"What should we wear?" is one of the first questions families ask before a Christmas photoshoot. It's a fair question. Clothes make a big difference to how your photos feel.
The good news is that you don't need to buy a whole new wardrobe or put everyone in identical outfits. Here are my tips for getting it right, whether you're coming to my studio in Gorey or getting the family together somewhere else in Wexford this Christmas.
Pick two or three colours, not one outfit
The easiest way to look put-together is to choose two or three colours that go well together and dress everyone within them. Exact matching tends to look a bit stiff. A palette looks relaxed and natural, and it still ties the family together in the photo.
For Christmas, a few combinations work really well:
Deep red, cream and navy
Forest green, cream and soft grey
Navy, burgundy and camel
Let one or two people wear the strongest colour and keep everyone else in softer shades around it. A good test is to lay everyone's outfits out on the bed together. If they look happy side by side, they'll look good in the photos.
Go for texture and layers
Soft knits are a gift for Christmas photos. Chunky jumpers, cardigans, corduroy and wool give the pictures warmth and depth, and they look lovely against the snowy trees and fairy lights on my Christmas set.
Layers help too. A shirt under a jumper, or a cardigan over a dress, adds interest without adding busy patterns. They're also handy if someone gets too warm, because a layer can come off without changing the look.
Skip the big logos and busy patterns
Large logos, slogans, cartoon characters and very busy prints pull the eye away from faces. Small, subtle patterns like a fine check or a simple stripe are fine, but keep them to one or two people at most. Plain colours almost always photograph best.
Yes, the Christmas jumper is allowed
If your family loves a Christmas jumper, bring it. One or two festive jumpers can add a lot of fun, especially on the kids. Just don't put everyone in a different loud jumper at once. Mix them with plainer knits in your colours and you keep the festive feel without the chaos.
Dressing little ones and babies
For kids, comfort comes first. A child who is itchy, hot or pinched by a waistband won't be smiling for long. Choose soft fabrics, avoid anything scratchy, and make sure they've worn the outfit at least once before the day, so there are no surprises.
For babies, simple is best. A soft knit romper, a plain babygro in one of your colours, or a little cardigan over a vest all work well. Bring a spare outfit (or two) for the baby and any toddlers. You'll be glad you did.
Don't forget shoes and socks
Shoes are easy to forget, but feet often end up in the shot, especially when people are sitting down. Clean, simple shoes or boots in a neutral colour look best. If anyone is going barefoot or in socks, make sure the socks are clean and free of holes, or go for a pair of cosy Christmas socks if it suits the mood.
Glasses, hair and grooming
If you normally wear glasses, wear them. They're part of how your family knows you. For hair, keep it close to how you normally wear it rather than trying something new the day before. A fresh haircut is best a week or so ahead, so it has time to settle.
Dressing the dog
Pets are welcome on my Christmas set, and they're often the stars of the show. A festive collar, a simple bandana in one of your colours, or a small bow can be a lovely touch. Keep it to something your dog is comfortable wearing. If they hate costumes, a freshly brushed coat is festive enough.
What to bring on the day
A little preparation makes the 30 minutes go smoothly. I'd suggest bringing:
A hairbrush and a few hair clips or bobbins
A spare outfit for babies and small children
Some wipes, for sticky hands and faces
A favourite toy or teddy to help little ones settle
Treats and a lead for the dog
Ready to book your Christmas photos?
My Christmas mini-sessions 2026 take place at my studio at Unit 9, Gorey Enterprise Centre, on a set with snowy trees and fairy lights. Each session is 30 minutes and costs €125, including 5 edited images in an online gallery with digital downloads and one A4 print. Sessions run on four weekends in November and early December, and your photos will be ready before Christmas. You can see the dates and full details on my Christmas mini-sessions in Gorey.
Looking for a present? A photoshoot gift voucher makes a thoughtful Christmas gift. And if you'd prefer a family shoot at another time of year, take a look at my family photography.
To book your slot, get in touch. I'd love to hear from you.
