Winter gets a bad rap when it comes to family photos.

As soon as the temperature drops, I start hearing things like, “We'll just wait until spring" or "I don't really like winter clothes in photos."

Personally, I love winter sessions.

The light is softer, the beaches and parks around Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula are quieter, and everyone is generally much happier moving around in a jumper than trying to pretend they're comfortable in the middle of a thirty-degree summer afternoon.

If you're planning family photos this winter, here's my biggest piece of advice.

Don't overthink it.

Wear clothes you'd actually choose on a cold day

This probably sounds obvious, but you'd be surprised how many people arrive dressed for the photos instead of the weather.

If you're cold, you'll look cold.
If your kids are cold... everyone will know they're cold.

Instead, lean into winter. Big chunky knit jumpers, coats, boots, scarves and comfy layers all photograph beautifully and, more importantly, everyone is comfortable enough to enjoy themselves.

You don't need to match

One thing that might surprise you is that I actually don't love a matchy moment.

I don't have a secret colour palette. I don't really mind what you turn up in. I'm not going to tell you everyone has to wear beige, and I definitely don't think families need to match.

Gone are the days of everyone turning up in white shirts and blue jeans looking like they were issued the same uniform.

Wear clothes that feel like your clothes.

If you live in black every day, wear black.
If your wardrobe is full of colour, wear colour.
If your toddler has decided their Spiderman outfit is appropriate for absolutely every occasion this week... honestly, that's completely fine.

The only things I'd gently steer people away from are really large logos across clothing or very busy patterns. They can immediately pull focus in a photograph instead of the people wearing them.

Other than that, I'm remarkably difficult to offend.

Layers make life easier

One of the nice things about winter is that layers add texture without you even trying.

Chunky knits, wool coats, denim jackets and scarves all photograph beautifully, but they're also practical.
If the weather warms up, you can take a layer off.
If the wind suddenly picks up while we're wandering one of the Mornington Peninsula beaches, you'll be very glad you brought one.

It's much easier to take a jumper off than wish you'd brought one

Dress for the location

A beach session in July feels very different to wandering around a park or spending the morning at home.

If we're outdoors, wear shoes you're happy to walk in. Winter often means damp grass, muddy tracks and sandy paths, so this probably isn't the day for delicate heels or sandals. Think gumboots for puddle jumping and boots for walking.

Throw on a beanie, or bring a hair tie if we’re wandering along a windy Mornington Peninsula beach.

If we're photographing at home, you can relax even more. Fuzzy socks, oversized jumpers, blankets and cups of hot chocolate somehow fit the mood perfectly.

If you've got a fireplace, light it. Put the kettle on. Make it a whole winter mood.

Comfort wins every time

One of my biggest priorities during a family session is making sure everyone is comfortable.

That goes for adults, but especially kids.

Sometimes that means leggings under dresses.
Sometimes it means bringing a puffer jacket to throw on between locations.
Sometimes it means your child refuses to take off their favourite dinosaur gumboots.

None of those things matter.

I'd much rather photograph children who are rosy-cheeked, warm, comfortable and free to be themselves than spend half the session negotiating over an outfit they hate wearing while they shiver.

What about coats?

Bring them. Even if you don't wear them in every photo.

They're perfect for walking between locations, warming up during little breaks or wrapping around little people when the wind changes.

And if you've got a coat you genuinely love, there's absolutely no reason it can't feature in your photos.

Winter is part of the story. There's no rule saying family photos have to pretend it was spring.

The best outfits are the ones that feel like your family

The photos that become favourites usually aren't the ones where everyone's perfectly colour-coordinated. They're the ones where you recognise yourselves.

The jumper your daughter wore every second day.
The gumboots your son insisted on wearing, even though they were on the wrong feet.
The beanie your partner never takes off once June arrives.
Those little details quietly become part of your family's winter uniform.

So wear clothes that feel like you. Stay warm. Don't worry about matching.

And if you're still standing in front of your wardrobe wondering whether something will work, send me a photo before your session. I'm always happy to help.

I'd much rather help you choose an outfit than have you stressing about it on the morning of your photoshoot.