What to Wear for Your Family Photoshoot in Newcastle upon Tyne
One of the most common questions I get before a family photography session is:
"What should we wear?"
The truth is, you don't need a brand-new wardrobe or perfectly coordinated outfits to create beautiful family photographs. The best images happen when you're comfortable, relaxed, and able to focus on the people you love.
Whether we're wandering through Jesmond Dene, chasing the evening light at Whitley Bay, exploring the beaches of Tynemouth and Cullercoats, or capturing slow moments at home in Gosforth, what you wear should help tell your family's story rather than distract from it.
Keep It Simple
When it comes to family photography, simplicity always wins.
Large logos, bright graphics, and busy patterns can pull attention away from what really matters: your connection with one another.
Instead, choose timeless pieces in soft, neutral colours that allow your family's personalities to shine through.
Some colours that photograph beautifully include:
- Cream
- Oatmeal
- Beige
- Soft blue
- Sage green
- Rust
- Warm brown
- Muted terracotta
- Soft grey
These tones work wonderfully across Newcastle's varied landscapes, from woodland walks to sandy beaches and cosy at-home sessions.
Coordinate, Don't Match
Gone are the days of everyone wearing matching white shirts and jeans.
Rather than dressing everyone identically, choose outfits that complement one another.
Pick a colour palette and build everyone's outfits around it. This creates a cohesive look while allowing each family member's personality to come through naturally.
Some combinations I love include:
- Cream, sand and soft blue
- Oatmeal, olive green and rust
- White, beige and light denim
- Soft grey, cream and warm brown
When in doubt, lay everyone's outfits out together on the bed and see how they look as a collection rather than individually.
Dress for Movement and Comfort
My photography style is natural, child-led and focused on genuine connection.
We're not aiming for stiff poses and forced smiles.
We'll be cuddling, exploring, playing games, carrying little ones, holding hands and sharing moments together.
Choose clothing you can comfortably move around in. If you're constantly adjusting a dress, pulling at a jumper or worrying about tight clothing, it can make it harder to relax.
Comfort always photographs beautifully.
What to Wear for a Beach Photoshoot in Whitley Bay or Tynemouth
Some of my favourite family sessions take place along the North East coastline.
Whether we're shooting at Whitley Bay, Tynemouth Longsands, King Edward's Bay or Cullercoats, beach sessions have a relaxed feel that works beautifully with simple, natural styling.
For coastal sessions, I recommend:
- Linen shirts
- Flowy dresses
- Soft knitwear
- Relaxed trousers
- Neutral tones
Bare feet if you're comfortable
The beach provides enough visual interest on its own, so simple clothing often works best.
Avoid neon colours, large logos and anything that feels overly formal.
The goal is to look comfortable, connected and completely yourselves.
What to Wear for a Family Photoshoot at Jesmond Dene
Jesmond Dene is one of Newcastle's most beautiful locations for family photography.
The woodland setting pairs perfectly with earthy tones and natural textures.
Think:
- Sage green
- Warm browns
- Oatmeal knitwear
- Cream jumpers
- Linen fabrics
- Layered textures
These colours complement the surrounding greenery and create a timeless, organic feel in your images.
What to Wear for an At-Home Family Session in Gosforth
Lifestyle family sessions at home are becoming increasingly popular, especially for newborn photography and families wanting a more personal experience.
Whether you're welcoming a new baby or simply documenting everyday life together, home sessions are all about comfort.
Choose clothing that feels relaxed and natural.
Soft knitwear, neutral basics, cosy loungewear and simple dresses often photograph beautifully.
There's no need to dress up excessively. The focus is on connection, cuddles and documenting this season of life exactly as it is.
Think About Texture
Texture can add depth and interest to your photographs without being distracting.
Some of my favourite fabrics include:
- Linen
- Cotton
- Chunky knitwear
- Muslin
- Wool blends
These materials create softness and movement that works beautifully in photographs.
Flowing dresses and loose fabrics can be especially lovely on windy beach evenings along the Newcastle coast.
Patterns: Less Is More
Patterns aren't completely off limits, but I generally recommend using them sparingly.
If one family member is wearing a subtle pattern, try to keep everyone else's outfits fairly simple.
Small florals, gentle stripes and textured fabrics can work beautifully.
Large checks, bold prints and high-contrast patterns tend to draw attention away from faces and connection.
What Should Mum Wear?
Mums are usually the ones organising the session and often the most worried about what to wear.
My biggest piece of advice is simple:
Choose something that makes you feel confident and comfortable.
Long dresses, soft knitwear, linen pieces and flowing fabrics tend to photograph beautifully, but the most important thing is choosing something that feels like you.
If you're booking a maternity session, don't be afraid to embrace your bump. Fitted dresses, flowing gowns and simple neutral outfits can create beautiful, timeless images.
What Should Children Wear?
Children don't need to be perfectly dressed.
In fact, some of the most meaningful photographs happen when children are simply comfortable enough to be themselves.
Choose clothing they can run, climb, cuddle and play in.
Avoid:
Uncomfortable shoes
Tight clothing
Scratchy fabrics
Outfits they dislike wearing
A happy child will always photograph better than an uncomfortable one.
My One Request: Huddle In
If there's one thing I tell every family before their session, it's this:
Always huddle in.
The closer you are to one another, the more opportunities we have to create beautiful, meaningful photographs.
Hold hands.
Give cuddles.
Carry your children.
Share kisses.
Tickle them.
Laugh together.
The magic isn't found in perfect posing.
It's found in genuine connection.
Final Thoughts
The best outfits for a family photoshoot in Newcastle upon Tyne are the ones that allow you to relax and enjoy your time together.
Keep things simple. Choose colours that work together. Prioritise comfort over perfection.
Whether we're exploring Jesmond Dene, chasing the sunset at Whitley Bay, photographing your family at home in Gosforth, or adventuring somewhere else in Newcastle and Northumberland, the most important thing you'll bring to your session is each other.
The photographs you'll treasure most won't be the ones where everyone's outfit is perfect.
They'll be the ones where your family's connection shines through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should family outfits match for a photoshoot?
No. Coordinating colours works much better than matching outfits. Choose a colour palette and build everyone's outfits around it.
What colours photograph best for family photos?
Neutral and earthy tones such as cream, beige, sage green, rust, soft blue and warm brown tend to photograph beautifully in all seasons.
What should we wear for a beach photoshoot in Whitley Bay?
Linen, soft knitwear, neutral colours and comfortable clothing work particularly well for beach sessions. Bare feet are always a great option too.
What should children wear for a family photography session?
Choose comfortable clothing that allows them to move, play and explore freely.
What should I wear for an at-home newborn photoshoot?
Soft neutral clothing, cosy knitwear and simple outfits that feel comfortable and natural are perfect for lifestyle newborn sessions.
