Dressing your family for a photo shoot can feel like trying to piece together a puzzle without a picture on the box. But don’t worry—I'm here to help make it much easier and even a bit fun. The trick is finding the sweet spot where colors and styles harmonize without looking too put-together. Many families go through this, grappling with what works best, and it can sidetrack that perfect photo vision you have in mind. But don’t stress! I’ve pulled together some simple, practical tips just for you. With these, you'll be ready to create a cohesive, stylish look that authentically tells your family's story through photos.

Perfect Palette Picks

Many people find it challenging to select colors for their family wardrobe, as achieving a cohesive look can often be more difficult than it seems. However, a simple and effective way to ensure harmony is to establish a well-thought-out color palette. This approach encourages individual expression within defined parameters, avoiding clashing choices, such as a surprise appearance in neon orange.


Begin by identifying a member of the family who either has the most distinctive style or a more limited wardrobe. Asking them to create an outfit that truly reflects their taste can provide a natural starting point. Their outfit can serve as inspiration for establishing your broader color palette. Once the central outfit is chosen, dissect it to identify core colors that can be expanded into a palette. For example, if the outfit includes tans, blacks, and light blues, use these shades as the backbone for your family’s attire. This strategic selection balances creativity and consistency. It's useful to communicate the visual theme to family members. Take a clear photo of the initial outfit and circulate it among everyone, accompanied by a description of the chosen palette. This visual reference ensures everyone understands the theme and direction, facilitating a consistent yet versatile approach to individual style.


If patterns, such as plaid, are part of the wardrobe, they can serve as excellent sources for additional colors. For instance, if someone wears a plaid shirt, extract the various colors in the pattern and allow each person to incorporate different elements of the palette into their attire.


An alternative approach is to select a dominant color and a complementary secondary color to guide individual attire choices. This method allows for personal expression while ensuring a cohesive look. For example, the family might agree on light blue as the primary color, accented with cream. This strategy offers flexibility for personal touches while maintaining an overall harmonious appearance.

Effortless Textures

When planning outfits for a family photo shoot, choosing the right textures can truly make a difference, turning your ensembles from simple to standout. Think of textures as the secret ingredient that adds depth and interest, making your photos feel more dynamic and visually compelling. Imagine that cozy knit sweater you love—how it instantly brings warmth and character to any look. Incorporating textured pieces like a denim jacket or a soft, textured scarf sweater and an extra layer that makes everything feel fresher and richer.


Jackets and coats are perfect for this. They come in a variety of materials such as wool, leather, or even corduroy, each offering its own unique charm. And let's not forget the magic of delicate fabrics like tulle. Whether it's a dress or a skirt, tulle can add a whimsical and ethereal quality to the ensemble, injecting a touch of elegance and flair. Mixing and matching these textures not only enhances the visual appeal but also contributes to the mood and theme of your family photos, creating memorable images that capture the essence of your family's personality and style. 

True to the Fam

While planning outfits for a family photo shoot, it's important to let your family's personality shine through. At the end of the day, your family photos should capture the unique essence of your tribe, not some idealized version of perfection. Don't get bogged down in trying to make everything picture-perfect; the beauty lies in authenticity. By choosing outfits that reflect who you really are, you'll capture the genuine bonds and individual quirks that make your family special.


Start by considering what makes everyone feel comfortable and confident. Is there a particular sweater that your child loves because it makes them feel cozy and secure? Or perhaps there's a dress or a pair of jeans that makes you feel your best self? Incorporating these cherished pieces helps everyone feel relaxed and genuine during the shoot, which is really where the magic happens.

What Not To Wear...

Remember the popular show "What Not to Wear"? It was a favorite of mine growing up, offering valuable style advice with a fun twist. Similarly, my goal in family photography is to capture your genuine essence, allowing you to simply be yourselves while I work the camera. To ensure your photos are both beautiful and authentic, here are some helpful guidelines to consider.


Firstly, I recommend avoiding bright colors for your outfits. While it might seem tempting to go for vibrant shades, they often don't translate well in photos, and I've found that most families aren't satisfied with the outcome. Instead, opting for more neutral or coordinated tones can complement everyone in the frame, resulting in timeless images that you'll cherish.


In addition, be mindful of any clothing with noticeable logos or text. Graphic T-shirts can be fun, but unless they are clean and free of any stains or distractions, they might not deliver the polished look we’re aiming for. Simple, classic attire tends to focus more on the individuals, which is the true heart of any family photo.


Uniformity in clothing can be delightful if you’re going for a playful or humorous theme. However, if your intention is a more serious or formal look, overly matching outfits might not convey the effect you're hoping for. Aim for coordinated colors and styles that complement each family member uniquely rather than exact matches.


It's also crucial to ensure everyone is on the same page regarding the session's theme or dress code. I've seen situations where one family member is dressed casually, another in work attire, and a child in a play costume. While individuality is important, having a cohesive look helps maintain balance in the photo. Without it, the overall effect can be disjointed, leaving the viewer a bit confused.


These small considerations can make a significant difference in the quality of your photographs, ensuring they reflect your family authentically, without any unwanted distractions. Ultimately, the goal is to create images that highlight your unique personality and connections, producing memories you'll love looking back on for years to come.

Ultimately, a family session is all about capturing the heart and soul of who you are together. Dressing in a way that reflects your family's unique personality while ensuring everyone feels comfortable is key. Think of your wardrobe choices as an extension of your family's story—select pieces that make you feel wonderful individually and as a unit. When you look back at these photos, you want to see genuine smiles, laughter, and the warmth of being together, not just carefully coordinated outfits. Prioritize comfort and authenticity over matching perfection, and you'll create snapshots of moments filled with genuine connection and joy. So, next time you're planning for family photos, choose what feels right for you. After all, these images will serve as cherished memories, not just of how you looked, but more importantly, of who you are as a family.