What to Wear for Your Family Photos (And Why it doesn’t really matter to me)
Hands down, the most asked question and the source of most family photo pre-session anxiety is “What do we wear??” I completely get it. Every time I have booked photos, I’m excited, and then the next thought is “oh no, I have to pick an outfit.” But here’s the thing:
I am not a matchy-matchy, coordinated-outfits-in-a-field type of photographer. I genuinely don’t care what my clients are wearing.
That said, you still have to choose what to wear that day, and after years of photographing people, I can tell you a little about what will and won’t photograph well. But the clothes are never the star of the show—your family is. The point is not to look like a catalog family. It’s to look like you, in a way that makes you feel good—because when you feel good, you’re more present, more relaxed, and that’s what makes the photos beautiful.
Wear What Makes You Feel Like Yourself
This is a documentary session, and your photos should look like your life, not a costume. If your family lives in converse and tees, wear that. If you love a linen set, wear that. This is especially true for kids—if you are choosing their outfit for them, go with something they can move in. We are not making stiff portraits, and jumping, climbing, and dancing very well might happen. Don’t buy an outfit just for our session that you’ll never wear again. Wear something that you’d actually put on for a day out.
The Confidence Factor (the real secret)
What photographs best is usually what feels most natural to you. I’ve seen “perfectly coordinated” outfits fall flat, and a family in jeans and tees make incredible photos because of energy. When you feel great, you look great, and when you feel uncomfortable, it will show. When you feel like yourself, that shows too.
Practical advice: Try on your outfit days before the session. Move around in it. Sit on the floor in it. If you feel weird, change.
Dress everyone for the weather if we’re going to be outside—again, comfort is the most important thing to think about. If you don’t normally wear shoes at home, go barefoot! If your child never leaves the house without a tu-tu on, our session shouldn’t be the exception (especially if it will cause a battle!).
The chaos, the laughter, the real moments is what I’m here to capture, so wear what makes you feel good. And if you’re still not sure, I’m happy to weigh in on what you’re thinking.
What Actually Does (and Doesn’t) Photograph Well
I just have to say one more time that I don’t care what my clients wear during our sessions. I only offer this up as helpful info, and not requirements!
Colors: Solid and muted tones tend to keep the focus on connections and personalities—unless your bright wardrobe is part of your personality, in which case rock that. Neons don’t tend to photograph well. Black minimizes, so if you’re wanting your little baby bump to shine, avoid all black. Same goes for white—not as much minimizing, but the outline of a belly is less defined.
Patterns: Big logos and super busy patterns can be distracting in photos—not a dealbreaker, just something to be aware of. Maybe you want to limit the busy patterns to one or two people in the family.
Fabrics: Flowy, layered, and textured fabrics photograph beautifully and add depth. Stiff and overly formal clothes can feel out of place in a documentary photo session, and more importantly, can make you and your kids feel stiff.
Matching vs Coordinating: Matching outfits feel unnatural and dated. If it’s important to you to go for a coordinated look, think in complementary tones. Think similar vibe but different outfits.
Ready to book? Let’s make something beautiful out of your real life.