Family Photo Outfits | What to Wear to Your Session

Deciding what to wear to your family portrait session can be tough. Well thought out outfit choices can make your family photos…these will be images that can last on your walls forever.

There are certain choices that I find work best for family photos. Before every session, I create and share a mood board with you…this is just a suggested blueprint and can help make this part of the process much easier.

Keep it simple…

My portraits are minimalistic and I prefer the wardrobe is considered to fit into this style - simple and not distracting. The wardrobe should not be noticed, it should just feel like it belongs and the focus of the images will be on you and your family…not on your outfits.

What clothes look good in family photos?

The best outfits for family photos are generally simple, timeless, classic pieces of clothing. Solid fabrics and subtle patterns. Textured, natural fabrics like knits, tweeds, or even clothing with a sheen. A touch of lace or leather can also be great. Textures add depth, and simple clean lines draw attention to faces. I recommend choosing a muted colour palette and that will create a cohesiveness in your family portraits.

What colours look good in family photos?

I prefer darker tones - black, greys, browns and jewel tones if you’d like to introduce some colour. Dark jeans are always a good option, and don’t forget about your shoes…I recommend darker shoes as they will not distract from the rest of the image.

What not to wear in family photos

I suggest avoiding bold, busy prints, logos and clothing with high-contrast patterns or any words.

But most importantly…

These are your family photos and I want you to wear what you feel great in - consider these some guidelines if you’re looking for some direction. I want you to incorporate your own personalities into your wardrobe choices. If you don’t have black or dark clothes in your closet and only wear bright colours, then that’s what you will wear! The most important thing is that your portraits reflect who you are.