Choosing your family photo session outfits is as easy as 1,2,3!
June 11, 2024
I often wonder what holds families back from scheduling photo sessions. I know there are a ton of factors, but the biggest drawback I hear most often is “we don’t have outfits!” or “what do we even wear for family photos?”
The truth is, styling concerns and/or where to find family photo outfits is overwhelming for a lot of moms. So, if you feel some type of way about it, just know, you aren’t alone. when it comes to scheduling your session. I know the cycle, because my close friends live through it with their littles, just like you do. I’d be lying if I told you I didn’t stress about what to wear when I get my photos taken. It’s 100% normal and natural to feel overwhelmed with colors, styles, textures, trends, etc.
As a professional and a perfectionist when it comes to styling, I’m here to tell you my favorite styling tips for any event or photo shoot. Listen to me right now. I bet you have at least one piece of clothing in your closet you can tie together with new pieces. You see, when it comes to styling and picking family outfits for photos, simple is best!
I did some shopping online and came up with three great options for three different budgets. My process was selecting mom’s outfit first and then dad’s outfit. Once I finalized mom and dad, I was able to focus on the children. You can find classic family outfits for your photo session at Zara, Old Navy, Nordstrom, amazon and so many other boutiques and stores! You’ll see the combinations are cohesive and not matching. These Colors blend nicely and there is a similarity shade in all the combinations.
it’s 2024 and everyone is just doin’ their own thing. There are no rules! Wear what you want and what makes you feel great.
cream, pink, brown, neutrals
green, tan, browns, floral
shades of blue, floral print, stripe print
Ok, I take that back. There are a few “rules” for when styling your family photo session outfits. The rules are set for photo sessions for one reason, and one reason only. Well, my reasoning is skin tone. Certain colors do not compliment certain skin tones. Skin tones are important to my editing style, so I’m going to share what to keep in mind when choosing your family photo outfits.
Try to avoid the following colors in the spring, summer and fall:
Bright green
Bright red
Hot pink
The above colors are so hard to edit with skin tones. They have a reflective nature. Pink and red are especially difficult if you are fair skinned. If the sun is robust, those colors will reflect on your skin and you’ll look more pink/red. Green acts the same way in the sun as it reflects a sickly green color on your skin. Not to mention all the green in the background. It’s like a super sad version of camouflage. Our goal is creamy, even skin tones that have a beautiful reflection of natural light.
Some photographers will tell you not to wear patterns as they are distracting. I agree with this in some capacity. However, I feel like if the pattern is not distracting (like a beautiful floral) I don’t mind patterns. Additionally, only one person should be in a print. If polka dots are tiny little specks, I’m down for that print, too. Also, just make the statement print the last piece of the outfit puzzle. For example if everyone was wearing solid colors and your little girl wore a cute and soft floral print dress (like in the photos above) it will totally work!
I always recommend that mom pick her outfit first. Then you can build other outfits to compliment mom’s outfit. You want to think cohesive to each other, not matchy matchy!
Start with a color palette you want to work with. I LOVE pastels in the spring and summer. Creams, neutrals, pastel pinks and mauves, chambray blues, and sage greens are my favorite summer hues. Fall hues include camel, browns, tans, neutrals, navy, dark greens, and creams. I would go as far as saying burgundy looks great in the fall and is ok with me as long as it’s paired with a cream or light color for contrast.
Add texture! Add layers! Make it interesting in some way. You can do fun jewelry or a fun shoe! Consider adding a hair piece. In the fall, you can layer with different colors, patterns and prints. listen, I love a good jacket, too.
Black and white are staple colors. Some photographers might recommend to steer clear from black and white because of the contrast. But, I shall not ever steer you away from black. It’s my favorite color and I own mostly black clothes. It’s classy, timeless and empowering. If you want to rock black at your session, I’m going to one million percent approve.
And just a side note, I love mixing black with browns, creams, and neutrals.
My last tip of wisdom for this post is be sure to look in your closet for what you already have hanging on a hanger. Do you have staple pants or a top? Perhaps, you can supplement your pre-owned piece with something new. I do this all the time! I know It’s easier said than done.
Remember, whatever you decide to wear, you should be comfortable sitting, standing and doing all the things. who knows, you might be chasing your toddler down the parkway or jumping up and down!
When you book a session with me, we’ll chat about outfits, hair, make up and all the things. i am always happy to assist in your family’s styling needs. Please do not ever stress about outfits. We got this!
