What to wear
What should the whole family wear for maternity photos?
Dress the family to belong in the same photograph, not to wear the same clothes. Matching outfits read as a uniform. Coordination reads as a family.
The practical rule is simple: pick two or three colors and one level of formality, then let everyone wear something different inside that.
Start with your look, then work outwards
Your maternity look is chosen first, because it is the one with the fewest options. Everyone else is dressed to sit beside it.
| Your maternity look | The rest of the family |
|---|---|
| Black gown or bodysuit | Black, charcoal and deep gray; a dark suit for your partner |
| White or cream gown | White shirts, beige, oatmeal, soft gray |
| Jeans and bodysuit | Jeans on everyone, plain fitted tops in white, black or gray |
| Soft neutral fabric | Beige, cream, tan, brown and muted earth tones |
| Red or a jewel tone | Neutrals on everyone else, so the statement stays yours |
Children
Comfort decides how long a child will cooperate, so it decides how many photographs you get. Choose clothes they already wear and can move in. Stiff collars, new shoes and anything scratchy will end the family portion early.
- Clothes they have worn before and did not complain about
- Plain colors from your chosen palette, no cartoon graphics
- Shoes that are already broken in, or bare feet
- A spare outfit in the bag, because something will be spilled
Children are given direction too, in whatever amount they will accept, and the session is arranged around them rather than against them.
Your partner
He should still look like himself. Simple trousers with a clean shirt, or jeans with a fitted plain t-shirt, work in almost every session; a blazer raises the formality if your look calls for it.
The full guide to what your husband should wear
What breaks a family photograph
- Everyone in the identical shirt
- Four different strong colors competing for attention
- One person dressed formally while everyone else is casual
- Large logos and cartoon prints
- Clothes that do not fit anyone properly right now
- Phones, wallets and keys in front pockets
They do not have to stay the whole time
Your partner and children can arrive for the family portion rather than sitting through hair, makeup, wardrobe planning and every individual look. That keeps everyone patient for the part they are actually in, and leaves you the rest of the session to yourself.
Frequently asked questions
No. Choose two or three colors and one level of formality, and let each person wear something different within that.
Partner and children are included with the Comfort and Premium experiences, and posing direction is given to everyone taking part.
No. They can arrive for the family portion while you keep the rest of the session for your individual portraits.
That is normal and planned for. Direction is given in whatever amount a child will accept, and the session works around them.
Yes. Tell the studio in advance so the family portion is planned with the right number of people in mind.