My 10 Tips for choosing what to wear for family photos

Confession time! The first time we had professional photos taken of the two of us was on our wedding day – and not even the ACTUAL wedding day, it was technically the vow renewal. The second time? Three years later, in the cool Richmond fall. There’s been a few little sessions here and there but I’m slightly embarrassed to even admit that, given that photography is my job.

The week leading up to our session, I was wracking my brain on what to wear. It’s the first question that I (and every single photographer) get from clients and I always refer them to my Pinterest board for inspiration. But when you’re actually in the planning stages, it’s hard to choose. I can imagine that so many of my clients feel the same. And I want the whole experience from start to finish to be the best freakin’ experience you’ll ever have in your life. So I decided to take the tips that I usually share with my clients, elaborate on them, and share it with the world in hopes that it would help clients all over head into their sessions feeling ready and confident.

I will preface the rest of this blog post and say that my answer to this question isn’t a one-size fits all answer. Every session is unique – some settings are more ‘formal’, while others are a bit more cozy. So the clothing you choose will really depend on the story we’re trying to tell. But in general, these 10 tips will make choosing what to wear for your family photos a little easier – at least that’s my hope! Let’s dig in!

Tip #1: Dress in what you feel comfortable in.

Simply put: the more comfortable you feel, the more comfortable you look in your photos!

Tip #2: Mama’s, choose your outfit first!

Build everyone else’s outfits off of yours. This goes back to tip #1: if you feel great, you look great! Everything else will fall into place.

Tip #3: Dress with location in mind.

And season. If we’re planning to romp around in a field, closed-toed shoes are best (at the very least, for kiddos). If we’re shooting in the heat of the summer, light colored, breathable clothing is highly recommended. Winter, bundle up!

Tip #4: Patterns vs color scheme

Choose 1-2 simple patterns or 2-3 different colors in a color scheme. Mix in patterns with solids to balance out the photo. Bright reds don’t photograph well, it’s best to steer clear. Earthy, jewel, neutral, woodsy (at least, that’s what I like to call them), blush, and pastel tones photograph well. Check out some example swatches below.

Tip #5: Go with the flow.

And while I really do love just letting things happen naturally in my sessions, what I really mean is this: for the ladies, think about clothing with movement – flowy dresses, skirts, etc. Twirling a little one around while your dress flows in the motion makes for another beautiful visual element.

Tip #6: Staying home? Stay cozy.

Planning an intimate in-home or Fresh 48 session? Try a cozy look. Comfy sweaters, jeans, and neutral palettes always work well. For Fresh 48 sessions, Mama’s comfort is key. Try a comfy robe or cute PJ’s! For baby: if you have any special swaddling blankets or onesies that you’d like baby to be photographed in, be sure to have them handy!

Tip #7: Say no to logos

Pay attention for clothing with distracting logos or words and very thin stripes (this can cause an unwanted visual effect in your photos).

Tip #8: Dress the kids last.

Blowouts and accidents happen. I highly recommend arriving a few minutes early and dressing the kiddos in their session outfits at arrival.

Tip #9: Go vogue. Try a statement piece.

Jewelry, hats, all that jazz – have fun with it!

Tip #10: Peruse Pinterest

If you need more outfit inspiration, don’t hesitate to head over to Pinterest and check out my What to Wear board!

A word about documentary sessions

Every so often, I shoot a true documentary session. And in the photography industry, this really means that as the photographer, you’re like a fly on the wall. You do not manipulate the session in anyway. Because these sessions are raw in the truest sense and completely undirected, I don’t really send a whole lot of direction on what to wear. Here’s why: documentary sessions capture you and your family in the life season that you’re in, in the realest way possible. I firmly believe that you should dress the way you normally would even if I weren’t there taking photos. So if your little one runs around in their diaper, then so be it. If you like to hang out in yoga pants and baseball caps, then wear it. The goal is to really document your life how it is without any manipulation!

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Looked through everything above and need some extra help?

I’m always a phone call or an email away and I’m always happy to help!