One of the first questions you might ask yourself before a family photo session is:

"What should we wear?" And I totally get it! You want everyone to look their best, you want your photos to feel timeless, and ideally, you'd like to avoid spending three weeks arguing with your family about what shirt they're going to wear. But the good news is, it doesn't have to be that complicated!

Start with one outfit you LOVE. Pro tip: start with Mom's outfit and what she will feel confident in. And then think coordinating instead of matching for the rest of the family.  

Choose colors that work together. You don't need everyone in the same color family, but you do want the overall palette to feel cohesive. Soft neutrals, earthy tones, muted colors, and subtle patterns tend to photograph beautifully. You can mix colors and textures while still keeping everything visually connected. 

For example, you might have:
-A soft neutral dress
-A muted blue shirt
-Cream pants
-A subtle floral pattern
-A cozy sweater with texture

Don't be afraid of texture! Texture can add so much visual interest to your photographs. 

Think:
-Knits
-Linen
-Denim
-Lace
-Sweaters
-Corduroy
-Soft cotton
-Layered pieces

Texture helps create depth without needing a complicated outfit. 

Avoid large logos and distracting graphics.These can be distracting and draw the eye away from the people in the photograph. 

Think about your home too. Where are you going to display these photos? You might want to consider the colors already in your space. 

Comfort matters more than anything. This is especially important when you have little kids. If they can't move run, cuddle, play, or sit comfortably, we're making our job much harder than it needs to be. Happy, comfortable kids photograph best! 

And finally, don't overthink it! You don't need the perfect outfits to have beautiful family photographs. What matters most is the connection between you. The way your little one reaches for you, the way your kids laugh when Dad starts being silly, the way you look at your partner, the tiny hands, the big hugs, the chaos, the joy. Those are the things you'll look back on years from now. 

So choose clothing that makes you feel good, allows your family to move and interact naturally, and feels like you. 

Your family doesn't need to look perfect - they need to simply be together.