How to Choose the Perfect Outfits for Your Family Photo Session

Understanding Color Coordination

One of the most stressful elements of taking family photos (other than your kids) is choosing outfits for your family photo session. As a mom of three myself, I totally get it! So here’s where you’re going to start. Choose a color pallet that you like + matches the location that you will be in. If you’re completely lost, neutrals are amazing because they go with anything. And if you add in texture and other interesting elements it won’t look “sad beige. Here are some color pallet ideas.

When choosing an outfit for family photos, I grab a “centerpiece” outfit. From there, I find coordinating colors that other family members can wear. Avoid mixing too many patterns (ex: stripes, polka dots, loud prints, etc.) My rule of thumb is one busy pattern/family.

Choosing Comfortable Fabrics

One thing people often overlook when choosing outfits for your family photo session is the importance of how you feel during family photos, not just how you look. Especially if you have young kids, make sure they’re on board with what they’re wearing. If it has too-long sleeves or an itchy tag, they’re already going to be starting off our family session on the wrong foot.

For moms, I love to recommend choosing long dresses that are flowy and flattering. Our bodies change a lot during pregnancy and choosing a dress that is less form fitting helps us to feel a bit more confident. In the photos below, mom choose a beautiful dress for herself, with a few colors that other family members could pull from for their outfits. It was the perfect compliment to their at-home family session. If mom isn’t thrilled with her outfit, she’s going to hate the pictures (no matter how cute they are). So my rule is: Mom gets dressed FIRST.

Planning for the Session Day

Here are a few quick tips for the day of your family photos:

• Pack outfits in the car (don’t forget shoes) and get your kids dressed on site. I can’t tell you how many outfits are ruined by a blowout or exploding applesauce packets on the drive to your session
• Make sure you have all tried on your clothes before your session. We want to make sure the fit of your clothing is perfect and if it isn’t, make any adjustments before the session starts.
• Bring a wrinkle releaser spray, stain spray (like this or this), and a lint roller to keep things nice and clean for your session. Accidents happen, so make sure you’re prepared.
• Bring baby wipes (even if you don’t have a baby). You’d be surprised at how often these are needed for scraped knees or runny noses during a session.

For more help in choosing outfits, check out my highlight bubble on instagram. Check out my other blog posts on what to wear.