BLOG & TIPS - What to wear to your photo shoot

Planning your photo shoot outfits for you, your family, and your wall.

Congratulations! You survived the chaotic photoshoot and got all those adorable smiles captured! As you browse through your photo gallery, you might notice something unexpected – a gigantic dinosaur on your little one’s shirt roaring “RAWR!” Oops! It looks like that big, green dino has just claimed a permanent spot in your home decor! While dinosaurs are undeniably cool, you might want to think twice before decorating your walls with them. So, ask yourself: is this the vibe you want to bring into your living room before you pick out colors, patterns, and outfits for the session?

Let’s face it, picking outfits can be a family affair fraught with picky preferences and wardrobe issues. But don’t worry! I’ve crafted this handy guide to help you nail down the best and easiest outfit choices for your photoshoot.

What NOT to wear:

Shirts with large logos, graphics, or words: They can distract from the main attraction—you! Plus, they may date your images faster than a T-Rex can say “RAWR!”
And while we love a relaxing vibe, let’s steer clear of sporty T-shirts and cargo shorts. Instead, we want to strike a balance—you can be comfortable AND look timeless!

Remember, "dress to impress" doesn’t mean getting all dressed up in tuxedos and ball gowns, but a polished look can go a long way! If you want the kids to match, keep it simple with solid colors—think white tops and light-colored bottoms.

Let’s make sure your memories are picture-perfect—without any dinosaur surprises!

Patterns

Let’s talk patterns! If Mom rocks a lovely, softer patterned dress, that’s usually just the right amount of flair! Stack a couple of bold patterns together, and they can end up stealing the show—your beautiful face will be begging for attention! Keep the patterns to a minimum. If you’re feeling adventurous and want to mix patterns, lay them out together and see how they like to clash. And hey, if you want my expert opinion before the shoot, feel free to send me your outfit options!

Accessories

When it comes to accessories, I’m all for the “less is more” philosophy. A cute hat, some eye-catching bracelets, or a stunning necklace can definitely add that extra wow factor! Just remember to keep it subtle. This is YOUR family photo shoot, and if your hat is the star of the show, make sure it’s a hat you absolutely adore!

If you’re planning on wearing a head covering, I suggest sticking with a solid color or something shiny. A patterned headpiece can sometimes distract from that gorgeous face of yours. But hey, rules are made to be bent, so feel free to run your options by me!

If the gents are suited up in black and white, let’s spice things up with the rest of the family! Fancy it up with some patterns and pops of color!

Shoes

As for footwear, I recommend closed-toe shoes for the men—sandals just won’t cut it in the photo magic department! If your kiddos can’t find shoes to match their outfits, no worries! Just let me know, and we can find a lovely spot to go barefoot. Trust me, bare feet are better than old sneakers any day!

And here’s a little tip: pants are generally more photogenic than shorts, no matter how warm it is! And sleeves? Well, any kind of sleeve usually wins over going sleeveless!

Let’s get these outfits just right so we can capture those picture-perfect moments!

My Personal Favorite

The Easiest Coordination Trick: All White!

Want a quick and easy way to coordinate your family’s outfits? Just have everyone show up in white! This classic look pairs beautifully with almost any location and gives your family photos a timeless, elegant vibe.

For pants, I recommend sticking to khakis rather than jeans. (Confession: I’m not a fan of blue jeans in photos, but that’s just my personal taste!) For the girls, mix it up! Each can wear a different white dress, shirt, or skirt—just keep to shades like white, cream, or beige. Variety within the same color family adds character!

Colors you choose

Keep in mind that the darker your clothing, the darker your photos will appear. Softer colors lead to softer, dreamier images. While I love the whole rainbow, let’s chat about some color recommendations:

Warm Colors: Think bright yellows, cheerful oranges, and pretty pinks.
Cool Colors: Blue and purple can work beautifully too, but I favor blues as a pop rather than the theme for everyone.

If you’ve noticed my editing style, you might realize I lean towards bright, sunny tones rather than cool, edgy vibes. So, while I adore blue, let’s use it as a punchy accent!

It’s Not all about what you wear,

What you wear isn’t the only color in your photos! If you’re after that bright and airy look (and who isn’t?), remember that the location plays a huge role in your photos. Whether it’s a stunning stone backdrop, lush green trees, or a vibrant flower bush, all these elements add color to your image. I often suggest clients opt for neutral outfits to let nature’s beauty take the spotlight. If you want a pop of color, we can do it through your surroundings!

Let's see some examples!

Below, you’ll find some color combos I enjoy. Check them out and find your favorite to inspire your own photoshoot! Notice how each combination includes multiple colors, with a standout “pop” color to build from for your family’s outfits.