One of the most common questions I receive before a family session is:


"What should we wear?"


If you're planning summer family photos, first of all... don't stress!



Choosing outfits doesn't have to be overwhelming, and the good news is that gone are the days of everyone wearing matching white shirts and jeans.



Instead of matching, I always encourage families to coordinate.

What Does "Coordinate" Mean?



Think of your family's outfits as pieces of a puzzle. They don't need to be identical. They just need to work together.


Choose 3-4 colors that complement one another and build everyone's outfits around those tones.


Some beautiful summer color palettes include:


☀️ Cream + Beige + Sage Green

🌊 Navy + White + Khaki

🌸 Dusty Pink + Cream + Light Denim

🌿 Olive Green + Tan + Ivory


These color combinations create a timeless look while still allowing everyone's personality to shine through.

 

Dress for Your Location

Your session location can help guide your outfit choices.

 

Greenhouse Sessions


Soft neutrals, sage greens, creams, light florals, and earthy tones work beautifully.

Beach Sessions


Think soft blues, whites, sandy neutrals, and light fabrics that move naturally in the breeze.

Parks, Farms & Open Fields


Creams, warm browns, soft greens, dusty blues, and muted pinks photograph beautifully outdoors.

Mix Textures, Not Just Colors


One of the easiest ways to elevate your family photos is by incorporating different textures.


Some of my favorites include:


  • Linen dresses
  • Flowy skirts
  • Knit cardigans
  • Lightweight button-down shirts
  • Layered pieces



Textures add depth and interest to your images without being distracting.


What to Avoid


While there are no strict rules, there are a few things that tend to photograph less favorably:


  • ❌ Neon colors
  • ❌ Large logos
  • ❌ Busy graphics
  • ❌ Characters on clothing
  • ❌ Clashing patterns on multiple family members


Instead, opt for classic and timeless pieces that keep the focus where it belongs—on your family.

 

tips

 

Dress Mom First


This might be my biggest tip.


Find an outfit that YOU love first.


As moms, we're often the ones planning everything, but when you feel confident and comfortable in what you're wearing, it shows in your photos.


Once you've chosen your outfit, it's much easier to coordinate everyone else's clothing around it.


Comfort Matters More Than Perfection



If your child hates the outfit they're wearing, trust me... we'll know.


Choose clothing that allows everyone to move, sit, cuddle, play, and simply be themselves.


Some of the most beautiful images come from the in-between moments: the giggles, the bear hugs, the running, the cuddles, and the little hands reaching for yours.

My Biggest Piece of Advice


Don't aim for perfect. Aim for authentic.


Years from now, you won't remember whether everyone's outfit matched perfectly. You'll remember how tiny those hands felt in yours, the way your children laughed, and the season of life you were in when these photos were taken.


Those are the moments worth preserving. And trust me... they're beautiful exactly as they are.


Thank you for trusting me to capture your family's memories. I can't wait to see all of your beautiful summer outfits this season! ☀️📸

Ready to Plan Your Summer Session?

Whether you're dreaming of a greenhouse session, a golden field at sunset, a beach evening with your family, or simply capturing this season of life exactly as it is, I'd love to help bring your vision to life.


Summer dates tend to fill quickly, so if you've been thinking about booking family photos, now is the perfect time to start planning.


I can't wait to connect with you and create something beautiful together.

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