The outfit for a family photo shoot influences the look of the picture more than most customers realize. If you give some thought to colors, clothing and details before the shoot, you will get timeless family photos that will still look wonderful in years to come
“What should we wear for our family shoot?” This is by far the most common question my clients ask me before a family shoot. And it’s completely justified.
As an experienced family photographer in Munich, I know that the outfits have a huge influence on how the pictures look in the end. And as a mother of three children, I know exactly what spontaneous ideas children might have about outfits and outfit changes.
In this article, I’ll give you a complete outfit guide for your family shoot. You’ll find out which colors and items of clothing are particularly suitable, what you should pay attention to 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:
- You shouldn’t wear matching outfits, but you should create a coordinated color scheme for your clothes. Two to three basic colors for the whole family, which everyone wears in variations, are usually suitable. Light, muted tones are more suitable than bold primary colors or black. Pastel shades, beige, cream, dove blue, sage green and mauve look wonderful in family photos, for example.
- You should avoid large logos, lettering or cartoon motifs on your clothes, as they distract from the essentials. Choose clothes that you feel comfortable in and can move well in.
- Small details make a big difference. Well-groomed nails, a fresh haircut, a shave or beard trim and matching shoes are also part of the overall look.
- Executive Summary: Harmonious imagery with coordinated outfits in a family shoot
- Why the outfit is so important for a family shoot
- Harmonious outfits in a family shoot
- Thoughtful choice of colors in the family photo shoot
- Suitable clothing for your family photos
- Outfit tips for every season
- Outfit details that make a big difference
- Practical tips for the day of the shoot
- Outfit tips for different locations
- 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 deliberately planned mementos that you frame, give away and still look at in twenty years’ time. And when you look at your photos, you will not only see your faces, but also the clothes you were wearing.
If the clothing is discreet and fits well with the subject of the picture, the message of the picture – your connection as a family, your looks, your laughter – comes to the fore all the more. If, on the other hand, the outfits are striking and contradictory to the image statement, they attract attention and conflict with the image statement.
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 don’t recommend the classic partner look, for example all in white and jeans or all in the same color, in my photo shoots. It can quickly look stiff and unnatural in family photos because it adds too little depth and variation to the image.
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 stand out from one another. As long as the family is dressed in similar tones, a pleasant visual calm is created that leaves enough space for the visual effect.
How many colors are ideal for our family shoot?
As a rule of thumb, two to three basic colors are suitable for the entire family. This creates enough variation without the imagery becoming restless. Within this color palette, you can vary in different nuances – a deeper blue here, a lighter one there – this gives your pictures depth and liveliness.
What I notice time and again in my family shoots is that families who have agreed on a color scheme often appear more natural and relaxed in the pictures. This allows you to concentrate on the essentials during the family photo shoot: your family and your shoot.
When are samples suitable for a family photo shoot?
Patterns can have a very beautiful effect if they are used in moderation. A single patterned item of clothing in a family can be a wonderful eye-catcher: a daughter’s striped summer dress, a linen shirt in a fine checked design or a sweater with small dots.
As a rule, I recommend one pattern per picture, although two are acceptable for larger families. However, three or more patterns often look unruly on the family pictures. The patterns should be small to medium-sized. Large, dominant prints or caricatures on clothing attract too much attention and quickly make the pictures look outdated.
Incidentally, you should avoid tightly striped clothing in the photo shoot. This so-called moiré pattern can cause unsightly interference in the camera and in the pictures.
The best outfit colors for your family shoot
In my photo shoots in Munich, I take a lot of pictures in nature, for example in beautiful parks, meadows or by the water. This means that the natural green of nature is almost always in the picture. Colors that match and don’t clash are therefore particularly valuable.
The tones that almost always look wonderful in family 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 for the shoot
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 dark navy blue are not generally prohibited, but they are more demanding in terms of lighting and are not suitable in every context. If you decide on dark tones, please talk to me beforehand so that we can coordinate the location and lighting situation together.
Color combinations that create wonderful family photos
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
Suitable items of clothing for your family shoot
You don’t need to buy a new wardrobe for your family photo shoot. Most closets have everything you need for your shoot. Some items of clothing often look particularly good in family photos:
- Dresses and skirts in flowing fabrics: they bring movement into the picture and look very feminine in photos
- Linen pants and cotton pants: casual, natural and conveying lightness
- 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 wonderful choice for fathers and boys that looks elegant and relaxed at the same time
- 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.
