Family Style Guide: Clothing for Family Pictures
What to wear for your family photoshoot
I know family photoshoots can feel overwhelming… especially when it comes to picking outfits for the whole gang. That’s why I’ve created this style guide to make it as easy and stress-free as possible. But here’s the thing… this is a guide NOT instructions! These are YOUR family photos and you know your family best.
How To Think About Clothing For Family Photos and Why it Matters
When investing in professional photos, the end result matters. Do you have a plan for what you want to do with your photos after you get them back? Knowing how you plan to use the images can determine what you wear, the location, and even the time of year. So I first suggest using that as a guiding light because why get photos taken that only live on your phone?
Your family’s clothing plays a big role in how your photos feel. Even in how you feel. We all have a story we could tell about a time we felt uncomfortable in something we wore and how it made us feel. The right colors and styles can make your portraits feel cohesive, timeless, and more connected to the environment. Below are some examples and ideas of outfits that worked well in a variety of locations around Austin.
What to Wear for an Outdoor Urban Family Session
What to Wear for an Outdoor Park Family Session
Here’s how to build your family’s outfits step by step
1. Select your location
Once your family session is booked, you’ll get a questionnaire to complete. From there I can make some specific location suggestions. You can also check out some of my favorite family locations here on the blog.
2. Pick the outfit for the pickiest one first
My suggestion is to start with mom, but in some cases you have a kid or spouse who is sensitive to certain types of clothing or fabric. Whatever the case may be start with the person that may be the pickiest or have the most struggles when it comes to finding something to wear. Think about the type of location you’re going to be at when choosing colors.
3. Pick a print with multiple colors
One of the most popular ways to make the process even easier is by getting the youngest child an outfit that has multiple colors and each adult wearing a solid color from the child’s outfit. Say your daughter has a blue dress with red and yellow flowers. That gives three colors right there without even consider cream, beige, or grey.
4. Let me help!
Based on your outfit, the location of the photoshoot, and any goals you have for the end result, I will send you some color suggestions for the rest of the family. My goal is to make it easy and I’m here to help.
5 Clothing Tips for Every Location
1. Comfort is Key
Choose outfits that allow movement, especially for kids. We want everyone to be comfortable so they can focus on having fun. You don’t want to be wearing something so tight you can’t comfortably breathe or sit down if needed.
2. Coordinate, Don’t Match
Instead of everyone wearing the same color (hello, white shirts + jeans from the early 2000s 👀), aim for a cohesive palette. Choose 2–3 main colors and mix in complementary shades. Think of it like a fruit salad… Different fruits, different colors, but all taste great together.
3. Skip Logos + Neon + Stripes
Logos, characters, and neon colors distract from your faces. Neon is super reflective and can reflect light onto your skin causing it to look sickly shades depending on the color. This isn’t to say that if your daughter wants to dress up in Elsa or Spiderman that you should not do that… cause that’s a stage thing and definitely something worth remembering later in life. Moiré is a visual pattern that can appear in photos when very fine, repeated designs—like tiny stripes, checks, or screens—interfere with the camera sensor. It can create wavy or distracting lines in the image. I recommend staying away from small patterns.
4. Don’t Overthink It – Easy Color Suggestions
Neutrals like cream, beige, and ivory are timeless and photograph beautifully… they also pair perfectly with earthy tones like mustard, rust, and olive. These are my favorite go-to combos because they feel both natural and elevated, and they really let your family’s connection shine without distraction.
The Finishing Touch: Accessories
Accessories can elevate your photos without stealing the spotlight. Hats, scarves, or jewelry add personality, while layers like cardigans, jackets, or vests give you more options and create visual depth. Shoes are important too… choose something comfortable that fits the vibe of your session, and try to avoid bright sneakers or Crocs unless that’s part of your look. For kids, keep it simple with a cozy sweater, a cute bow, or suspenders. Keep it simple… small touches can make a big impact without feeling overdone.
Wrapping It All Up
I hope this guide has made planning your family’s outfits a little easier and a lot less stressful!
Remember, the goal isn’t perfection… it’s capturing your family just as you are, in a way that feels authentic and reflects your unique personalities. Whether you want a classic, coordinated look or a more playful mix of colors, the most important thing is that everyone feels comfortable and confident.
And don’t forget, I’m always here to help! Feel free to reach out with any questions, send me photos for feedback, or let me know if you’re unsure about how certain colors will work together. You’re not in this alone! Consider me your personal styling guide. I’m looking forward to seeing you all soon and creating something beautiful together! Ready to book your session? Reach out I’d love to talk with you!
