A guide on What to wear for a maternity or family photoshoot | MATERNITY & FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER, MARGARET RIVER
A Guide on What to Wear for a Maternity or Family Photoshoot | Maternity & Family Photographer Margaret River by Stills by Jordan
I'm a big advocate for couples and families wearing clothes that make them feel comfortable and authentically themselves.
Whether that's a neutral, flowing maxi dress that gently hugs your blossoming belly, a favourite linen shirt you've worn for years, or fun pops of colour that reflect your family's personality, your outfit should feel like you.
Sometimes it can feel overwhelming knowing what to choose from your wardrobe, especially when you're preparing for photos that will become treasured family keepsakes.
But remember, this isn't a fashion shoot like you might see on social media.
This is about preserving memories. It's about documenting the anticipation of a new baby, the way your children fit perfectly in your arms right now, and the little moments of togetherness that make your family uniquely yours.
I love personalising each session to suit the people in front of my camera, so here are some thoughts and considerations to help when choosing what to wear for your maternity or family photoshoot.
What to Wear for a Maternity Photoshoot
The most important thing is choosing something that makes you feel comfortable, beautiful, and confident.
Your maternity session is a celebration of this incredible season of life, so I encourage mums-to-be to wear something that highlights and honours their growing belly.
Flowing dresses photograph beautifully in the coastal landscapes of Margaret River, allowing movement in the breeze and creating a soft, timeless feel. Fitted knit dresses can also be stunning, gently showcasing the shape of your bump while still feeling relaxed and natural.
When choosing colours, earthy tones, soft neutrals, muted greens, warm browns, dusty blues, and creamy whites tend to complement the natural beauty of our local beaches, forests, and open landscapes. However, if a colour feels meaningful to you, don't be afraid to embrace it.
A few things to consider:
Choose outfits that allow you to move comfortably.
Avoid large logos or graphics that may distract from the connection and emotion in your images.
Consider layering with a cardigan, knit jumper, button-up shirt, or textured wrap.
Bring a second outfit if you'd like some variety.
Think about footwear. Bare feet often suit beach sessions beautifully, while simple sandals or boots work well in forest locations.
Most importantly, wear something that helps you feel like yourself. When you're comfortable, your confidence shines through, and that is always more important than following trends.
A textured white buttoned blouse draws attention to your growing belly while creating images that feel timeless, gentle, and beautifully unhurried. A bit of texture on white items is also wonderful for black and white photos.
What to Wear for a Family Photoshoot
Rather than matching exactly, I recommend coordinating colours and tones.
Choose a colour palette of three to five complementary colours and build everyone's outfits around those shades. This creates a cohesive look while allowing each family member's personality to shine through.
Texture photographs beautifully, so consider linen, cotton, knits, corduroy, muslin, or soft woven fabrics. These materials add depth and interest without overwhelming the image.
For little ones, comfort is key. Children are naturally curious, adventurous, and playful, and I want them to be able to run, climb, explore, and cuddle freely during our session.
Some simple tips include:
Coordinate rather than match.
Choose comfortable clothing that allows movement.
Avoid large logos, characters, or busy patterns.
Include texture where possible.
Consider how your outfits will look together as a group.
Dress for the season and location.
A family exploring Boranup Forest in soft, neutral tones that complement one another without matching exactly.
A Final Note
If you're standing in front of your wardrobe wondering whether you've chosen the right outfit, remember that your family is what makes these photographs meaningful.
Years from now, your children won't be looking at whether your dress was on trend or whether everyone's colours matched perfectly.
They'll be looking at the way you held them close, the laughter you shared, and the love that surrounded them.
And that's exactly what I want your photos to capture.
If you'd like guidance on outfit choices before your session, I'm always happy to help. Once you've booked, I’m more than happy to send you my Pinterest guide for ideas on outfit options and we can create something that feels natural, comfortable, and true to your family.
