what to wear for your photo session

Hey there! So you’ve booked for you photo session and now you’re staring at your closet in total panic mode gettin overwhelmed with what to wear, should you go formal or casual? Neutral or colourful? Matchy – matchu or coordinated chaos? – trust me, I’ve seen that deer-in-headlights look pleanty of times! As a photographer who’s watched countless familites stress over outfit choices, I’m here to spill all my secrets and make this whole process way less overwhelming.

Picking the right clothes might seem like no big deal, but holy moly does it make a difference in you final photos! Let’s chat about how to make your crew look amazing without losing your sanity in the process.

So here it is – you ultimate guide to what to wear and things things to avoid for your next photo session. This isn’t just a list; its a roadmap for getting photos you’ll actually love to hand on you walls.

Think About Your End Goal / Vibe

Okay, before you start frantically ordering matching outfits online (please don’t!), take a sec to think about what these photos are actually for. Are you planning to slap one on your holiday card and call it a day? Or are these babies going up on your living room wall for the next decade? If they’re heading for your walls, you definitely want to make sure the colors vibe with your home décor. Nothing worse than spending all that money on gorgeous photos only to realize they clash horribly with your carefully curated living room palette! Planning your outfits around your home colors is honestly one of the smartest moves you can make—those portraits will look like they were made for those spaces (because, well, they kind of are!).

Color Palettes That Work

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen whole families dressed in matching blue jeans and white shirts. While those photos can still look good, imagine how much more interesting they could be with some thoughtful color choices! If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, try these palette ideas that work absolute magic through the camera lens:

  • Warm and Rich: Think fall vibes—mustard yellows, chocolate browns, rusty oranges, creamy neutrals, deep burgundies, and soft taupes. These colors feel so cozy and inviting, perfect for those cuddly family moments. They give photos this gorgeous, timeless quality that never goes out of style.
  • Light and Airy: If you’re more into that dreamy, ethereal look, go for creams, whites, light beiges, soft grays, barely-there pinks and purples, gentle corals, dusty roses, and peaceful blues. This palette creates this heavenly, romantic feel that’s absolutely gorgeous, especially in outdoor settings with lots of natural light.
  • Dark and Dramatic: Some families can totally rock the moodier vibes—just make sure to throw in some lighter elements to keep everyone from disappearing into a black hole! The contrast between dark and light creates this amazing visual interest that can make your photos feel like art.
  • Balanced Pops: My personal fave approach is keeping most outfits in neutral territory but adding strategic pops of color. Think mostly tans and creams with one standout jewel tone that draws the eye exactly where you want it. This technique creates focus and balance that makes photos feel intentional and polished.

Styling your Hair: Embrace Natural Movement

When preparing for your family photo session, embrace natural, relaxed hairstyles rather than overly polished looks. Loose, flowing hair creates movement and dimension in photographs, capturing those magical candid moments beautifully. Skip the tight French braids or slicked-back styles—I’d much rather photograph your child with slightly messy 2-day-old braids that show personality and life! Wavy or curly hair photographs exceptionally well, especially in windy conditions where it creates gorgeous, natural movement. For children with finer hair (particularly little girls), do consider styling it away from their face, especially at breezier locations, to prevent constant adjustments during our session. A simple half-up style or loose braid can keep hair manageable while maintaining that natural, carefree look we’re aiming for. For boys, their everyday hairstyle typically works perfectly! Remember, the goal is comfortable, authentic photos where everyone feels like themselves—not stiff, overly styled portraits that hide your family’s true personality.

Texture Add visual interest

Texture is the unsung hero of family photos! When everyone’s wearing different fabrics, it creates this amazing visual interest that flat cotton just can’t deliver. Mix it up with chunky knits, flowy silks, distressed leather, delicate lace—whatever feels like your style! Even when you’re working with a limited color palette, varying textures keep things from looking flat or boring. Texture adds dimension, depth, and that little something extra that makes photos feel luxurious and thoughtfully styled.

Accessories

Accessories are like the cherry on top of your outfit sundae! They’re your chance to inject personality without going overboard. Scarves, cute hats, statement necklaces, cool belts—these little touches can seriously elevate your photos. Thoughtful accessories tell your family’s story and add that extra layer of visual interest that makes photos feel complete. Just make sure they complement rather than compete with your overall look, and avoid anything too trendy that might make your photos feel dated in a few years.

Skip Characters and Logos

I know, I know—your four-year-old hasn’t taken off that superhero shirt in three weeks, and suggesting otherwise might trigger World War III. But please, try to keep the character clothes and big logos out of your professional photos! Nothing dates a picture faster than pop culture references, and nothing distracts from beautiful faces more than giant words splashed across chests. The focus should be on your gorgeous family connections, not on whatever cartoon character is currently ruling your household. Save the character clothes for everyday wear and bribe with ice cream if necessary; I won’t judge.

Footwear Matters More Than You Think

Holy smokes, shoes are often the last-minute afterthought, but they show up in SO many photos! Brown leather shoes or boots are basically foolproof for photos—they add warmth and never distract. Athletic shoes, especially ones with bright colors or neon details, can instantly ruin an otherwise perfect outfit by drawing all the attention downward. 

For home or beach sessions, bare feet are totally perfect and add to that casual, connected feel. And parents, double-check those kid socks! Nothing kills a vibe faster than character socks peeking out from otherwise beautifully styled outfits. Those little details really do matter when it comes to creating a cohesive look.

Final Thought: Be You

The most important thing you can bring to your session? Yourself. Your goofy, joyful, cuddly, energetic, weird, wonderful family. This is your family, and your session should feel like you. If your daughter loves twirly dresses, let her wear one. If she’s more of a jeans-and-tee kid, that’s perfect too. If your son is obsessed with the color orange, find a muted tone or a subtle accent to work it into the palette.

The key is comfort and authenticity. You want to feel confident and relaxed—not like you’re wearing a costume. And if you’re into lace kimonos, flowy layers, or bold textures, bring them on! Let your personality shine through in a way that still fits within your overall vision. So dress in a way that lets you move, laugh, and love without fussing over straps or tugging at collars. Let your clothes complement the magic—not compete with it. After all, the most beautiful element in any photo is the connection between you and the people you love most.

Do This!

  • Wear clothes that fit well and make you feel confident
  • Start with the pickiest family member’s outfit, then coordinate everyone else around it
  • Coordinate colors instead of wearing identical outfits
  • Mix different textures and subtle patterns for visual interest
  • Include plenty of neutral colors to balance your look

  • Long skirts/dresses look AMAZING in photos!

Skip These!

  • Thin, closely-spaced stripes (they create strange effects in photos)
  • Small plaid patterns or buffalo checks, especially in contrasting colors
  • Clothes with big logos, cartoon characters, or text
  • Too many dark colors, especially all-black outfits (black pants are okay)
  • Neon colors that cast unflattering tints onto skin
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