What to Wear for Your Family Photoshoot with a Vancouver WA Family Photographer

If you’re planning a family photo session, one of the first questions that probably pops into your head is: “What on earth should we wear?”

Don’t worry—you’re not alone, and I’ve got you! As a family photographer, I’ve learned over the years that what you wear can have a big impact on the final look and feel of your photos. But before we get into the details, let’s start with what’s most important: being yourself.

The best photos are the ones where your family looks relaxed, connected, and genuinely happy. And that starts with feeling good in what you’re wearing. So while I’ll share some tips to help you choose outfits that photograph beautifully, remember: if you don’t feel comfortable or like yourself in it, it’s probably not the right choice.

That said, there are some simple things you can do to elevate your family photos and make sure everything comes together in the most beautiful way.

Let’s Talk Colors

My editing style leans warm, so colors that match that vibe work best. Think earthy tones, rich neutrals, warm mustards, soft creams, terracotta, sage greens, rusts, and dusty pinks.

Blue is absolutely welcome, too! It adds beautiful contrast, especially when paired with warmer tones on the rest of the family—so go ahead and put dad in that chambray shirt or your little one in denim overalls. Definitely avoid super bright or fluorescent shades (like hot pink or neon green), as they can reflect weird tones on skin and distract from those sweet family connections. Also important to avoid: large logos or writing on clothing—they can take attention away from the moment and date your photos quickly.

Mix, Don’t Match

Gone are the days of everyone in jeans and a white T-shirt. Instead, aim for coordinated rather than matching. Think of your family like one beautiful outfit: you want variation, texture, and personality, but you also want it all to work together.

Patterns are your friend—as long as you don’t overdo it. A floral dress here, a chunky stripe there, maybe some subtle polkadots on your toddler’s shirt—it all works as long as it’s balanced. Try to keep it to 2–3 patterns total, and mix in plenty of solids to give the eye a place to rest.

Add Texture and Movement

Texture brings your photos to life. Layers and fabrics like knit sweaters, lace blouses, linen shirts, corduroy pants, or even a soft satin bow in your child’s hair all add depth and interest to your images.

And don’t underestimate the magic of movement—especially in long, flowy dresses or skirts. They catch the breeze and bring a natural, dreamy feeling to your photos. Plus, they’re fun to twirl in (which your little ones will love!).

Final Thoughts

The goal is to look like you—just the best, most polished, and cozy version. When your family feels good and your outfits are thoughtfully chosen, the results truly shine. Your personalities will pop, the connections will feel natural, and the overall look will reflect the warmth and joy of your family.

Even with loads of advice, picking outfits can still feel so overwhelming, but that’s why I’m here to offer advice and walk you through it all. On top of being there for you, each of my family sessions includes a Style Guide loaded with tips, and the use of Style and Select, which is a really amazing online styling tool that will literally search the internet and find outfits for everyone in your family. So…DO NOT SWEAT IT. I’ve got you!

Ready to make some magic together? Let’s start planning your next session!