Your outfit has a bigger impact on the look of your family photoshoot than most clients realize. In this outfit guide, you’ll find tips on colors, clothing, and many other details
“What should we wear for our photo shoot?” That’s by far the most common question my clients ask me before the shoot. As an experienced family photographer, I know that outfits have a huge impact on how the photos turn out. And as a mother of three, I know exactly what kinds of spontaneous ideas kids might come up with for outfits and outfit changes.
In this post, I’ll provide you with a complete outfit guide for your family photo shoot. You’ll learn which colors and clothing items work best, what to keep in mind depending on the season and location, and which small details make a big difference.
Here you will find a brief summary of the main content of the article:
- A coordinated outfit isn’t created by everyone wearing the same thing, but by each person wearing their own outfit while everyone sticks to two or three muted base colors. This applies to siblings just as much as it does to parents.
- Colors like cream, beige, dove blue, sage green, dusty rose, ochre, and light gray come across as calm and warm in photos, while bright primary colors, neon, and pure white draw attention away from your faces.
- Patterns work best in moderation: one patterned item per outfit, small to medium in size. It’s best to avoid large logos, lettering, and cartoon motifs, as well as clothing that itches, pinches, or constantly slips out of place.
- Small details make a difference, so it’s worth keeping your nails well-groomed, getting a fresh shave, wearing the right shoes, and leaving your watch and cell phone out of your pants pocket.
- To ensure a relaxed photo shoot, pack a second outfit per person, change the kids’ clothes once you arrive, and lay everything out side by side the night before.
- In a nutshell: The most important tips for your outfits
- Why Your Outfit Determines the Impact of Your Photos
- Coordinated Instead of Matching: Harmonious Outfits
- A Thoughtful Color Scheme for Your Family Photos
- Appropriate Clothing for Your Family Photo Shoot
- Outfits for Kids and Siblings
- Outfit tips for every season
- Outfit details that make a big difference
- Outfit tips for different locations
- Practical tips for the day of the shoot
- Frequently asked questions about outfits for family shoots
- Take a look at my family photography offer
- Find out more about your family photo shoot
Family photos are carefully planned keepsakes that you frame, give as gifts, and will still pull out twenty years from now. And when you look at your photos then, you’ll see not only your faces, but also what you were wearing.
If your clothing is understated and complements the scene well, the message of the photo—your bond as a family, your gazes, your laughter—will stand out all the more. If, on the other hand, the outfits are flashy and clash with the message of the photo, they draw attention to themselves and distract from the message.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that you should dress up and wear something that doesn’t suit you. But you should make the most of your style and closet and coordinate them. It’s easier than most people think and the difference in the pictures is huge.
Color-coordinated outfits instead of a uniform look
I generally don’t recommend the classic “matching outfits” look—for example, everyone in white and jeans or everyone in the same shade—in my photo shoots. It can quickly look stiff and unnatural in family photos because it lacks depth and variety.
Instead, I prefer everyone to wear their own outfit, but all in the same color scheme. Mom could wear a cream-colored dress, dad a shirt in light gray-beige, daughter a pale pink dress and son pants in soft light blue. All the family members are dressed differently, but together they create a harmonious overall picture.
The secret lies in avoiding colors that clash with one another. When the family is dressed in similar color schemes, it creates a pleasant sense of visual calm that leaves enough room for the photo to make an impact.
How many colors are ideal for us?
As a rule of thumb, two to three primary colors work well for the entire family. This creates enough variety without making the visual composition feel cluttered. Within this color palette, feel free to experiment with different shades—a deeper blue here, a lighter one there—which will give your images depth and vibrancy.
Something I notice time and again during my family photo shoots: Families who have agreed on a color scheme often look more natural and relaxed in the photos. That way, you can focus on what really matters during your family photo shoot: your family and the shoot itself.
In what situations are templates appropriate?
Patterns can look really nice if you use them sparingly. A single patterned garment in a family can be an eye-catcher: a striped summer dress for your daughter, a linen shirt with a subtle check pattern, or a sweater with small polka dots.
As a general rule, I recommend one pattern per photo; for larger families, two is also acceptable. However, three or more patterns often make family photos look cluttered. The patterns should be small to medium in size. Large, dominant prints or cartoon designs on clothing draw too much attention and can quickly make the photos look dated.
By the way, you should avoid wearing clothing with narrow stripes during a photo shoot, because narrow stripes can interfere with the camera’s sensor grid. This creates what’s known as the moiré effect: jagged color streaks in the fabric.
