One of the questions I'm asked most often is, "What should we wear for our family photo session?"
The good news is that choosing your outfits doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. My goal is to create photographs that feel warm, natural, and timeless—images that keep the focus on the people you love and the connection you share. By selecting colors, textures, and clothing that complement the beautiful golden-hour landscape, we can create a cohesive look while still allowing each person’s unique personality to shine.
As you look through these photographs, notice how each family's clothing feels coordinated without being perfectly matched.
Their outfits bring together a thoughtful mix of rich, nature-inspired colors, soft neutrals, subtle patterns, and beautiful textures. Small details—such as flowing skirts, cozy knits, delicate florals, ruffles, hats, and boots—add depth and movement without distracting from the people in the photograph. These choices complement the warm golden light and natural surroundings, allowing each person to stand out while the family still feels visually connected. The goal isn’t to recreate any one of these outfits, but to notice how color, texture, and movement work together to create a portrait that feels polished, natural, and full of life.
Colors & Textures That Photograph Beautifully
Colors I recommend:
When choosing your outfits, look for colors inspired by nature and shades that complement the warmth of golden-hour light.
- Dusty blue, slate blue, denim, navy, and deep teal
- Sage, olive, moss, forest green, and emerald
- Rust, terracotta, camel, caramel, and chocolate brown
- Burgundy, muted plum, and other rich jewel tones
- Cream, ivory, oatmeal, taupe, and warm gray
- Soft blush, dusty rose, and other muted pastels
Textures & Details I love:
Texture gives a photograph dimension and visual interest, while flowing fabrics create beautiful movement and help your images feel natural and full of life.
- Linen, cotton, lace, and eyelet
- Knits, corduroy, velvet, and soft denim
- Subtle embroidery, ruffles, and delicate details
- Flowing dresses, skirts, and sleeves that move naturally
- Small florals, understated plaid, and other subtle patterns
- Thoughtful layers such as cardigans, jackets, scarves, and vests
Colors & Details To Avoid Or Use Carefully:
A few clothing choices can reflect color onto the skin, compete with the scenery, or draw attention away from your family. When possible, I recommend avoiding:
- Neon or fluorescent colors
- Extremely bright, saturated red or orange
- Large areas of stark, bright white
- Large logos, words, graphics, or cartoon characters
- Very busy patterns or several competing patterns
- Thin, tightly spaced stripes that may appear distorted on camera
- Shiny or highly reflective fabrics
- Athletic or performance fabrics
- Clothing that wrinkles easily, feels uncomfortable, or restricts movement
- Too many family members wearing the exact same color
These Aren't Unbreakable Rules
What matters most is that you feel comfortable and like yourself. If you have an outfit you love but aren’t sure how it will photograph, feel free to send me a picture. I’m always happy to help you bring everything together.
Accessories & Finishing Touches
Accessories are a wonderful way to add texture, personality, and visual interest to your photographs. Thoughtful pieces such as hats, cardigans, denim jackets, scarves, hair bows, suspenders, belts, boots, and simple jewelry can help an outfit feel complete. Layers are especially helpful because they add dimension and can give us more variety throughout your session.
When selecting accessories, keep them intentional and comfortable. Choose pieces that complement the outfit without competing for attention. Avoid oversized statement pieces, distracting costume jewelry, or anything that needs frequent adjusting. Before your session, remember to remove everyday items such as phones, keys, bulky wallets, hair ties from wrists, and sunglasses from the top of your head.
If you wear a smartwatch, consider replacing it with a classic watch or removing it for the session. If you normally wear glasses, please wear them for your session—I want you to look and feel like yourself in your photographs. Transition lenses are welcome, too. As someone who wears transition lenses myself, I understand how important glasses can be to the way you see yourself. I’ve learned how to carefully edit darkened lenses when needed, and I’m happy to provide that extra attention so you never have to choose between wearing your glasses and having your eyes beautifully visible in your portraits.
Hats can photograph beautifully and add personality, but they should feel natural to your style. Choose one with a well-proportioned brim that won’t hide your face or cast a heavy shadow across your eyes.
A Few Final Details
Before your session, try on every outfit—including shoes and accessories—to make sure everything fits comfortably and allows you to move. Sit, walk, bend, and pick up your children while wearing it. Steam or iron clothing ahead of time, trim loose threads, remove visible tags, and check that undergarments won’t show through or create distracting lines. For little ones, bringing a simple backup outfit is always a good idea.
Above all, choose clothing that helps you feel comfortable, confident, and like yourself. These suggestions are here to guide you—not to take away your family’s personality. The most meaningful photographs happen when you can relax, move, laugh, cuddle your children, and simply enjoy being together.
Still deciding between a few options? I would love to help. Send me photographs of the outfits you’re considering—ideally laid out together in natural light—and I’ll help you choose the colors, textures, and combinations that will photograph most beautifully at your location.