What to Wear for Outdoor Family Photos in London

Let’s Talk Real Life (and Real Weather)

Getting ready for a family photo session might sound simple… until you’re standing in your hallway trying to wrestle a scarf onto a wriggly toddler while packing snacks and wiping yoghurt off someone’s jacket. And honestly? That little chaos is part of the story too.

Most of my 3-hour documentary family sessions include a mix of being at home and venturing outside — maybe into the garden, to the playground, or for a wander through your neighbourhood. And honestly, some of the sweetest, funniest photos come from the “getting ready” moments before you head out: tugging on wellies, helping zip coats, packing snacks.

So let’s make things simple. Here’s a practical guide to what to wear and what to bring for a smooth, relaxed outdoor session in London.

Drop the Pressure, Not Your Wellies

One thing I always remind my families is: you don’t need to look like you’re “going to a photographer.” You just need to be yourselves. I won’t tell you what to wear and actually do not want you to wear a special coordinated outfit, as that will not feel like ‘you’. Clothes can also tell a story to your kids, that cuddly soft jumper you always wear that they like to snuggle in, or their favourite sparkly skirt or their comfy pyjamas.

That said, I know how important it is to feel comfortable and confident – especially as a parent who’s probably behind the camera most of the time. The weather here doesn’t always play nice. The grass might still be wet from last night’s rain. Or maybe it’s blazing sun and you’ve forgotten sunscreen. The families who have the smoothest, most joyful sessions aren’t the ones wearing coordinated outfits. They’re the ones who turn up prepared – both practically and emotionally – and let the day unfold naturally.

How to Prepare for an Outdoor Family Session in London

1. Dress Like Yourself (and for the Weather)

The best photos happen when you feel at ease in your body. So wear something:

• Comfortable and familiar
• That makes you feel good about yourself
• Practical for movement, sitting on grass, or running after kids

For kids, the same rules apply. Nothing overly fussy or brand-new. Think layers you can add or shed easily depending on the temperature.

And in London, being weather-ready is key:

• If it might rain: Waterproof coats, wellies, extra socks
• If it’s sunny: Sunscreen, hats, water bottles
• If it’s cold: Warm layers, gloves, scarves

Bonus tip: Eventhough I won’t tell you what to wear, I do want you to know that logos or clothing with large writing, can pull attention away from faces and connections in the photo. Comfort and authenticity always come first — so if your favourite t-shirt happens to have a logo, that’s totally fine. But if you’ve got the choice between something more plain and something branded, I’d recommend going with the simpler option so the focus stays on you and your family.

2. Pack with Presence in Mind

A small bag with a few essentials can go a long way toward making the outdoor photo session smooth (and snack-emergency-proof):

• Snacks and drinks (for the kids and adults too) or have a cafe you can go to.
• Wipes and tissues
• Mini hand warmers or a thermos of something warm in colder months
• A blanket if you’d like an option to sit down together somewhere dry

3. Focus on Connection, Not Perfection

Let go of the idea that the session needs to be posed or tidy. My style is about capturing emotional truth — the softness in the way you look at your child, the wild giggle as someone topples over in the leaves, the pride in a scraped-knee adventure.

This was exactly the case when I photographed a family who got caught in a sudden downpour. Instead of spoiling the session, it gave us some of the most joyful, memorable photos. If you’d like to see how we handled it (and get a few tips for your own session), you can read more here: How to Handle Rain During Your Family Photo Session.

Come as you are. Embrace the unexpected. Some of my favourite moments appear when things don’t go as planned.

4. Keep the Mindset Light

I always like to say: let’s have fun! This isn’t a photoshoot you need to direct or manage. It’s a moment for your family to be together, to spend quality time as a family and for me to quietly capture that magic.

So if your partner is nervous (that feeling will disappear in no time), or one of your kids is having a moment – know that’s okay too. I don’t expect perfection. Kids can be themselves. You can be yourself. These are your real stories, and that’s what makes them beautiful.

Why This Matters

Preparing a little can make your session feel more relaxed and fun. And when you feel comfortable, it shows — not just in what you’re wearing, but in the warmth and connection that come through in your photos.

Over time, those images become part of your family’s story. You’ll see the rain boots, the crumbs, the messy hair, and the real smiles — and remember this season of your life exactly as it was: imperfect, honest, and beautiful.

Ready to Include Yourself in the Frame?

If you’re thinking about booking a family photo session in London but still have questions about the process or what to expect, I’d love to chat. You can send me a message and you can tell me more about your family and what you’d like to remember about them.

Whether it’s a walk through Greenwich/Dulwich/Beckenham Place Park with your teen, a weekend in your local playground, or a special moment with your kids while they’re still small enough to scoop up, these moments matter. Let’s document them together.