Okay, let’s talk about one of the first questions almost every mom asks after booking family photos:
“But what are we going to wear?!”
And listen, I get it.
You start looking through everyone’s closets. Then you start ordering things. Now there are clothes all over the bed, your husband doesn’t like the shirt you picked, and one of the kids has decided they’re only wearing their favorite dinosaur T-shirt.
Family pictures haven’t even happened yet and you’re already stressed. 😂
But choosing outfits for your Northeast Ohio family photos really doesn’t have to be that complicated. The goal isn’t for everyone to look perfectly matched. We want your family to look like your family—just pulled together a little bit.
So, let’s make this easy.
Coordinate Your Outfits Instead of Matching
Remember when everyone used to show up for family pictures wearing the same white shirt and jeans?
We’re not doing that. 😂
Instead, choose two or three colors that work well together and build everyone’s outfits from there.
Neutral colors like cream, tan, beige, sage, brown, and soft gray are always beautiful in photos. Then you can bring in deeper colors like rust, burgundy, mustard, navy, or forest green depending on the season.
You also don’t have to put everyone in solid colors. Mixing in a subtle pattern or texture can make your outfits feel more interesting without becoming distracting.
The easiest way to start?
Pick Mom’s outfit first.
Seriously.
Find something you feel beautiful and comfortable in, and then build everyone else’s outfits around yours. It is SO much easier than trying to coordinate five outfits at the same time.
What Should You Avoid for Family Pictures?
There aren’t a ton of hard rules when it comes to what you should wear. I would much rather have your family comfortable and feeling like yourselves.
That said, there are a few things I usually recommend avoiding.
Large logos, characters, and words on shirts can pull attention away from your faces. Super bright neon colors can also reflect onto skin and become distracting.
If several family members are wearing patterns, make sure they aren’t competing with each other. One patterned dress mixed with solid and textured pieces usually photographs much better than everyone wearing a different print.
And don’t feel like everyone has to wear white!
Cream, ivory, oatmeal, and other soft neutrals usually photograph beautifully and can give you that light look without everyone being in stark white.
Dress for Your Northeast Ohio Location AND Weather
This one is important because…Ohio.
We can have sunshine, wind, chilly temperatures, and somehow humidity all in the same week.
Think about the location and season when you’re planning your family’s outfits.
For a fall session surrounded by trees, I love warm colors, boots, sweaters, dresses, cardigans, and layers. For a summer session in an open field or garden, lighter colors and flowy fabrics can look gorgeous.
But please don’t sacrifice comfort just because an outfit looks cute on Pinterest.
If your child is freezing, they’re going to let us know.
And if Dad is sweating through his sweater because we decided September automatically means fall weather…we’re going to know that too. 😂
Comfortable people photograph better. Every time.
A Few Things to Do Before Your Family Session
Once you’ve chosen everyone’s outfits, lay everything out together.
Not just the shirts.
Put the pants, dresses, shoes, accessories, jackets—everything—in one place and take a picture.
Seeing all of the outfits together makes it much easier to notice if something doesn’t quite fit with the rest.
Also, have everyone try their entire outfit on before session day. Especially the kids.
New shoes may need to be broken in. Pants that fit perfectly two months ago may suddenly be too short because apparently children grow overnight. And you’ll have time to make changes without scrambling an hour before your session.
I also recommend bringing a few little emergency items with you: a lint roller, stain wipes, hair ties, a brush or comb, and anything your kids might need.
Nothing crazy. Just enough to handle the little things.
Most Importantly, Your Family Should Still Look Like YOUR Family
I can give you all the color palettes and styling tips in the world, but I never want you to look at your pictures and feel like you’re looking at someone else’s family.
If your daughter loves dresses, let her wear a dress.
If your son hates jeans, we don’t need to put him in jeans.
If Dad hasn’t worn a blazer since somebody’s wedding in 2014, family picture day probably isn’t the time to suddenly turn him into a GQ model. 😂
We want everyone to feel comfortable, confident, and like themselves.
Because ultimately, the outfits aren’t what make your family pictures special.
You are.
The outfits just help everything come together beautifully.
Still Not Sure What to Wear? I’ll Help You!
This is also one of the reasons I don’t expect my clients to figure everything out on their own.
Before your session, you’ll receive my What to Wear Guide to help you choose colors, coordinate everyone, and start putting your outfits together.
And if you’re standing in your bedroom debating between two dresses?
Send me the pictures!
I’m happy to look at outfit options and help you decide what will photograph best.
Your family photography experience should feel exciting—not like another thing you have to add to your never-ending mom to-do list.
So we’ll figure out the clothes together.
Then when session day comes, your only job is to show up, love on your people, and let me take care of the rest.
Ready for updated family photos? Let’s start planning your Northeast Ohio family photography session.
–
If you are searching for more Cleveland motherhood content, I have good news! Check out the blog links below! You will find more of my photography work and other helpful tips. But before you go, let’s chat about your dream photo session!
If you are ready for more Cleveland and NE Ohio motherhood content, then make sure you check out my FREE Moms of Northeast Ohio Facebook Group! While you are here, do not hesitate to start the conversation about your next photo session!
