What To Wear For Family Photos

Once you book your session, this is often one of the first questions that crosses your mind! Who will wear what? Will it look good together? Family photos may hang in your home for a very long time, and you want to make the best decision with what may seem like an endless list of options.

Start With One Outfit

Do you have the perfect piece you've been envisioning yourself in? Is there one shirt you love on your partner? Is your toddler only happy in a very specific outfit? Start with that item, and use it as inspiration to build from there.

Please Avoid

There aren't many rules (and rules are also okay to bend:) But the list below is a good safety check list of things to avoid.

  • Bright neons
  • Huge logos or writing
  • Very tiny patterns (they can sometimes have a weird effect on camera)

Choosing Colours

Gone are the days of everyone needing to match (all jeans and white t-shirts? Only in the 1990s).

So how to you choose colours that go together, without being too matchy-matchy?

  • Pick a palette of 2-3 colours, including one neutral. For example: blue, grey, and white. Mustard, red, and khaki. Green, beige, and brown.
  • Think about the colour tone, and not just the colour.

Everyone can wear pastels, or brights, or neutrals. Alternatively, everyone can wear a similar colour, but in different tones (see the bottom row of greens? A lot of those would look nice together!)

Texture

Chosen your colour palette? Great! Now feel free to have fun with texture. Think a chunky knit, corduroy, a bit of tulle or leather. It doesn't need to be for the entire photoshoot, or even a big piece! You can add texture with a scarf, vest, accessory, or piece of outerwear.

Tips for Happy Kids

A few tips to keep your littles looking fresh and happy!

  • Teething baby or a toddler? Bring a cute bib or bandana! A great way to keep them fresh, clean, and add some fun colour or a pattern
  • No matter how cute the outfit is, make sure it's practical for the environment and season (especially outdoor shoots). Make sure kids are warm enough, no tripping hazards, no scratchy/annoying tags, and no pieces that may need to be checked/readjusted for every photo
  • Watch for tucked in shirts! If every time they move their shirt comes untucked or their outfit is compromised, you'll spend more time on the shoot fixing their outfit then enjoying your time together. Alternatively, choose a shirt that you like the look of when untucked
  • Try everything on ahead of time! This ensures it fits, is clean, and your kiddos will enjoy wearing the outfits
  • If your kids have longer hair, think about a way to ensure we can still see their face while they're having fun. A barrette or headband can really help ensure we see their face as much as possible

Make The Photoshoot A Fun Experience For Everyone


At the end of the day, we want to make photos of a family enjoying their time together.

If the kids really want to wear an outrageous hat, or throw things in the air, or run around, consider letting them have a say in how the photoshoot goes. Maybe we compromise and let them do want at the start, and have a costume change to clean/matching clothes at the end?

Ultimately the best way to get big smiles is with happy people!