What should I dress my children in?

What to wear is always the biggest question I get asked, and rightly so! The outfits you choose make a big impact on the final images. So, I have put together a few tips to help you get ready for your upcoming Christmas Mini Session!


Colours, textures and style: I personally love traditional Christmas red, green and white. Nothing says festive like these colours in combination with these sets. Consider the set that you have chosen and chose a colour or colour combination that pops! Neutrals, blues and denims can also look beautiful at Christmas as well as metallics. Avoid heavy dark colours such as black and navy. These colours do not photograph well. Avoid characters and large logos, these also do not photograph well. Textures can be beautiful, such as lace, sequins or tulle. When it comes to patterns I suggest less is more, petite patterns or patterns that compliment and do not distract from the outfit and overall scene are perfect.


For multiple children make sure that their outfits compliment each other. If they are wearing red, is it the same shade of red? Do they look like they are part of the same environment, for example, one child in a winter knit and trousers and another in a summer dress. Outfits that are mismatched in this way will not look cohesive. Remember although the weather is only just starting to warm up, Christmas in Perth is hot and it will be summer when you will likely use your beautiful images the most.


Make sure your kids can move around with ease. You want clothing that fits well. Depending on the set we will be moving, twirling, sitting, standing, dancing and just all round having the best time. You want your children to be able to move freely without straps falling down and underwear showing etc. For older children make sure that bra straps are covered and that they can sit comfortably in skirts depending on your chosen set.


Babies in dresses I recommend nappy covers underneath so that we don't see their nappy in the shots.


Merry + Bright - Cute PJs will could gorgeous on this set.


Some of my favourite places to shop -

  • Target
  • Cotton On
  • BigW
  • Seed
  • Best + Less
  • Arabella + Rose
  • Bonnie + Harlo
  • Aubrie Australia
  • Bella + Lace
  • Marlow + Mae
  • Lovisa

Footwear: There are no shoes on set for Merry + Bright and you will not see your children's feet on the Sugar + Spice set so those are both pretty easy!


My suggestions for footwear on the Stars + Sparkles set are - bare feet (my favourite) or a shoe that compliments your outfit. Shoes that are minimal, clean and unscuffed photograph best. The camera is designed to pick up all of the little details, so shoes that are well worn will look really well worn. Again avoid dark colours as well as heavy shoes like sneakers.


The Little Details: Speaking of details, let's not forget all the little things that go into making your images look amazing. Accessories are a gorgeous finishing touch. Hair ribbons/bows/headbands, bowties etc. And dont forget, clean teeth and faces. Neat hair. Clean bare feet! (We absolutely do not wan't black, dirty soles) Tidy nails with no chipped nail polish.


Bonus Tips: These ones are not so much outfit related but a few little tips that I like to give my clients.

  • Don't surprise them, prep your children ahead of time. Treat it like an exciting event that they are attending. Let them know that your friend Dani is going to be taking their photos and it is going to be so much fun!! Talk about the set and what they might see at the studio. My sessions are fun and playful, they are designed to be interactive and joyful.
  • Even I have to bribe my girls sometime, so if a little post shoot treat, extra screen time or trip to the beach/park is needed, I say do it!
  • Try your outfits on before photo day! You don't want any surprises if they don't fit well or don't look like you thought they were going to look in your mind.
  • Plan ahead, as timing is essential. I recommend having your outfits pressed and accessories laid out ready to go the day before your session. The less stress from you on shoot day the better your kids will feel about the experience.
  • I suggest arriving a tad early and getting your children dressed once you arrive at the venue if your outfits are likely to get crushed by the car seat or dirty during the drive.
  • Last but not least! Kids with full tummies are happy kids! If little ones need a car snack on the way choose something that won't stain their teeth and skin like cut up apple or pear.