So, you’ve booked your family photo session—exciting!
Now comes the part that can feel a little overwhelming: figuring out what to wear. The right outfits can take your photos from “nice” to stunning, but don’t worry—I’ve got you covered.
As a photographer, I’ve seen firsthand what works (and what doesn’t). These simple tips will help you put together coordinated, timeless outfits that look amazing in photos—without stressing over the details.
1. Start with a Color Palette
Gone are the days of everyone wearing the exact same outfit (looking at you, white shirts and jeans). Instead, choose a color palette that works well together. Stick to 2-3 complementary colors and mix in different shades and textures for variety.
A few color combos that always work:
Earthy & Warm: Terracotta, mustard, and olive green
Cool & Classic: Navy, gray, and soft whites
Light & Airy: Pastels like blush, baby blue, and cream
Neutral & Timeless: Beige, tan, and soft browns
The goal is to have your family look coordinated without looking too matchy-matchy.
2. Coordinate—Don’t Match
Instead of dressing everyone in identical outfits, focus on coordinating colors and styles. If one person wears a solid color, another can wear a subtle pattern or textured fabric in the same color family.
For example:
If mom is in a flowy beige dress, dad can wear a navy button-down with khaki pants.
If kids are wearing soft pastels, mix in a sweater or scarf in a complementary tone.
This creates visual interest and makes your photos feel more natural.
3. Dress for the Season & Location
Think about where your session will take place and dress accordingly:
Beach session? Light, breathable fabrics and soft, flowy dresses work best.
Fall leaves? Cozy sweaters, boots, and rich autumn tones look amazing.
Urban setting? Chic, modern outfits with a pop of color can elevate the look.
The setting should complement your outfits—not compete with them.
4. Keep It Timeless
Trendy outfits might look great right now, but in 10 years, will you still love them? Stick with classic, simple styles that won’t make your photos feel outdated. Avoid:
🚫 Bright neon colors (they cast weird hues on the skin)
🚫 Loud patterns that distract from faces
🚫 Large logos or graphics (they pull focus away from what really matters—you!)
Soft, solid colors and simple prints tend to photograph best.
5. Layer & Add Texture
Want your photos to have more depth and dimension? Layers and textures are the way to go! Think:
A denim jacket over a dress
A knit cardigan over a button-down
A linen shirt for a relaxed, effortless vibe
Layers not only add visual interest but also give you options for different looks throughout the session.
6. Comfort is Key
The best family photos happen when everyone feels good. If your outfit is stiff, itchy, or too tight, it will show in your body language. Dress in something that makes you feel comfortable and confident—this goes for kids, too!
For little ones, avoid clothes that are:
🚫 Too tight or restrictive
🚫 Made from scratchy fabrics
🚫 Something they’ll try to rip off the second you put it on
Happy, comfortable kids = natural, joyful photos.
7. Plan Ahead & Lay Everything Out
Don’t wait until the last minute! A few days before your session, lay out everyone’s outfits together and check for:
✔️ Matching but not identical colors
✔️ No wrinkles or stains
✔️ Shoes that complement the outfits (no neon sneakers!)
Take a quick phone pic to see how everything looks together—this helps you spot anything that might need adjusting.
8. Add Thoughtful Accessories
Accessories are a great way to add personality and polish to your look. Some ideas:
✅ A stylish hat
✅ A soft scarf
✅ Delicate jewelry
✅ Suspenders for a little vintage charm
Just keep it simple—you want your faces to be the focus, not oversized accessories.
9. Shoes Matter More Than You Think
You’d be surprised how often people forget about shoes until the last minute! Stick with neutral, classic footwear that complements the outfits. For example:
Boots, loafers, or ballet flats = always a good choice
Barefoot for a beach session = perfect
Bright-colored sneakers = 🚫 (they can be distracting in photos)
A little planning goes a long way!
10. Let Your Personalities Shine
At the end of the day, the best family photos are the ones that feel authentic to you. If you’re a laid-back family that loves a casual vibe, lean into that. If you love a more polished, elegant look, go for it!
The key is to feel comfortable, confident, and like yourselves—because that’s what will shine through in your photos.
Let’s Capture Some Beautiful Memories!
Now that you’re ready with the perfect outfits, let’s make some magic happen! At Jonathan Tyler Photography, I specialize in capturing genuine, joyful family moments that you’ll cherish forever.
📸 Book your family session today!
