What to wear to your photo session:

​Family Photo Outfit Ideas

1. Plan your outfits in advance. The more time you allow yourself to plan your outfits, the less stressed you’ll be. Plus, it never hurts to have options especially when you’re dressing your kids.
2. Choose coordinating colors, not matching. Knowing what colors to wear for family photos can be tricky. Start off with colors that coordinate well. You can accomplish a cohesive look without every family member wearing the exact same outfit. In fact, that can seem overly-matching. By selecting a color scheme and using hues that complement each other, you can achieve a more natural look across the board. Pick two main colors and then add softer tones to accent and complete your color scheme.
3. Consider your home decor. You’ll want to consider your home decor style when picking out what to wear in family photos. Since a few of these photos will most likely be hanging in your home and on display for a long time, make sure that the clothing you select blends in seamlessly with the color scheme of your home.
4. Keep location in mind. Another helpful item to consider when trying to decide what to wear in your family photos is the location of your photoshoot. Are you going to be on the beach where there are plenty of neutral tones or under a tree surrounded by bright fall foliage? Select a color palette for your outfits that will complement the setting. Pick out items of clothing in colors that will complement your background and not compete with it.
5. Use the season to help select color schemes for your outfits. Each season is associated with different colors, weather, and landscapes which will be an important item to consider when picking out what everyone will be wearing.
6. Choose practical clothing items. This is an important item to keep in mind for every family member but, especially when you are thinking about what to dress your little ones in. If your kids are not comfortable then you’re going to be in for a long photoshoot. Don’t make it more difficult on yourself or your photographer to get the perfect shot. Make sure that everyone is comfortable with their clothing to ensure all smiles.
7. Pick out accessories to add texture to your photos. Accessories are great style pieces that add to your individual outfits and can even tie family members’ outfits together. For example, if Dad is wearing a red and black plaid coat then adding a plaid hat to your daughter’s outfit will tie the pattern in for a more cohesive feel. Accessories will also give your photos variation. Think scarves, hats, gloves, and belts.
8. Select an outfit that is appropriate year-round. One of the more popular times for families to take their portraits seems to be around the holidays (when the kids are home from school and everyone is in the same place). The holidays may seem like the perfect excuse to bring out the Santa hats and incorporate props into your family portraits. However, you’ll want these photos to be displayed all year round. Try to avoid purely seasonal accessories and items.
9. Limit distracting patterns and large logos. Including articles of clothing with multiple patterns or large logos can become a distraction. Strong prints and abstract patterns can overpower your photo. Avoid items that clash and stick to one pattern or textural element for your portrait session.
10. Lay each family member’s outfit together while planning. This way you’ll have a good idea about how the pieces will look next to each other. This will allow you a better idea of what works and what doesn’t. Plus, this way, you can make sure that you’re not missing any essential clothing items.​

Family Photo Color Schemes

• White dress for beach pictures: A white and tan or muted color dress code works perfectly for family photos taken at the beach. Just make sure that nothing gets ruined from ocean spray or sand!
• Neutral colors: Natural or neutral colors are always a safe bet when it comes to taking photos in the outdoors. If you’re stumped and scouring through your closet, try finding matching pieces of white and tan.
• Bright pop of color: Bright pops of colors can add personality into family photos, but you want to make sure that they don’t distract from the subjects. And try to stay away from neon colors in general.
• Coordinating family sweaters: If you’re planning on a winter-themed photo shoot, coordinated family sweaters can make a great touch. Just make sure the patterns aren’t too overwhelming.
• Don’t match too much! Matching is great– until it isn’t. Make sure that your family doesn’t look exactly the same by including different types of clothing and different shades from the same color palette.

Colors by Season

SPRING:

• Pale peach
• Blush pink
• Mint green
• Baby blue
• Cream
• Light gray
• Soft yellow
• Spring green
• Lavender

SUMMER:

• White
• Yellow
• Bold Red
• Bright Orange
• Bold Pink
• Turquoise
• Royal Blue

FALL:

• Browns
• Mustard Yellow
• Burnt Orange
• Dark Shades of Green
• Dark Purple
• Neutrals

WINTER:

• White
• Cream
• Brown
• Black
• Medium to Dark Gray
• Ruby Red
• Dark Purple
• Emerald Green
• Blue​