If you’re anything like me, figuring out what to wear for family photos can feel…overwhelming, to say the least. You want everyone to look amazing, feel comfortable, and coordinate without looking like you all showed up in matching uniforms. Don’t worry – I’ve got you.
As a photographer (and a mom who’s been on the other side of the camera plenty of times), I’m here to make this easy. Here are my top tips for choosing outfits for your family session so you can show up feeling confident and ready to make memories.
1. Coordinate, Don’t Match
Gone are the days of everyone wearing identical white shirts and jeans. Choose a color palette of 3-4 complementary colors instead. For example, soft neutrals with pops of sage green, dusty blue, and cream look timeless on the beach, while warm tones like rust, tan, and olive photograph beautifully in fall sessions.
If you’re stuck, think about where you’ll display these photos in your home. Choose colors that will look good on your walls. Choose 4-5 colors that complement the environment and choose outfits with those colors in mind.
2. Start with Mom’s Outfit
Here’s the truth: if you feel good, the session goes better for everyone. Start with your outfit first. Pick something that makes you feel beautiful and comfortable. Long flowy dresses always photograph well, add movement, and look effortlessly elegant.
Once you have your outfit, build the rest of the family’s looks around it.
4. Avoid Neon and Large Logos
Bright neon colors cast unflattering color tones on the skin and are distracting in photos. Large logos or words on shirts take away from the focus: your family and connection.
Stick to solid colors, subtle patterns, or small prints.
5. Think About the Season and Location
If we’re shooting at the beach, barefoot with flowy dresses or rolled-up pants creates a relaxed vibe. For fall sessions, cozy sweaters, boots, and earthy tones feel warm and seasonal. Dress for the environment so your images feel cohesive.
6. Keep Comfort in Mind
If your kids hate that scratchy sweater, it’ll show in their faces. Make sure everyone feels comfortable and can move easily. Happy kids = better photos.
7. Lay It All Out
Before your session, lay out everyone’s outfits together on the bed or floor. This helps you see how all the colors, textures, and patterns flow together. If something feels off, you can adjust it in advance instead of stressing last minute.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, your family session is about capturing who you are together. Wear what makes you feel like yourselves, adds a little polish, and lets your personalities shine through. If you ever need help deciding, I’m just a message away – send me your outfit options anytime, and I’ll help you choose what photographs best. I also have a client closet that ranges in sizes that you are welcome to utilize.
Ready to book your family session and create memories that will last a lifetime? Contact me today to plan yours.
