What should we wear for the family photoshoot? This is one of the most commonly asked questions that I get as a photographer. It’s important to have some ideas when it comes to family pictures outfits.
Choosing the right outfits for any photo session can be quite challenging and time-consuming. But don’t worry – we will take care of you and help you with this process.
Bidun Studio Photography is a full-service studio, and we will gladly give you tips on styling for any type of family photo session.
If you are looking for quick and easy-to-understand tips for putting together outfits of your family photo session – you’ve come to the right place. In this article, you will find many suggestions that emphasize the important parts of the photoshoot.
With the help of these styling tips and inspirational images throughout this post, you will be well on your way to a successful family photo session!
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Camera: Canon EOS 5DS R | Lens: Canon EF 85mm f1.2L II USM
Natural Light | f/1.4, 1/800s, ISO 200 | Photo by © Sergey Bidun
GETTING READY FOR FAMILY PHOTOSHOOT
After you have scheduled your family portraits session, and we’ve decided on a location – the next important step is the preparation for the session.
It’s always a great idea to book your family shoot in advance. This will give you enough time to properly coordinate everyone’s schedules, prepare the outfits, and everything else.
No matter if you are planning a fall, spring, or summer family photoshoot; in-studio or on location – you should always allocate enough time for photoshoot preparation.
Check out our tips on how to choose the right season to have the best possible family pictures.
Putting together outfits for a whole family, even if it’s a small one – can get pretty stressful. That’s why I’ve put together a list of family pictures outfits ideas and tips that have helped our previous clients.
Camera: Canon EOS 5DS R | Lens: Canon EF 85mm f1.2L II USM
Natural Light | f/1.2, 1/3200s, ISO 320 | Photo by © Sergey Bidun
GEAR USED TO CREATE THESE IMAGES
For the images listed throughout this post, different photography gear and lighting equipment were used.
- Camera: CANON EOS 5DS R
- Lenses: Canon EF 85mm f1.2L II USM | Canon EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM
- Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM Lens
- Lighting: Profoto B1 500 AirTTL Location Kit
- Retouching tablet: Wacom Intuos Pro Medium Drawing Tablet
- Software: Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom
- Computer: Apple iMac, 27-inch Retina 5k display
1. HOW TO MATCH OUTFITS TO THE PHOTOSHOOT LOCATION
Do you want a beach location? Trees and greenery? A flower field? The colorful fall trees? Maybe a snowy background? It’s best to decide this and choose your preferred location before you do anything else.
Selecting a location first will help set the foundation for the entire photo session. It will be easier to make the rest of the photoshoot decisions.
• PICK THE FAMILY PHOTOSHOOT LOCATION
Some families know their preferences and can pick their photoshoot locations by themselves, and some may need ideas and options. It really depends on your personality type and the vision you have for your family portraits.
As a premier Sacramento family photographer, I will guide you to a session location that will match your family character the most.
Camera: Canon EOS 5DS R | Lens: Canon EF 85mm f1.2L II USM
Natural Light | f/1.2, 1/1250s, ISO 200 | Photo by © Sergey Bidun
• FAMILY PICTURES OUTFITS IDEAS ON THE BEACH
When preparing outfits for a beach location, stay away from formal clothing. Instead, go with more casual and airy outfits.
Colors such as whites, khaki, gray, and different shades of blue work very well for beach photos. Light and airy summer dresses for women, polo shirt + khaki shorts, or pants for gentlemen – these are just some of the options for family outfits at a beach location.
Adding different textures and accessories, such as hats, will give your pictures a unique look. Keeping your outfits in neutral tones will make your Sacramento family portraits look classy. These portraits will look fantastic on the walls of your home.
Camera: Canon EOS 5DS R | Lens: Canon EF 85mm f1.2L II USM
Natural Light | f/1.8, 1/125s, ISO 400 | Photo by © Sergey Bidun
• SPRING FAMILY PICTURES
When going for a spring/summer family session when everything is green and fresh – take a different approach. The family outfits style will be slightly different.
