What to Wear for Family Photos Outdoors
Outfit planning is usually the part clients stress about most — and it’s the easiest to get right once you know a few simple rules.
If you’re booking an outdoor family session, chances are the outfits are the thing keeping you up at night, not the photographer. Take a breath. The best family photos don’t come from a “matching” wardrobe — they come from clothes that feel like you, photographed somewhere beautiful, in light that flatters everyone. Here’s how to get there without the stress.
The golden rule: coordinate, don’t match
Head-to-toe matching outfits (think: everyone in the same navy shirt and jeans) tend to photograph flat and a little stiff. What works far better is coordinating around a shared palette — two or three complementary tones that everyone pulls from, mixed with different textures and patterns.
A simple way to plan it: pick one anchor colour, then let each family member wear a different shade or a neutral alongside it. It reads as put-together without looking like a uniform.
Best colour palettes for Northern Ireland’s outdoor light
Our light here on the Causeway Coast is soft and slightly cool most of the year — think coastal greys, deep greens, and that low golden hour glow off the fields. Muted, earthy tones sit beautifully against that backdrop.
Think along the lines of olive, terracotta, camel, dusty blue, soft cream and forest green. These tones don’t fight the landscape — they sit inside it.
What to avoid
- Busy patterns, large logos, or slogan t-shirts — they date photos and pull focus from faces
- Everyone in stark white or all black — both are unforgiving in bright outdoor light and flatten skin tones
- Brand-new, stiff shoes — comfort shows on faces, especially with kids
- Neon or clashing brights next to each other
Layering for changeable Northern Irish weather
We all know a Causeway Coast forecast can change four times before lunch. Bring a light layer — a knit cardigan, a soft jacket, a wrap — that adds to the photo rather than just protecting against a shower. Layers also give us variety across the shoot: jacket on for arrival shots, off for the relaxed ones.
Outfit ideas by family
Young children
Let them move. Soft, breathable fabrics they can run, climb and sit on the ground in. Avoid anything itchy or brand new that hasn’t been “worn in” — an uncomfortable child shows up in every frame.
Teens
Give them some ownership within the palette. A teenager who feels like themselves in the photo will look far more natural than one who feels dressed up against their will.
Grandparents and extended family
Classic, timeless pieces work best — they won’t date the photo in years to come, and they tend to sit well alongside younger family members’ more casual choices.
Footwear for outdoor terrain
Beaches, fields and forest paths around here aren’t kind to good shoes. Boots or trainers that can handle mud, sand or grass are worth more than anything that looks great but isn’t walkable — and bring a spare pair to change into after, if the site’s wet.
What to bring as backup
- A spare top for little ones (ice cream, muddy hands — it happens)
- A packable rain layer, just in case
- Hair ties, a comb, and blotting powder for shine
- Water and a snack — happy kids photograph better than hungry ones
From a recent session: One family I photographed near Portstewart Strand came in oatmeal, sage and dusty rose — no two people in the same colour, but the whole group reads as one palette against the dunes.
“We were dreading the outfit planning more than anything else — Eddy made it so simple.”
Frequently asked questions
Do we all need to wear the same colour?
No — coordinating within a shared palette photographs far better than everyone in identical colours. Aim for two or three complementary tones across the family instead.
What if it rains on the day?
Bring a light layer that still looks good in photos, and we’ll work with the weather — soft, overcast light is often more flattering than harsh sun anyway.
Should young kids wear something different to the adults?
They can — comfort matters more than matching for little ones. Keep them within the same colour family and let them move freely.
Ready to plan your outdoor family session?
Family portraits start from £125. Let’s chat about your family, your favourite spots on the coast, and what to wear.
Enquire About a Family Session