What to Wear for Studio Family Photos: 2024 Guide
So being a photographer but also a mom, I can tell you that deciding how to dress your family is the hardest part of the whole photo process! You overthink and worry and want everything perfect! I totally get it! So after the many years I have photographed families, here are some things I have found that work well for clothing choices when having your photos taken in the studio!
Choosing Colors and Patterns for your Studio Family Session
Choosing a cohesive and complimentary color pallet for family pictures is my favorite part! I would suggest sticking with neutrals, earth tone, or even pastel colors…so think grays, creams, soft blues, muted pinks, khaki, or dusty greens. These colors tend to complement a wide variety of skin tones and are classic and timeless!
As far as patterns and designers, if you prefer patterns over solid colors, small and understated patterns like a calico or small stripes are great. They read as a solid pattern from the camera’s perspective, and keep your clothing from becoming the focal point of the session.
Consider layers or textures like a chunky knitted sweater, eyelet, tulle, denim, or a shirt with a collar can really add visual interest and depth to a portrait.
Some Things to Avoid:
While I want your session to reflect who you are as a family, there are some things I would suggest you avoid when choosing outfits for your family photos:
Avoid logos or graphics. Not only are they distracting, they tend to date your photos much faster than other clothing choices.
Large patterns or florals. They tend to cause chaos, distract from faces, and create busy images.
No neon colors. If you wear a really bright shirt, it will leave unusual color cast on your face and who ever is standing next to you. Neon colors will over power a photo and look really jarring! Just don’t do it…trust me!
Where to Start:
When I am selecting outfits for my own family, I always start with one outfit! Maybe my daughter has a really cute pinafore I just have to have in photos, or I know my son will only wear clothes that feel a certain way. Figure out one person’s outfit that you really like and then build everyone else’s outfits from that first one. By starting this way, it can make the process of choosing clothes so much easier!
What to Wear Tips for Mom:
Clothes that flow and move well. Dresses are what I usually suggest mom’s wear for their family photos. Not only are dresses and skirts flattering, but they are also comfortable. Dresses can be dressed up or dressed down depending on what you want the feel of your portraits to be like. However, dresses aren’t necessarily mandatory, jeans and a ruffly top are also great, or a sassy jumpsuit. I just want to make sure you feel confident and beautiful in what you are wearing, and like you!!
Accentuate the good. Cover the not so good. Unfortunately, most of us are a little unsure about some aspects of our bodies. I prefer to cover my own arms with billowy sleeves or a jacket.
Be sure you can move comfortably. Even in the studio, I will be having you sit, stand, hug husbands, and snuggle kids. Be sure you can move your arms and sit easily!
Clothing Tips for Dad:
Keep it Simple. Most men I know prefer a casual easy outfit. This means a henley or a button up collared shirt paired with crisp jeans or some chinos. Easy peasy!
Outfit Choices for Kids:
Make sure they are comfortable: Number one rule for a happy photo session is kids that are comfortable in their clothes. If a sweater is itchy or pants that are tight, it is not going to go well from the beginning. Try outfits on at home before coming to the studio, make sure everyone is content on how their clothes feel!
Easy Clothes. If a strap or a bow or whatever keeps sliding down or coming untied and we have to fuss with it the whole session, your child is going to become pretty frustrated with it (as well as you and me)!
Cover those bums. If you are bringing your little girl in a cute dress, be sure to get matching bloomers or a diaper cover. There is nothing worse that having an absolutely adorable photograph ruined by a peak of a diaper or underwear showing from underneath a dress. It’s an easy fix…you can find just what you need on amazon!
Should we Wear Shoes?
I’ll be honest, I still haven’t decided if I like when families wear shoes or not. I’m going to leave this one up to you! I have had families with lots of younger kids kick their shoes off so we can see their cute little piggies. However, if you have a family with older children, leaving yours shoes on might be the way to go!
If you decide to keep your shoes on, be sure they are clean and free of scuffs and excessive wear and tear.
Need More Help?
You can email or text me if you have any questions about your outfit choices! I’m happy to talk things over or add suggestions!
Favorite Retailers:
Ivy City Co. - Has some really great dresses for woman and girls.
Baltic Born - Also a great option for dresses for women.
Loft - From dressy to casual, Loft has a lot of great options for women.
J. Crew - Preppy, dressy options for men and women
H&M - I love H&M’s kid’s clothes. You can find some really cute, classic, and unique pieces for kids without breaking the bank.
Noralee - Such beautiful dresses for girls and dressy outfits for boys. Chef’s kiss!
Rylee + Crew - Beautiful outfits for babies, boys and girls that are timeless and will make your children looked like they stepped out of the past!
Oat Co. - All things baby. Gorgeous knit sweaters and rompers.
Target - Honestly can’t go wrong with Target! Perfect for the whole family!