Pick one person first — usually whoever is fussiest about clothes — and build everyone else around their outfit. Two or three quiet colours across the whole group is plenty; matching exactly tends to look staged rather than considered.

Texture does more work than pattern in the studio. Linen, chunky knits, denim and brushed cotton all read beautifully under soft light, while big logos and fine stripes pull the eye away from faces.

Then check the practical things: does it still look right when someone is sitting on the floor, and can your toddler move in it? Comfortable people photograph better than well-dressed ones, every single time.