What to Wear for a Family Photo Session - The Do's and Don'ts
- Jan 28
- 3 min read
Choosing what to wear for your family or couple photo session can feel like a big challenge for some. You want to look your best, but also feel comfortable and natural in front of the camera. The right outfit can make a big difference in how your photos turn out, helping your personalities shine through while keeping the focus on YOU and not just what you're wearing. This guide will help walk you through some simple do’s and don’ts to help you decide what to wear for a family photo session and create beautiful family photos you can look back on and enjoy for years to come.
Do Choose Clothes That Make You Feel Comfortable (this is MY NUMBER 1 TIP!)
Pick outfits that fit well and you feel good in. If you’re constantly adjusting your clothes or feeling restricted, it will show in your photos.
Wear something that reflects your everyday style. Your photos should capture the real you. So don't pick an outfit you wouldn’t normally wear.
Consider the weather and location. Dress appropriately so you’re not too cold or too hot during your photography session.
Don’t Choose Clothes That Feel Forced
Avoid outfits that feel like a fashion statement just for the photoshoot. Especially if they don’t represent your usual style.
Avoid clothes that make you self-conscious. Don't be uncomfortable in extra-tight garments or unfamiliar materials.
Do Use Block Complementary Colors
Choose solid colors that complement each other rather than clashing. See some of my color palette suggestions below.
Pick a color palette of 3-4 colors and have everyone stick to it. This keeps the focus on faces and emotions, not busy patterns.
You can use neutral tones like beige, grey, navy, or white as a base. Then add a pop of color with accessories.
Don’t Mix Too Many Patterns or Bright Colors
Avoid busy patterns. Clashing patterns like large florals, stripes, or polka dots that can distract from your faces.
Steer clear of wearing very bright colors. This may draw attention away from the rest of the group.
This was from my first ever photoshoot and I failed to communicate with the family on outfit suggestions. There are lots of colors and patterns in this photo which is distracting from the focus of the family.
Do Consider Matching Outfits for a Fun, Cohesive Look
Matching outfits can be especially fun for holiday photos or themed sessions.
You don’t have to wear identical clothes; matching colors or styles works well.
For example, everyone could wear denim jeans with white tops, or stick to a white and beige theme.
Don’t Force Everyone to Wear the Same Exact Outfit
Avoid making everyone wear the exact same thing unless it feels natural and comfortable.
Forcing identical outfits can look unnatural, especially if some family members dislike the style.
Instead, aim for similar yet different styles that suit each person’s personality.
Do Think About Layers and Textures to Add Interest
Layering with jackets or cardigans adds depth and dimension to your photos.
Mix textures like knitwear, denim, cotton, and suede to create a fuller look.
Layers also give you options to change your look quickly during your photo session without a full outfit change.
Don’t Wear Distracting Jewelry
Keep accessories simple and minimal so they don’t distract from what's important - YOU!.
Special jewelry can be something to consider for a photoshoot on a big occasion.
Do Coordinate Shoes and Keep Them Clean
Shoes are often overlooked but can affect the overall look in your pictures.
Choose shoes that fit the outfit style and location (boots for outdoors, clean sneakers for casual photoshoots).
Make sure shoes are clean and in good condition.
Below are some color palette ideas for What to wear for a Family Photo Session
MOST IMPORTANTLY...
BE COMFY AND BE YOURSELF!
Meg Hudson Photography is a professional photographer in Pasadena, CA.
Taking couple and family photos in Pasadena, South Pasadena, and other Los Angeles Counties.
Find out more about Meg HERE.
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I read the photo session tips and it really made choosing outfits feel less confusing by pointing out simple do’s and don’ts that help everyone look good together and feel comfortable. When I finished a big story for school I used book marketing agency to help share it with classmates, and that early step taught me about connecting work with people. Reading this made me think how small details make a big difference in the final result.
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This guide does a great job easing the stress around outfit choices by keeping the focus on comfort and authenticity. I remember prepping for our first family shoot and overthinking colors until we relaxed and chose pieces we actually wore day to day. That mindset shift, similar to delegating tasks like Algebra class takers during a busy semester, made everything smoother. The reminder that simple, cohesive choices highlight real connection really sticks with me.
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