keep it simple. Let them shine. Let them move. Let them feel free.

Dad outfits that feel relaxed and photograph well

If polos and stiff collars get in the way of cuddles, what works better?

• A soft linen button down with sleeves rolled up
• A simple, solid tee in a neutral or complementary tone
• A henley or soft knit top
• Relaxed chinos or jeans in a classic wash

The aim is the same as mum’s. Comfortable. True to him. Easy to move in.

Shoes, in real life

• Beach sessions: we often end up barefoot, and that can be perfect
• Parkland and bushland: neutral sneakers, simple sandals, or boots in cooler months can work well

If you are unsure, choose shoes that are:

• comfortable enough to walk and play in
• neutral enough not to pull focus
• not brand heavy or neon bright

And finally, if your body does not look how it used to, please read this slowly…

If you are in that familiar place where you are tempted to step out of the photos, I want you to remember something true.

Your body has been part of creating life. No small feat by any standard.

This journey is a work in progress, and it can take time to feel at home in your skin again. But you do not want to miss precious memories of a season because this got in the way.

Your children are not looking for perfection. They are looking for you.

Choose comfort so you can lift and spin, and hug and sit, and cuddle and lie on the ground, and throw kids in the air.

Choose connection.

Whatever you are wearing, that is what will matter in the photos.

Ready when you are

If you would like help planning your family photography session, choosing a location, and keeping the whole experience calm and simple, you are so welcome to reach out.

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