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Natural family portraits in the garden Bedfordshire Hertfordshire

 Style Guide for Your Session

We believe in capturing the real, the wild, and the beautifully you — moments that tell a story and stand the test of time. Your wardrobe plays a big role in how your final images feel. The right styling can elevate your photos, bringing out the connection, emotion, and movement we love so much at Little & Wild.

This guide is here to help you choose outfits that not only photograph beautifully, but help you feel confident, comfortable, and most importantly — yourself.

Newborn lifestyle photography with siblings and storytelling in Bedfordshire

Colours That Work Well

Neutrals always win. Think warm creams, soft greys, earthy browns, oatmeal, dusky pinks, sage, rust, and muted blues. These tones don’t fight for attention — they complement one another and let the emotion of your images shine through.  Try to stick to a maximum of three colours between your group.

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  • Avoid bold contrasts (like bright red and black or stark white and navy), as they can be distracting in photos.

  • Soft, complementary colour palettes allow everyone's personalities to shine.

  • Using colour to subtly evoke a season or memory can add magic to your shoot — soft greens in spring, rusts and olives in autumn, or icy blues in winter.

 

 Tip: You don’t need to match — you just need to harmonise.

Textures & Fabrics

Textures are your best friend. They add depth, movement, and warmth to your images.

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Consider:

  • Linen, muslin, crochet, chunky knits, corduroy

  • Flowing skirts and dresses that catch the breeze

  • Oversized cosy knits for layering and comfort

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Movement is key. Anything that moves when you move will look beautiful on camera — think maxi dresses, soft scarves, or open cardigans.

Patterns & Prints

  • Small, delicate ('ditzy') patterns work well — they add interest without being overpowering.

  • Avoid large logos, slogans, or bold graphic prints as they tend to draw the eye away from faces and connection.

  • Denim is always a classic — it’s timeless, versatile, and photographs beautifully. Just try to avoid everyone wearing identical denim pieces. Mix shades and styles instead for a more natural look.

Footwear & Socks

Yes, your feet will show! So don’t forget them.

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  • Neutral footwear works best and helps keep the focus on connection, not clashing colours.

  • Go for shoes you can move in and feel comfortable wearing — whether that’s boots, sandals, or barefoot if weather allows!

  • Socks can be seen in some poses — opt for neutral or tonal shades here too.

Accessories

Accessories are a fabulous way to express your style and add layers to your outfit.

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Try:

  • Wide-brimmed hats, bobble hats, scarves, dainty jewellery

  • Sunglasses (especially if it’s a bright day to help avoid squinting)

  • Blankets for wrapping up little ones or sitting on

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A quick note on hats: Be mindful of baseball caps, especially those with long brims — they often cast shadows over the face, making it harder to capture your expressions.

Final Thoughts

With all that said...

For the Dads, Partners & Blokes

This one’s for you.

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  • Empty your pockets. Phones, keys, wallets — they all create awkward shapes in photos. Please keep them in a bag or hand them to us before we start shooting.

  • Simple, timeless clothes in neutral colours work best. You don’t have to dress up fancy — just be tidy and comfortable.

  • Roll up your sleeves, go barefoot, layer with texture — we promise, it looks great.

Natural family photography in the woods playing and having fun with no stress

Lifestyle Family Photography Tips

Capturing the Real Moments

The heart of lifestyle family photography lies in the real. The true-to-you moments. It's not about perfectly posed smiles or everyone looking at the camera — it’s about connection. The way your little one reaches up to touch your face. That quiet moment when foreheads meet. Eskimo kisses, booping noses, tangled fingers, and soft hands on cheeks — these are the details that tell your family’s story. They’re the small, thoughtful touches that make your photos you.

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We want to bottle up the energy and love that exists naturally between you — the chaos, the closeness, the giggles — and preserve it just as it is. That's why, especially with children, we don’t ask for forced smiles or the classic “say cheese.” Those rehearsed expressions can’t hold a candle to the sparkle of a real laugh or the joy of a spontaneous moment.

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Instead, come prepared with your kids’ favourite songs, silly jokes, or that one memory that gets them laughing every time. We want the genuine belly laughs, the wrinkled noses, the bursts of joy — and we’ll do whatever it takes to bring them out naturally.

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And if your child can’t sit still? Perfect. We’ll run with it (literally). Movement brings life to photos, and some of the most memorable images come when no one’s trying too hard. Trust that we’ll lean into the chaos with open arms — because real life is beautifully unposed.

brothers in the woods with sticks natural photoshoot storytelling autumn

Based in Langford, Bedfordshire

Ready to Make Some Magic?

 

If you're after photos that feel like you — natural, honest, joy-filled and a little bit wild — you're in the right place.

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© 2025 by Penny Nixon

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