What to wear to your family photo session
Figuring out what to wear for your family photo session can feel like a lot, but it really doesn’t have to be complicated. The biggest thing? Wear something that makes you feel comfortable and confident. If you feel good, you’ll look good—it’s as simple as that.
I always recommend sticking with neutral tones or soft, muted colors. Think creams, tans, soft blues, warm browns, and gentle greens. These colors photograph really nicely and keep the focus on your family instead of what you’re wearing. Plus, they give your photos that timeless feel you’ll still love years from now.
Instead of trying to match outfits exactly, aim for a color palette. Pick a few colors that go well together and have everyone dress within that range. It’ll look coordinated without feeling too “matchy,” and it adds a lot more depth and interest to your photos. Unless you're buying the same exact shirt for everyone, it's almost impossible to match colors exactly, so trying to wear the "same" outfit with mens and women's clothing may end up looking different than you had hoped.
You can also mix in different textures—like knits, denim, or flowy fabrics—to keep things visually interesting without being distracting. I’d avoid big logos or super bold patterns, since those can pull attention away from faces and connection. Small patterns (like those on many western-style men's dress shirts) won't show up clearly in photos, so either avoid choosing an outfit with them or know that they may not be seen.
And a note for winter sessions—little ones almost always want to keep their coats on (and honestly, I don’t blame them). So make sure their coat is something you actually like and wouldn’t mind being in the photos. Neutral, cozy layers tend to photograph best and keep everyone happy.
At the end of the day, these photos are about your family and your connection. Your outfits should just support that, not take center stage.
Quick Tips
- Choose outfits that feel comfortable and true to you
- Stick to neutral or soft, muted colors
- Coordinate with a color palette instead of matching exactly
- Mix textures for a little extra dimension
- Avoid large logos and busy patterns
- For winter sessions, plan coats you’ll love seeing in photos
Where should you take your photos?
I've created a blog that lists some of my favorite places to take family photos near Missoula, which you can read here. However, I think it's great to take family photos in a space that is special for your family, so let's head to your favorite hiking spot or even take them at your home!
Ready to book?
Contact me to get scheduled!
