Getting ready for a family photo shoot or thinking about booking one? Choosing the right outfits can be tricky, but don't worry! This blog gives you Three Key Tips to easily coordinate the perfect looks for your family. By the end, you'll be equipped and inspired to put together great outfits.

1. Find Your Inspiration

Selecting the Season and Location: Your choice—whether it's a sun-soaked beach in the summertime, a picturesque open field in the fall, a bustling downtown scene in spring, or the cozy atmosphere of your own home during winter—serves as the backdrop that frames your family's special moments.

Choosing a Key Outfit: Turn your attention to selecting an outfit for one standout family member. This could be Mom's go-to elegant dress or your daughter's colorful ensemble. This outfit will act as your cornerstone for styling the rest of the family.

2. Assembling Harmonious Wardrobes

After you've picked a standout outfit and chosen a location, turn your attention to dressing the rest of the family. Consider the mood you want to set in your photos—be it relaxed and casual, or elegant and sophisticated. Each clothing choice should align with this desired vibe.

To create a cohesive look, use the colors from the initial standout outfit and the location's natural palette as a guide for the rest of the family's outfits. I'll delve into more color advice below.

Key Questions to Consider:

Do the chosen outfits reflect your vision?
Are they true to your personal style?
Are they comfortable and confidence-boosting (comfort is especially important for young children)

Essential Tips:

Upgrade Your Daily Style: Dressing up usually boosts our mood and appearance, making us look more put-together. Remember, this family photo session is a special occasion that deserves to be celebrated. To avoid surprises, be sure to try on your chosen outfit before the day of the shoot

Keep Patterns in Check: Limit patterns to one or two that complement the session's color scheme. Solid colors are a safe bet.

Avoid Logos and Branding: Keep designs simple and timeless to focus attention on faces and interactions.

Mind the Length: Choose longer skirts or dresses for comfort and elegance, as the session involves various poses.

Ditch the Uniform Look: Instead of matching outfits, opt for complementary colors to add depth and individuality.

Cover Diapers: For young girls in dresses, diaper covers are advised to avoid distractions during active poses.

Avoid Trendy Outfits: Stick to classic styles; your photos are timeless keepsakes.

Accentuate with Accessories: Add a layer of depth and texture. Whether it's a statement necklace, a jaunty hat or bows for the kids. The colors from these accessories can weave a thread of visual cohesion through the family’s outfits, creating a harmonious composition. But be mindful not to over do it.

Ensure a Good Fit: Clothes that are too baggy, too tight, or generally ill-fitting can detract from your photos. Make sure everyone's outfits are tailored well, allowing for freedom of movement and a flattering silhouette

Prioritize Comfortable & Stylish Shoes: Uncomfortable shoes can negatively affect your expressions. Choose style and comfort.

3. Unlock the Emotional Impact of Color: Use it Wisely and Effectively

Color is more than visual; it sets the mood of your family portraits. Cool shades like blues and greens create calm, while warm colors like reds and oranges add energy. Muted tones offer a serene backdrop, and vibrant colors bring excitement. Ensure the colors don't overshadow your family but rather enhance the photo's emotional and visual impact.

A Simple Guide to Creating a Cohesive Color Palette

Pick 3-4 Colors to Focus On:
Start by choosing 3-4 colors that you love and want to highlight in your family photos. These will be the foundation for everyone's outfits.

Think About the Setting:
While I love earth tones and jewel tones because they feel timeless and grounded, your colors should always blend with the environment. If you're in a natural setting like the beach or a park, soft, warm hues work best. However, there’s definitely a place for bolder colors — especially in settings with vibrant surroundings, like colorful cityscapes or wall murals. Bold tones can make your family stand out in such settings, adding energy and life to the photos.

Neutrals Are Your Friend:
Warm whites, soft grays, taupes, and browns are great for adding contrast without overpowering the scene. They keep the focus on your family, while letting the natural environment complement the outfits.

Play with Different Shades:
To create depth and interest, mix different shades of your chosen colors. This helps differentiate each family member, especially in close-knit group shots, while maintaining a cohesive look.

Balance is Key:
Here’s a good rule of thumb:

60% of your colors should be your main color
30% a secondary color
10% an accent color
This ensures a balanced and visually pleasing composition.

Stay Consistent:
Try to keep everyone’s outfits within the same tonal range — whether you're going for lighter hues, deeper shades, or jewel tones. Consistency helps tie everything together without being too “matchy.”

Use Your Accent Color More Than Once:
To bring it all together, use your accent color at least twice across different family members’ outfits. This creates a natural flow and feels cohesive.

Go for Tints and Shades:
Instead of choosing bold, high-saturation colors, consider softer tints and shades within your color palette. This keeps everything relaxed and balanced, allowing the personalities to shine.

Deeper Pastels for the Win:
While pastels are beautiful, lighter shades can sometimes wash you out in photos. Opt for richer or deeper pastels to add depth and highlight your natural complexion.

Avoid Black and Bright White:
Black can hide details by absorbing light, and bright whites can reflect too much light, drawing attention away from faces. Instead, go for warm, creamy whites or soft shades of gray to keep the look balanced and flattering.

Dressing for the Occasion, Keeping the Memories

Outfits play an important role in setting the tone for family photos, but remember — the heart of a great photo is the love and connection between you all. Your clothing and location should complement those moments, not take away from them. It’s the genuine, shared memories that truly make the photo special.

Looking for even more inspiration on how to style your family for photos? Check out this guide from my friend and colleague Lia.

Lia Jay is the lifestyle family photographer based out of Teaneck, NJ, who makes your crew look fabulous without the stress. She’s all about capturing real moments—joy, chaos, and everything in between. Check out her What to Wear Guide, packed with stylish, no-nonsense tips to help you look effortlessly put together while still feeling like you.