The Best Outfit Colors for You
In my photo shoots, I often take pictures outdoors—for example, in beautiful parks, meadows, or by the water. This means that the natural greenery of the outdoors is almost always part of the frame. Colors that complement each other and don’t clash are therefore especially valuable.
Some of the colors that almost always look good in photos include:
- Cream, off-white and ivory: more timeless and warmer than white
- Beige, sand and camel: earthy, natural and harmonious
- Pastel blue, dove blue and light gray: clear, calm and photogenic
- Sage green, olive green and mint green: particularly beautiful in spring and summer
- Mauve, dusky pink and lavender: feminine, delicate and beautiful in groups
- Rust, terracotta and ochre: warm and rich, perfect for fall
What these colors have in common is that they are muted enough not to distract from your faces. However, they are expressive enough to give your pictures warmth and character.
Which colors you should avoid
Bright primary colors such as signal red, neon yellow or cobalt blue attract a lot of attention in photos. The viewer’s eye immediately jumps to them before looking at your faces. This makes the pictures look restless.
Pure white burns out quickly in direct daylight and creates harsh contrasts. Instead, choose cream, ivory or off-white. These colors look much better in photos and are less problematic if we are taking photos in the sun.
Very dark colors, such as black or very dark navy blue, aren’t strictly off-limits, but they’re more challenging to photograph and aren’t suitable in every context. If you decide to wear dark colors, please feel free to discuss it with me beforehand so we can work together to adapt the location and lighting conditions accordingly.
Color combinations that are very well suited
Are you still unsure whether your outfits will go together? No problem, I can advise you personally on your outfit choice if you wish. Here are some combinations that I often see in my shoots and think are suitable:
- Cream, dove blue and sage green: light, fresh and timeless
- Beige, rust and white: warm, natural and particularly beautiful in fall
- Light gray, mauve and ivory: soft and elegant, perfect for spring
- Ochre, dark green and light brown: earthy and harmonious, great in nature
- Lavender, ivory and light gray: calm, airy and perfect for the studio
- Dusky pink, light blue and cream: classic and delicate, wonderful with babies and toddlers
Clothing That’s Well-Suited for Photo Shoots
You don’t need to buy a whole new wardrobe for your family photo shoot. Most closets already have everything you need for your shoot. Some items of clothing often look especially good in family photos:
- Dresses and skirts in flowing fabrics: they bring movement into the picture and look very feminine in photos
- Linen and cotton pants: Casual, natural, and lightweight
- Fine cardigans and sweaters: their texture adds depth to the image, especially in the fall and winter season
- Shirts made of linen or Oxford fabric: A great choice for fathers and boys, offering a look that’s both elegant and relaxed
- Denim clothing in light washes: Classic, timeless and suitable for almost all colors
- Dresses with light textures such as lace, embroidery or perforated fabric: look delicate and personal in photos
These garments look good in photos because they add structure and texture without dominating. They also allow you to move freely and carefree in the shoot.
Things You’d Rather Leave at Home
Please avoid large logos, brand prints, or eye-catching lettering in your outfits. They draw the viewer’s attention away from your faces and can quickly make the photos look cluttered and dated. The Elsa dress or the Batman T-shirt are great for wearing at home, but they’re not suitable for a family photo shoot.
You should avoid ill-fitting cuts or sizes. Clothes that are too tight—which pull or pinch when you move—or tops that are too loose and shapeless can affect both your comfort and the photos. Your clothes shouldn’t itch, feel tight, or require constant adjusting.
If possible, try not to use sunscreen right before the photo shoot. It can make your skin look a little shiny in the photos. If you really need to use sunscreen, apply it well in advance and let it absorb thoroughly.
Comfortable outfits are better than perfect clothes
I strongly encourage you to wear only clothes that you like and feel comfortable in. In photos, you can often tell when someone has chosen an outfit but doesn’t like how it feels to wear it.
The feel-good aspect is particularly important for children. If a child finds the outfit uncomfortable or doesn’t like it, they will show it during the shoot. So choose the clothes together with your children if possible. A compromise that everyone likes is always better than the perfect outfit that the child doesn’t want to wear.
When choosing outfits for siblings, follow the same rule as you would for adults: coordinated, but not identical. Matching outfits for two children can quickly look like costumes. Two variations within the same color scheme look more lively and allow each child to express their own personality.
Coordinating outfits for siblings without having to put them on right away
Choose two primary colors for the children that also appear in their parents’ outfits. One child wears cream with a hint of dusty pink, and the other wears cream with light blue. This creates a common theme while still allowing the children to be easily distinguished.
