A Stress-Free Guide to Looking & Feeling Amazing Together
I get it—figuring out what everyone should wear is usually the most overwhelming part of booking family photos. You want your family to look cohesive and put-together, but you also want everyone to look like themselves (and actually be comfortable!).
Here’s the good news: you don’t need to spend hours stressing or force everyone into identical outfits. When you keep things relaxed, comfortable, and coordinated, your family's natural connection is what shines through.
Here are my top tips to help you style your session with confidence.
1. Coordinate, Don’t Match
Gone are the days of everyone wearing matching white shirts and dark blue jeans! Instead, pick a palette of 3 to 4 complementary tones and let each family member wear a different color or style within that family.
Start with a core palette: Warm earth tones (rust, terracotta, mustard, cream, sage, olive, or warm denim) photograph beautifully in natural light and complement almost any backdrop.
Mix shades and tones: If dad is wearing dark navy denim, put one of the kids in a soft slate blue sweater.
Keep it balanced: Spread the main colors evenly so one person doesn't blend into another.
2. Start with Mom’s Outfit First
Moms are usually the ones making the magic happen behind the scenes, and you deserve to feel incredible on photo day!
My single best piece of advice: Choose Mom’s outfit first.
Pick a dress, skirt, or favorite jumpsuit that makes you feel radiant, confident, and comfortable. Once your outfit is set, choosing complementary pieces for your partner and kids becomes infinitely easier.
Flowy dresses & movement: Long or midi skirts and dresses add dynamic texture and motion when you're walking, holding hands, or twirling your kiddos.
3. Add Texture, Layering & Movement
Texture adds richness and dimension to photographs without creating visual distraction.
Look for soft, rich fabrics: Waffle knits, chunky sweaters, linen, corduroy, lace, and subtle knits work wonderfully.
Layer up: Jackets, cardigans, cardigans over tees, or open button-down shirts add cozy depth and allow for easy wardrobe variations during the session.
Keep patterns simple: Small, subtle patterns (like muted floral, subtle plaid, or micro-stripes) can add fun personality. Just try to keep it to one pattern across the group so outfits don't clash.
4. Prioritize Comfort & Freedom of Movement
Family sessions with me aren't about sitting still and staring silently at a lens. We'll be walking, snuggling, lifting kids up, playing games, and getting silly!
The Sit & Move Test: When trying on outfits, test them out at home. Can you bend down to lift your child without constantly pulling up your dress or shoulder straps? Can the kids run around comfortably?
Footwear matters: Choose shoes you can comfortably walk in on grass or trails. Leather boots, clean neutral sneakers, loafers, or simple sandals are great options. Avoid bright athletic sneakers or giant character shoes.
Quick "What to Avoid" Checklist
To keep the visual focus entirely on your family’s expressions and connection, here are a few things to steer clear of:
Neon Colors: Bright neons cast unwanted color reflections directly onto skin tones.
Large Logos or Graphic Tees: Big lettering and character graphics pull the eye away from faces.
Matching "Uniforms": Identical outfits tend to flatten images rather than show individual personalities.
Smartwatches & Bright Wristbands: Remember to slip off Apple Watches or neon hair ties before we start shooting!
Remember: I’m Here to Help!
You don't have to figure this out alone! If you're stuck choosing between a couple of options, lay the outfits out on your bed or carpet, snap a quick phone photo, and email or text it over to me. I'm always happy to give feedback and help you build a palette that will look effortless on camera.
Your only job on photo day is to love on your family—I'll handle the rest!