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5 Tips for Family Photo Outfits

By Ashleigh Cropper

May 4^th, 2023

Once a family has booked a session with me, this is the number one question I get...what do we wear? What looks best in front of the camera? And what suggestions do I have!

After nine years of photographing families, I can say that I know what works well and looks great!

I have compiled five tips to help pull together a great and cohesive family photo outfit recommendations.

Whether you are doing fall family photos, spring family photos, or a season in-between, I have lots of examples below to help with ideas!

Tip 1: Mix Neutral Colors

Color for clothing is the number one question asked when families are trying to figure out what to wear! A mix of neutrals, so not everyone in the exact same color, always looks great in front of the camera! After nine years of capturing family photos that is the best option.

Neutrals: greys, browns, olive greens, dark blues creams, black.
Others that may not be considered neutral but work well within the combination of neutrals are: light pinks, burnt orange, pastel blues.
"Earth Tones:" when in doubt, if the colors of clothing are Earth tones, they will work well together.

A note about white colored clothes. They are great in combination with something else but especially when photographing in bright sunshine, it can wash someone out. If you can go in a more cream colored direction that is better. But, I am going to show examples of people wearing white in this post. It is not a total no-no and these are examples when it worked, especially on an overcast day.

Lets talk about bright colors! So what is the reasoning for neutrals and avoiding bright colors? I always use the example of the color red. If you wear a bright color like red, it will reflect onto your skin and create red highlights. It overall will change the skin tone and can also do that for anyone standing next to you or snuggling in your arms.

Bright colors can also draw the eye into that clothing and take from the focus of the image, which is your interaction and expressions!

(One disclaimer...if you are someone who loves bright colors and clothing then I would recommend for a very early morning session before the sun is just about to come up, or right at sunset as the sun is just about, if not already, set. That allows for less light reflecting the colors and can be a lovely way to incorporate who you are with those fun colors!)

Tip 2: Eliminate busy designs

Simple patterns are great, but I do not recommend a busy design. They can cause a distraction in the image and often look out of place.

A simple plaid, or floral design are not a problem.

The one design that causes the most issue is anything that is gingham patterned. The repetitive little details (which can also happen with designs such as small dots or very little lines) create an issue in the image called moiré. Because of sensor restrictions when photographing with a digital camera, it creates a wavy look within the pattern. It is very distracting and unfortunately cannot be fixed post-production and editing.

Tip 3: No wording, illustration, text or logos

I feel like this one is a bit self explanatory but I do not recommend any wording, illustration, text or logos on clothing. It will instantly take from the photo and draw your eye into what is being presented on the clothing.

Tip 4: Layering is great...and so are accessories!

Layering is such a great way to add some depth with your clothing! For example wearing a jean jacket over a dress! Guys putting on a vest or nice jacket always looks sharp. I will add this pointer, keep it lowkey though. No need to go all out with lots of layered outfits or feeling like you have to go in this direction.

Accessories can be so fun! Bring some fancy boots or shoes that you love and switch into them once you are at the exact location for photos (walking to the location is pretty common when doing a session with me.) Jewelry is a great way to add a subtle pop as well.

As my husband likes to say, "wear the Instagram hat!" You don't have to for the whole session, but throw it on for a few. I bet it you will love those images, every client of mine does! If you have a bow for your daughter, lets put it on. Again, it doesn't have to be in every photo.

Tip 5: wear clothes you're comfortable in

I feel like maybe this should be tip number one, but I strongly encourage to wear clothes you feel good in and comfortable. I do not recommend going out and buying something for a session and never wearing it before. I cannot tell you how many times a client will do this and then realize they don't like the outfit and didn't try it on until photo day!

For my sessions, we are typically outdoors so you will be moving, walking, spinning, dancing, and having a great time! Anything that gets wrinkled easily should be avoided.

Ladies, please please please do not wear anything that shows your bra strap, or has to be constantly adjusted to fix your strap. The additional cost to edit out the bra strap is quite a bit! That cost is passed along to my clients and not part of my contract basic editing with sessions.