If you have three or more children, it helps to choose one color that everyone wears and vary the rest. This keeps the group photo looking cohesive, even when everyone is moving.
Mixing Boys and Girls
When photographing siblings of different genders, I like to work with echoes rather than mirror images. The girl is wearing a sage-green dress, and the boy is wearing a cream-colored linen shirt with pants in a muted green. It’s not a matching twin look, but it’s clearly the same world.
Avoid the harsh pink-blue separation. It splits the image into two halves based on color, rather than keeping it together.
Mother and daughter, father and son
For photos of family pairs—such as mom with her daughter or dad with his son—it’s worth incorporating a subtle connection: a shared color, a similar fabric, or a recurring detail. This creates a bond in the photo that you can sense without having to point it out.
Don’t go overboard with the similarity. Two identical dresses in different sizes can easily look staged in photos.
When a child wants to wear their favorite outfit
The child’s wishes matter. A child who feels comfortable in their clothes is more open and relaxed during the photo shoot, and you can see that in every picture.
If their favorite outfit matches the color scheme and doesn’t have a large print, go ahead and use it. If not, work together to find another favorite piece that fits the picture. And if the child really wants to: Let’s take a few pictures in their favorite outfit and then change into something else.
In spring: light pastel shades and airy fabrics
Spring is a beautiful time of year for family photo shoots. The fresh green of the trees, the first blossoms in the English Garden, the soft light—this backdrop makes for stunning photos. And your outfits should reflect that.
Pastel shades are especially well-suited for spring: soft pink, mint green, sky blue, and light lavender. When paired with cream or light gray, they create color palettes that complement the awakening of nature. Fabrics should be light and flowing in the spring, such as cotton, linen, or lightweight knitwear. When it’s still cool in the morning, the layered look works well: one extra thin layer instead of a thick jacket.
In summer: colorful and summery light
In the summer, you can go for a little more color than in other seasons. A beautiful dove blue, a warm terracotta, a fresh sage green: when combined just right, these shades look vibrant and radiant in the summer.
Breezy dresses are my recommendation for moms and daughters in summer. They add movement and look particularly good in a light breeze. Linen pants for dads and boys are a classic, timeless choice. If you need sunscreen, please apply it as early as possible and let it soak in well so that your skin doesn’t shine in photos. As an alternative to shoes or sandals, walking barefoot on a meadow in summer is always an interesting option.
In fall: warm earth tones and knitwear
For many families, fall is a popular time of year for a family photo shoot. The golden light, the warm colors of nature, the rustling of leaves underfoot—there’s hardly a more beautiful backdrop.
Outfits in rust, ochre, mustard yellow, dark green, chocolate brown, and cream naturally harmonize with the colors of nature all around in the fall. Knit sweaters, wool coats, and cardigans in various textures give fall photos exactly the warmth and depth the season deserves. Scarves and shawls as accessories complement these looks and add a nice variety to the photo shoot.
In winter: Cozy, layers and depth
Winter shoots are a special experience. The clear light, the peace and quiet and, if we’re lucky, a little snow have a very special charm. For the outfits in winter: Layers instead of thick jackets. It’s better to put on several thin layers, such as a turtleneck sweater, vest or coat, than a bulky down jacket under which the actual outfit disappears.
In winter, colors can certainly be a bit deeper and richer: dark green, burgundy, medium navy blue, or deep camel. Cream or light gray, for example, work well as contrasts. Cozy materials like wool, fleece, and cashmere look great in photos and convey exactly the warmth a winter photo shoot should radiate. Hats, scarves, and gloves can also serve as lovely stylistic elements in winter.
Using Personal Accessories Strategically
Accessories are the icing on the cake of a good family shoot outfit and at the same time an easy way to switch between different looks without having to change completely.
A straw hat, a soft scarf, a beautiful piece of jewelry, a pair of sunglasses: all of these can suddenly give a photo a completely different look. For children, hair bows, little hats, or a favorite stuffed animal that they hold in their hands work well. If you bring accessories, feel free to pack a few. During the shoot, we’ll try them out together to see which ones work best.
Self-made or personal little things, such as a bracelet that was given for the birth of the child, give your pictures a story that goes beyond their appearance.
Shoes are also part of an outfit
Shoes are often forgotten and then appear in the photos without matching the rest of the outfit. Please make sure that the shoes also match the overall look and the location.
In the summer, on a grassy field, sandals or sneakers in neutral colors are a hassle-free choice, and going barefoot is actually always nice on the right kind of surface. In the fall and winter, ankle boots, Chelsea boots, or simple low-top shoes work well. High heels are rather impractical on uneven ground or during a photo shoot with children who love to run and climb, even if they look nice.
