What to Wear for Family Photos - Kalgoorlie

What to Wear for your Family Photos in Kalgoorlie?

First of all, this is simply a guide—not a list of rules.

More than anything, I want your photographs to reflect you and your family. If cowboy boots, denim, and country style are part of your story, then embrace them! Your session should feel authentic to who you are.

One of the things I love most about photographing families in the Goldfields is our incredible landscape. The wide-open spaces, warm golden light, and rich natural colours create a beautiful backdrop, and choosing outfits that complement the scenery helps create timeless, cohesive portraits.

Choosing Your Colour Palette

I'm naturally drawn to earthy, muted tones and soft neutrals, as they complement the Goldfields beautifully and allow the focus to remain on your family rather than your clothing.

Some of my favourite colours includes:

• Cream
• Oatmeal
• Beige
• Camel
• Rust
• Terracotta
• Olive
• Sage
• Dusty Blue
• Soft Mustard
• Chocolate Brown

These colours photograph beautifully together and suit the warm tones that are signature to my editing style.

So how do you Co-ordinate Everyone's Wardrobe?

Step 1 | Choose a Colour Palette

Rather than dressing everyone in exactly the same outfit or colour, choose 3–5 complementary tones to create a beautifully coordinated

look. You can use the palette above as inspiration.

Step 2 | Start with Mum

The easiest way to coordinate your family's outfits is to choose Mum's outfit first.

Pick something you feel beautiful and comfortable wearing. If you're constantly adjusting straps or worried about how something fits, it will show in your photos.

Look for:

• Flowy midi, maxi dresses or flowy pants
• Linen or cotton fabrics
• Soft textures
• Clothing with movement
• Something that flatters your shape and allows you to move comfortably

Once you've chosen your outfit, build everyone else's around it.

Step 3 | Dress Dad Simply

Dad doesn't need to be complicated.

A linen shirt, knit polo or quality tee paired with chinos or neutral pants photographs beautifully.

Avoid:

• Sports shirts
• Large logos
• Bright sneakers
• Cargo shorts
• Black from head to toe

Step 4 | Dress the Kids

Keep children's outfits simple.

Think:

• Linen
• Cotton
• Soft knits
• Dresses with movement
• Rompers
• Overalls

Children don't need to be perfectly coordinated. Their personalities are what make the images special.

Step 5 | Think About Texture

Texture photographs beautifully.

Mix fabrics like:

• Linen
• Cotton
• Knits
• Lace
• Muslin
• Ribbed fabrics

Texture creates depth without needing busy patterns.

Step 6 | Avoid These

• Neon colours
• Bright reds
• Avoid busy floral prints on more than one family member. Instead, let one patterned outfit be the feature while keeping everyone else in complementary solid colours.
• Tiny stripes
• Large logos
• Cartoon characters
• Apple watches/Fitbits
• Hair ties on wrists
• Bulging phone pockets
• Wrinkled clothing 

Shoes Matter

Choose shoes that suit the outfit.

Good options:

• Leather sandals (although I do recommend enclosed shoes for the kids! There are prickles that tend to sneak into their sandals and feet)
• Neutral flats
• Boots

Avoid:

• Running shoes
• Bright white sneakers (unless they genuinely suit the outfit)
• Thongs
• Sports sandals

Think About Your Walls

When choosing outfits, imagine one of your portraits hanging in your home.

Timeless colours and classic clothing will ensure your photographs feel just as beautiful in twenty years as they do today.

Need Help?

I'm always happy to help.

Simply lay everyone's outfits on a bed or floor, snap a photo, and send it through. I can offer suggestions and help you create a beautifully coordinated look before your session.

Below you can view some sample images from client sessions in our beautiful Kalgoorlie nature as well as some inspirational visual guides.

Hot Tips!

A few little things that will help your session run as smoothly as possible:

• Keep accessories simple. Delicate jewellery photographs beautifully, but I recommend leaving chunky jewellery and smart watches at home (unless they're sentimental and you'd love them included).
• Empty your pockets. Before we begin, pop your phone, keys, and any bulky items out of your pockets. Don't worry—I’m always happy to carry them for you while we’re shooting.
• Give your outfits a quick iron. Freshly ironed clothing, particularly shirt sleeves and collars, makes a noticeable difference in your finished portraits.
• Come prepared for the outdoors. I recommend applying insect repellent before your session and bringing mosquito stickers for the little ones.
• The famous Kalgoorlie flies! They're part of life here and especially active during the warmer months. They won't ruin your session, but you may find yourself perfecting your fly-swatting technique! If you'd like, fly repellent creams are available, although they may not be suitable for young babies.



Most importantly, please don't feel like you have to figure everything out on your own. If you're unsure about outfits, simply send me a photo of what you're considering and I'll happily help you put everything together. I'll also check in before your session to make sure you're feeling organised, relaxed, and ready for a wonderful evening.