Just like in beach location sessions, you want to go for light and airy outfits. However, try mixing in some more colors to your wardrobe palette. Nothing with too much pattern, extra bright or reflective clothing, or too formal.
Remember, your outfits must also be comfortable enough for you to move freely. You want to be able to do things such as walking, sitting, hugging, and maybe something else.
Camera: Canon EOS 5DS R | Lens: Canon EF 85mm f1.2L II USM
Natural Light | f/1.2, 1/1000s, ISO 200 | Photo by © Sergey Bidun
FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY AT AN OPEN FIELD
For families who prefer open field locations, it’s best to choose outfits that are more in neutral tones. Natural light outdoor photo sessions are almost always family favorites.
Pick outfits that don’t draw too much attention from the overall picture. Solid colors are preferred, but some light patterns are ok as well.
If you choose to go out to a flower field, such as a lavender farm – it might be a good idea to pick family outfits in the tones similar to the color of that specific flower field.
Camera: Canon EOS 5DS R | Lens: Canon EF 85mm f1.2L II USM
Natural Light | f/1.8, 1/640s, ISO 320 | Photo by © Sergey Bidun
2. CHOOSE YOUR PHOTOSHOOT OUTFIT FIRST, THEN CHOOSE YOUR FAMILY’S OUTFITS
Choosing the right outfits for your photo session can get pretty stressful, but don’t make things more complicated than they need to be. All you need for a great family photo session is one outfit for everyone.
Changing outfits will take time away from your shoot and put your kids in a grumpy mood or make them impatient. See our post on tips for photographing kids for better children’s pictures every time.
One main tip I want to share with you is – choose your outfit first, then choose your family’s outfits. Doing so will make it easier to stay within the same theme of styles & colors. It will also allow you to wear an outfit that you really like and feel great in.
Camera: Canon EOS 5DS R | Lens: Canon EF 85mm f1.2L II USM
Natural Light | f/1.8, 1/640s, ISO 320 | Photo by © Sergey Bidun
FAMILY PICTURES OUTFITS IDEAS FOR MOM
Choose a dress for yourself that’s figure-flattering. Even if you are not too much into wearing dresses, this is the type of outfit that looks most flattering in photos. Pick a dress that has a fitted waist, as you don’t want to look out of shape or bigger than you are if you choose a shift style dress.
If you decide to go with a two-piece outfit for your photo session, then go with a skirt+top combination (skip the pants/jeans). In this case, choose a top and a skirt that match well in colors and textures. It’s best to choose a skirt that is fitted in the waist and flows out over the hips.
The material type of your outfit is pretty important. Try to pick a dress or outfit in a material that doesn’t look cheap or outdated.
Once you’ve chosen your perfect outfit, you now know the color and theme you are working with for the rest of the family members. Things will go much more smoothly once you’ve picked your outfit, trust me now the hardest part is over.
I’ve put together a board of flattering and pretty dress options, so you can get lots of ideas on how to start choosing the perfect outfit for your family photoshoot.
Camera: Canon EOS 5DS R | Lens: Canon EF 85mm f1.2L II USM
Natural Light | f/2.8, 1/320s, ISO 250 | Photo by © Sergey Bidun
3. GO WITH COORDINATING COLORS, NOT OUTFITS
What do you feel when you see a family or a group photo where everyone is dressed in matching outfits such as a white t-shirt + blue jeans type of outfit? Too outdated – to say the least.
While it’s ok to dress two siblings in the same dresses or outfits, if you want to, having the whole family in the same outfits is something you want to stay away from.
Camera: Canon EOS 5DS R | Lens: Canon EF 85mm f1.2L II USM
Natural Light | f/1.2, 1/800s, ISO 200 | Photo by © Sergey Bidun
• CHOOSE COLORS THAT ARE IN THE SAME COLOR SCHEME
Go for coordinating colors that would complement each other and add dimension to the photograph.
Pick a couple of colors going off of what you have chosen as the main outfit for the mom, and choose clothes that will fit in this color scheme. Mixing shades of a specific color or prints in the same color family are easy ways to add more interest.