Which clothes you prefer to leave in the closet
Please refrain from using large logos, brand prints or eye-catching lettering on your outfits. They draw the viewer’s gaze away from your faces and quickly make the photos unstable and fashionably ephemeral. The Elsa dress or the Batman T-shirt are wonderful for at home, but unsuitable for a family photo shoot.
You should avoid unsuitable cuts or sizes. Clothes that are too tight and pull or pinch when you move, or tops that are too wide and lack shape, will affect your well-being and the pictures. Your clothes should not be scratchy, tight or require constant adjusting.
If possible, you should leave out sunscreen shortly before the shoot. It makes the skin slightly shiny in the family photos. If you really need sunscreen, you should apply it early and let it absorb well.
Feel-good outfits are a must for a family photo shoot
I urge you to only wear clothes that you feel comfortable in and like. You can often tell from the pictures if you have chosen an item of clothing but don’t like the way it feels.
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.
In spring: light pastel shades and airy fabrics
Spring in Munich is a beautiful time of year for family shoots. The fresh green of the trees, the first blossoms in the English Garden, the soft light: beautiful pictures are created in this setting. And your outfits can reflect this.
Pastel shades go particularly well in spring: soft pink, mint green, sky blue, light lavender. Combined with cream or light grey, they create color worlds that go well with the awakening nature. Fabrics can be light and flowing in spring, such as cotton, linen or thin knitwear. If it is still fresh in the morning, the onion look is a good choice: one more thin layer instead of a thick jacket.
In summer: colorful and summery light
In summer, it can be a little more colorful than at other times of the year. A strong dove blue, a warm terracotta, a fresh sage green: in the right combination, these shades look vibrant and radiant in 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
Autumn is a popular time of year for many families to have a family photo shoot. The golden light, the warm colors of nature, the rustling of leaves underfoot: there is hardly a more beautiful backdrop.
Outfits in rust, ochre, mustard yellow, dark green, chocolate brown and cream naturally harmonize with what nature has to offer in autumn. Knitted sweaters, wool coats and cardigans in various textures give autumn images exactly the warmth and depth that the season deserves. Scarves and shawls as accessories go wonderfully with them and offer a good change in the 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.
The colors can be a little deeper and richer in winter: Dark green, burgundy red, navy blue or deep camel. Cream or light gray, for example, are suitable as a contrast. Cozy materials such as wool, fleece and cashmere look great in photos and communicate exactly the warmth that a winter shoot should radiate. Hats, scarves and gloves as accessories can also be a nice stylistic element in winter.
Show off personal accessories to their best advantage
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, beautiful jewelry, sunglasses: all of these can suddenly give a picture a completely different look. For children, hair bows, hats or a favorite animal that they hold in their hands are suitable. If you bring accessories, feel free to pack several. During the shoot, we’ll try out together which ones fit 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 the 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 summer, sandals are wonderful on a meadow, sneakers in neutral colors are an uncomplicated choice, and barefoot is actually always nice. In the fall and winter, ankle boots, Chelsea boots or simple low shoes work well. High heels on uneven ground or on a shoot with children who like to run and climb are rather impractical, even if they look wonderful.
Cosmetic care before the family 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 with hands holding children, stroking heads or holding flowers.
- Freshly plucked eyebrows and a fresh shave or beard trim (especially the upper cheek area and lower neck) look much fresher in photos.
- In the case of children, please take a quick look before the shoot: paintings, children’s tattoos or leftover food are mercilessly captured 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 chunky jewelry, and smartphones in pockets are the three things I would most often remove from photos if I didn’t address them first. The watch is nice, but it can be distracting in a photo that shows your connection as a family. The comment about the bump in the pocket is serious, it really shows.
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. 🙂
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.
Outdoor family shoot: What you should look out for when shooting 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.
Indoor family shoot: 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 knitted sweaters, a flowing dress for mom, a relaxed shirt for dad – it all fits into the living room atmosphere and looks wonderfully natural in photos. Make sure that the colors of your clothes harmonize with the dominant tones of your living room. If your living room is mainly gray and white, for example, a warm terracotta top would be a wonderful accent.
Studio family shoot: clear, timeless looks
In the studio I work with incident window light and clear backgrounds. This gives your outfits a different stage to nature. Timeless, clear looks come into their own 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.
