What to Wear for Family Photos (Without the Stress)

Choosing outfits for your photo session doesn’t need to be overwhelming, I promise! With just a little prep, your clothing can elevate your session and bring an extra layer of warmth, texture, and personality to your final gallery. Here are some tried-and-true tips to make getting dressed one of the easiest (and maybe even a little fun!) parts of the process.

Start with the Tricky One

Let’s be honest: every family has one person who’s hardest to dress (in my family that is definitely me haha, I think moms struggle with this). Start there. Choose an outfit that feels comfortable and confidence-boosting for that person, and then build the rest of the family’s outfits around it. It’s way easier to coordinate once the “hard part” is done!

Color Palettes That Shine

The right color palette brings everything together. Not just your outfits, but the entire mood of your photos. Here’s what works beautifully with my photography style:

→ Muted & Retro-Inspired Tones

Think browns, rust, mustard, gold, olive, navy, teal: these colors are rich, cozy, and timeless. They photograph beautifully year-round and add so much depth and warmth to your images.

→ Soft Neutrals

Creams, taupe, gray, tan: these are your grounding pieces. Use them to tone things down, soften bold patterns, or keep things simple and elegant.

→ A Pop of Color

Don’t be afraid of a little surprise: a splash of color in the right tone (think rust, teal, a toned down orange, or emerald green) can add personality without overpowering the frame.

Before I get to the rest of the tips, here are a few fun sessions paired with their color palettes.

What to Skip

Some things just don’t play well with the camera. Avoid:

• Neon or very bright colors: they can reflect weird tones onto skin

• Super thin stripes: they can create a moiré effect (aka weird wavy lines) in photos

• Bold logos or character graphics: they tend to distract from the connection

• Bright white: unless layered or textured, it can look blown out in images (off-white is much better)

• Lots of green for outdoor sessions: you might just disappear into the background!

Textures & Patterns: Yes, Please

Texture adds so much visual interest and dimension to your photos. I especially love:

• Chunky knits

• Linen or gauze

• Corduroy

• Lace details

• Denim (always a win!)

When it comes to patterns, a little goes a long way. As a general rule: one pattern for every 2–3 people works great. Think:

• Florals, subtle stripes, or soft plaids: lovely!

• Big bold prints or clashing patterns: not so much.

Don’t Forget the Shoes

Shoes often end up in the photos, even if we don’t plan for them to, so it’s worth thinking through. Ditch the Crocs, flip-flops, and light-up Spiderman shoes. Instead, go for:

• Neutral-toned boots

• Leather sandals

• Classic sneakers (Converse, Vans)

• Or barefoot, especially for at-home sessions!

A Note on Weather (Hello, Minnesota!)

We all know how quickly the weather can flip here. Layers are your friend. Think cardigans or tailored jackets that can be added or removed as needed. Prioritize comfort, especially for little ones. A cozy kid is a happy kid, and that always shows in photos.

Planning for Newborn Sessions

Simple is best when it comes to baby. Neutral onesies, soft swaddles, and cozy textures let your baby’s features shine.

Need help finding something?I have a beautifully curated newborn client closet with options in preemie, newborn, and 0–3 month sizes (available to all clients!). Everything is clean, cozy, and camera-ready.

One Last Tip: Think About Your Walls

These images will likely end up displayed in your home. Above the mantle, in a gallery wall, or tucked into a yearly album. When you’re planning outfits, think about the colors and style of your home so your final photos blend in beautifully.

Need Help? I’ve Got You.

If outfit planning is stressing you out, send me a few photos or links and I’m happy to weigh in. I’ll give you honest, helpful thoughts to make sure your crew looks and feels their best.

Still need to book your session? My calendar tends to fill quickly, and I’d love to get your family on the books. Whether you’re dreaming of a cozy in-home newborn session, an outdoor family session, or something simple in the studio, I’m here to walk you through every step.

📅 Reach out here to inquire or book your session!

Let’s make something beautiful together.