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What to Wear to your Family Session 

Outfit and Inspiration Guide 

Pro Tip

Texture and Logos

Avoid clothing with words and logos.  Choose clothing that is more timeless, mix textures and layers

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Pro Tip

A Warm Pop of Color

Adding a warm pop of color against a neutral background will give your outfit the perfect amount of pop

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Pro Tip

Bright Color In Moderation

The brighter the color the less there should be for the rest of the family.  

What To Wear:​  Choosing attire for a photo session is a bit more complex than pulling a few favorites from the depths of your closet. Why? Things that look great in person, don't always translate on camera.  And let's be real here... Professional photos? They're an investment!  You don't want to leave your outfit to chance.  The goal is to find a style that's authentic to your family, but feels special at the same time.  

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A good tip is to start with mom first then accessorize everyone else to coordinate. 

 

Wardrobe should be comfortable and reflect who you are.  Your outfits should be cohesive not "matchy-matchy."  If you like the coordinated look then have a color that runs through everyones outfit or a theme of color.  Summer pictures should reflect the season as well as fall and spring.  Add a variety of subtle patterns.  They say that variety is the spice of life right? 

 

To add depth and interest to your photos, create dimension by having primarily solids with a few coordinating subtle patterns and textures. Patterns are great in small doses and add a lot of your photo. Avoid bold, large prints that can distract from the photo though.  You want your family photos to be about you and not merely your outfits.  

 

Layers are another way to add variety with cardigans, shawls, scarves, etc.Dress for the weather!You might have the perfect outfit on, but if you’re freezing or sweating to death, a family photo session can quickly unravel.  Layering is the perfect solution for those chilly evenings or sweltering August days!  

 

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Baby it's cold Outside: Remember, little ones get cold more quickly than adults when temperatures are low, so pack a cardigan or sweater for them. Cold kiddos = sad photos...keep those kids warm!  

If its cold ditch the winter coats for the photos and layer up with leggings, long undershirts and long johns.  Add a knit scarf or hat to an added Laye fo texture.  Maybe even bring a blanket to cuddle in.  

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One site I love to refer clients to is Mademoiselle Clothing.  It's great for beautiful and textured dresses. As well as Some of our favorite places to shop for children's clothes are Zara, Baby Gap, Purl Lamb, Abercrombie and Janie and Jack.  Anthropologie, Free People, Express, Spool 72, Banana Republic, Abercrombie and Fitch, Rachel Pally and American Eagle make great options for adults and older children.  Even look on Amazon for some great deals and a large selection.  

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See my P​INTEREST b​oard for some more inspiration

Here Are Some Highlights:

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  • LAYERS: More is more here, folks (unless it’s a bazillion degrees outside.)

  • NEUTRALS: Build your outfits around a neutral base and pop in colors.

  • MATCHING: Identical or “themed” outfits – no bueno!

  • FOOTWEAR: We’re trudging through the best of mother nature has to offer, so make good choices!

  • PETS: Of course, bring them! And also have a ‘helper’ along to take them when they’re done.

 

If you’re in full-blown panic mode right now, fear not! You can always send me pics of what you have and I'll talk you off the ledge. And remember – it’s just one outfit you need per person. Now that’s not so bad, is it?

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