One of the hardest parts about planning your family photo shoot is figuring out what to wear!  It is definitely not a strong point for me when planning my own family photos because I am not good at fashion at all!  My clients always seem to have the outfits figured out and looking the best possible!  Here are a few suggestions of what to wear that photograph well. 

Accessories

I always recommend accessorising with headbands, bows, and jewelry for the little girls.  This adds character to the children and helps show off their cute personalities.  Accessories are great for moms as well.  Layers photograph really well as well as some darling shoes and jewelry. 

Prints

This may not be popular opinion, but I actually really like photographing people in prints!  I thought that Natalies shirt looked really great especially at this location.  It brought all of the colors together, was feminine and beautiful.  I like it when one person is wearing a more busy print and the other outfits are solid.  I also like coordinating prints which I will talk about later on in this blog post! 

It is usually recommended to wear a solid color outfit, but adding textures or layers.  I like that too!  Either way, I think it photographs great.  If everyone were wearing different prints that didn't coordinate well, thats where I would say to stay away from prints. 

Colored Pants

It looks really nice when men wear colored pants, trousers or slacks.  Jeans look nice when you are going for a more casual look as well. 

Dresses or Skirts

I love when women choose to wear a dress or a skirt.  If you choose the right dress, it can be really flattering to any body type. 

I love that Lisa is wearing a skirt and also has on a sweater.  The layers photograph really well as well as her skirt with a print.  I also love when men wear sweaters.  It changes things up from the usual button up shirt or t-shirt.  I definitely recommend avoiding t-shirts with logos on them. 

Adding a Pop of Color

I love a good pop of color!  That is a fun way to change up your family pictures from year to year.  We took these photos in San Tan Valley and the pop of pink looks really good in this setting.  I also love the tonal look with the boys and baby in different shades of blue.  Blue is always a good choice! 

Coordinating Prints

I definitely couldn't have put together these outfits below and pulled it off!  The mama of this family has a way with perfect family picture outfits.  I love the different textures, colors, and patterns and also accessories.  The girls have on dainty little headbands that aren't to distracting but still add a feminine and pretty touch.  The boys have on ties that are different prints and different patterned shirts.  I think this is a great idea if you can come up with the right combinations. 

Light Colors and Jeans

I love light colors in photos!  Creams and Whites photograph really well and look good good on most everyone.  I also think wearing jeans in family photos can be really cute!  I love how Molly accessorized with a darling belt and dainty necklace.  She also tucked her shirt only in the front and it looks really flattering.  I also love the simple prints on both of their shirts.  Neither of them are distracting. 

Formal

It's fun to change things up sometimes and dress more formal!  This long dress is really flattering on Jera who is pregnant in this photo.  Her daughter looks darling in a long lace dress with fancy sleeves.  Wearing formal clothes can photograph really well.  The men and boys can wear suits or shirts and ties.  I love taking fancy family photos! 

These are just some of the options for your next family photo shoot!  Most importantly, wear something that makes you feel great.  If you are a cowboy and feel great in a hat and wrangles, than wear that!  If you feel good in jeans and a cute top, wear that!  Be unique to your own family and tell the story of YOU. 

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Hi there.  I'm Nicole.  I'm a small town girl from Idaho who loves photography, my Savior and my family.  You'll find me in the mountains with my camera around my neck begging my husband, "lets just take one more picture of your S'more."  I love to blog about my photography sessions, family life and much more!  Come read along.