Choose outfits that are not casual but more on a dressy side. This will make everyone feel more special, and the family session will be even more memorable for all of the family members.
Fall-time sunset photo sessions are in high demand by families. The beautiful bokeh in the background will give your images that magical very-desired look.
Camera: Canon EOS 5DS R | Lens: Canon EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM
Natural Light | f/2.8, 1/125s, ISO 500 | Photo by © Sergey Bidun
• STAY AWAY FROM PURE WHITES AND ALL-BLACKS
When putting together the whole family’s outfits, try to stay away from pure whites and all blacks.
When photographing whites, it’s very easy to blow out parts of the shirt, causing it to lose its detail. It will look completely white and too bright compared to the faces.
The same is with all-black outfits, where the clothes can lose the depth and details and are very tricky to photograph.
My tip for you is to stay away from all whites and all blacks if possible and choose outfits within the pastel color scheme.
Camera: Canon EOS 5DS R | Lens: Canon EF 85mm f1.2L II USM
Natural Light | f/1.2, 1/800s, ISO 320 | Photo by © Sergey Bidun
4. LIMIT PATTERNS IN OUTFITS
A little bit of pattern can work for a few of your family’s outfits, but keep in mind that patterns can be distracting if everyone’s outfit has one. It’s especially bothersome if all the patterns are different.
My tip for you is to limit patterns in your family’s clothing as much as you can. If one person in the group has an outfit with a pattern, try to match it with outfits in solid coordinating colors to balance out the pattern.
LIMIT EXCESSIVE PATTERNS AND DISTRACTIONS
Wearing a bright-colored scarf or some eye-catching accessory can be a distraction in the picture as well.
Try to plan out everyone’s outfits and accessories ahead of time, and be careful with adding new bright colors to the color scheme.
Most professional photographers are open to giving suggestions on clothing and styling to their clients and would love to help you make your photo shoot successful. If you have outfits ideas for your family pictures, don’t hesitate to run those ideas through your photographer. They will be able to suggest you what works well and what doesn’t.
Camera: Canon EOS 5DS R | Lens: Canon EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM
Natural Light | f/2.8, 1/100s, ISO 125 | Photo by © Sergey Bidun
5. CHOOSE THE COLOR PALETTE THAT WOULD MATCH YOUR HOME
Think about your home and where you’d like to hang your portraits. Use the color scheme in your home as an inspiration and dress in classic tones that complement accordingly.
You want your family and friends to be able to see your family’s personality and style in your images, so choose with that in mind.
WALL PORTRAITS THAT COMPLEMENT YOUR HOME
Whether you like bright colors, neutrals, or have some particular color scheme at your home, you want to make sure the color of your clothes will go well for your home decor.
Neutrals and solid-color outfits look especially great in backlit lighting family portraits. If you plan for a sunset photoshoot, it will produce the best lighting during the golden hour.
Since you will be displaying these photos in your home, you want to make sure the wall art portraits will match your home and room decor and the color scheme that you have at your home.
Remember that the idea is not just to create these perfect family photos. Family portraits are a time to document who your family is at this time of your life.
Camera: Canon EOS 5DS R | Lens: Canon EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM
Natural Light | f/2.8, 1/250s, ISO 400 | Photo by © Sergey Bidun
CONCLUSION
I hope these five tips will help you with giving ideas for choosing the right outfits for your family pictures. It’s crucial to pick family photo outfits and colors that complement your family and truly represent your personality.
After you’ve chosen the time and the ideal photoshoot location for your family, then it’s time to start putting together the outfits.
Using our tips and suggestions above, you will be able to know whose outfit you should pick out first and keep building from there.
Considering the decor of your home and the color scheme, choose clothing that will make your portraits look classic year after year. By choosing classic and simple outfits, you will help to give your images a timeless feel.
Please let me know what you think about these tips in the comments.
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Photographer: Sergey Bidun
Written by Maria Bidun