Skincare Before a Photo Shoot
Of course, you don’t have to book a hairdressing or beauty appointment before the shoot, but a few small cosmetic preparations make a noticeable difference in the pictures.
- Well-groomed (and unkempt) nails stand out in photos, especially on hands that are holding children, stroking heads, or holding flowers.
- Plucked eyebrows and a fresh shave or beard grooming (especially on the upper cheeks and lower neck) look much more elegant in photos.
- For children, please take a quick look before the shoot: drawings, temporary tattoos, or food stains will be captured mercilessly by the camera.
- Washed and styled hair is recommended. If mom or daughter comes to the shoot with natural curls or a nice braid, that’s just as good as straight blow-dried hair. The main thing is that it feels right for you.
What you should better leave out of the family shoot
Wristwatches, flashy or bulky jewelry, and smartphones in your pants pocket are the things I’d most often remove from photos if I hadn’t mentioned them beforehand. The watch is nice, but it can be distracting in a photo that shows your bond as a family. The comment about the bulges in your pants pockets is serious—you can really see them.
Children’s tattoos that are temporarily stuck to the skin should be removed before the shoot, unless they are to be part of a deliberate look. The same applies to dirt and residue on hands, mouth and clothing, even if this sometimes cannot be completely avoided with an active child. 🙂
Outdoors: What to Keep in Mind for Photo Shoots in Nature
For outdoor shoots in nature, whether in a park, by a river, in an autumnal forest or on a summer meadow, the surroundings play an active role. The green of the trees, the golden hue of the autumn leaves or the blue of the sky influence how your outfits look.
As a general rule, colors that occur in nature also harmonize in nature. Earth tones, pastel shades, muted colors: they blend in without competing. For outdoor shoots, you should at least wear shoes that allow you to walk safely over meadows and uneven paths.
Indoors: Cozy and Personal
A home story shoot within your own four walls thrives on authenticity and warmth. Here, the clothing can be a little more relaxed than for an outdoor shoot: more homely and cozy, just as you actually are at home.
Soft fabrics, cozy knit sweaters, a flowing dress for Mom, a relaxed shirt for Dad—these fit right into the living room atmosphere and look natural in photos. Make sure the colors of your clothes harmonize with the dominant tones of your living space. For example, if your living room is mainly decorated in gray and white, a warm terracotta top works wonderfully as an accent.
Studio: Clean, Timeless Looks
In the studio, I work with natural light coming through the window and plain backgrounds. This provides a different setting for your outfits than the outdoors. Timeless, clean looks really stand out here.
Plain-colored clothing in muted tones is well suited in the studio because it draws full attention to your faces and emotions. Texture through fabric and cut is particularly visible in the studio, for example a fine ribbed knit, a satin dress or a soft flannel shirt. If you are planning a studio shoot, you are welcome to choose something more classic and sophisticated than for an outdoor shoot.
Pack several outfits for the shoot
One outfit per person is sufficient, but two outfits are better. If you pack a second combination for each family member, we can vary during the shoot: sometimes brighter, sometimes a little more muted, sometimes with a jacket, sometimes without. This gives you a wider choice of images and different moods at the end.
The second set doesn’t have to be completely different. Sometimes it’s enough to change the top, put a cardigan over the dress or leave off the scarf. These small changes make a big difference in photos.
Dressing children at the shooting location
This may sound like a small tip, but I can tell you from experience: let the children put on their shooting outfits as late as possible, preferably on location.
Young children have a special ability to get dirty at the exact moment when it’s least convenient. If you don’t change into your shooting clothes until you arrive, you can start the session fresh and relaxed.
Outfit check: everything laid out before the shoot
The evening before, lay out all the outfits for each family member next to each other on the bed: clothes, shoes and accessories all put together. Then look over them as a family: Do the colors really match when you see them next to each other? Is anything missing? Is everything clean and wrinkle-free?
This quick check has another advantage: you’ll notice early on if an item of clothing doesn’t fit as well as you thought and still have time to look for an alternative. If you only realize this an hour before the shoot, you are under pressure and this stress is transferred to the whole family. With relaxed preparation the evening before, you’ll have a much calmer start on the day of the shoot.
Coordinate outfits with me as photographer
You can always show me your planned outfits in advance via WhatsApp with a quick photo. I’m happy to advise you on your outfits because it can make the difference between “good photos” and “really exceptional photos”.
I know the locations, the light at different times of day and the color effect in my camera and I’ll tell you when I think a small change will make the pictures even better.
