Deciding What to Wear for Family Pictures
Choosing outfits for family photos can feel like the biggest hurdle once you’ve booked your session. You’ve found your photographer (hi, it’s me!), you’re dreaming about where those beautiful images will hang in your home… but now you’re staring at your closet wondering where to even begin.
Take a deep breath — I’ve got you.
Below are my go-to tips for selecting clothing that photographs beautifully and helps your whole family look coordinated, comfortable, and completely themselves.
Tips for Choosing Outfits for Your Family Photography Session
1. Start with one outfit you love
Pick one person’s outfit first — usually Mom, because it's often the most detailed. Then build everyone else’s clothing around that color palette and style.
2. Coordinate, don’t match
Think complementary colors and textures rather than identical shirts. Layers, knits, patterns, and subtle prints help add dimension without feeling busy.
3. Stick to a cohesive color palette
Muted tones and natural colors (sage, cream, tan, denim, clay, dusty blue) tend to photograph beautifully year-round. But bright and bold can work too — the key is keeping everyone in the same story of colors.
4. Consider the season and location
Your backdrop matters! Earthy neutrals work beautifully in fall fields, soft pastels shine in spring, and bolder tones stand out downtown.
5. Comfort always wins
If your kids hate what they’re wearing, it will show. Choose outfits that feel good, move well, and allow your family to be natural and playful.
Need Outfit Inspiration?
One of my favorite resources is Style & Select. Inspiration for days.
Browse her IG or blog and you’ll instantly get a feel for what colors and styles you love — whether you lean bright and bold, soft and neutral, or anything in between.
If you take even five minutes to scroll through her looks, I promise you’ll feel more confident about your choices.
See? You’ve got this.
Choosing outfits doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a little inspiration and a few simple guidelines, you’ll feel fully prepared — and completely excited — for your family session.