What to Wear for Family Pictures

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You have the photographer booked, the location carefully chosen and the date selected. But what in the world are you going to wear?! I hear it often as a photographer! And I love it when my clients ask me! It can be one of the hardest things to figure out. I thought it would be fun to share some ideas from some of my favorite sessions.

1. Figure out the setting for photos

This way it’s easier to figure out what colors would complement outfits well. If you have a colorful backdrop with lots of flowers or scenery, you’ll want to go more neutral or solid with your color palette for clothes.

If you’re going for a softer more neutral background though, play up the colors!

2. Pick your color palette

Note I said palette, and not matching colors. Even for large groups, I advise not all wearing the same exact things. (Think khaki pants and blue or white shirts). While it looks uniform, (and uniform can be great!) matching to a color palette is fun and really brings out everyone’s individuality! Pick 2-3 colors everyone can match to.

My own family photo session! I picked grey, yellow & blue for it.

Isn’t this mom-daughter combo of pale pink and white just darling?!

A simple white and jeans or black and grey palette is a winner too!

Textures in clothing will add a pretty touch to photos!

via S & J Photography

Here are some other great ideas using a palette

via Nicole Taylor Photography

3. Mix it up!

This one is a fun way to add tons of pizazz to your photos! Pick unique patterns and colors for everyone! (Just be sure to stay away from distracting things like cartoon characters or words on shirts!) This is our kids’ Christmas photo this year.

4. Accessorize!

Accessories are the perfect way to add a memorable touch to a photo, especially a beloved stuffed animal, book or favorite hat.

5. Don’t overthink it! Start with one idea.

If you’re still scratching your head at what in the world to wear, start with literally just one idea- one hat, or one color, or one pair of shoes, and build your outfit(s) from there. I’ve had seniors fall in love with one pair of shoes they had, and an entire session came to life from that! If you’re stuck on ideas, your photographer is a great resource too!

What is your favorite tip? It’s funny how despite taking pictures for over four years, I still have the hardest time thinking of outfits for our own family photos!

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BY GUEST WRITER: Laura

Laura is a photographer, wife, and mama to three sweet kiddos. Fuzzy socks and vanilla maple lattes are her weakness. She loves writing snail mail letters, random living room dance parties, and cozy, rainy days spent with the ones she loves most. You can, also, find more from her on her blog: Bits of Sweetness.

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