Family portraits are a timeless way to capture your loved ones’ personalities and relationships. Choosing the right outfits can make or break these cherished memories.
At Faithful Photography, we’ve seen how the right clothing choices can elevate a family portrait from good to extraordinary. In this guide, we’ll share our top tips on what to wear for family portraits that truly stand out.
How to Create a Stunning Color Palette for Family Photos
Selecting Your Color Scheme
Start by choosing 2-3 main colors that complement each other. Color theory experts suggest that colors opposite each other on the color wheel (like blue and orange) create a striking contrast. For a softer look, select colors next to each other (such as blue and green).
A popular approach involves selecting one bold color and pairing it with neutral tones. For example, a rich burgundy paired with cream and tan creates a warm, inviting palette that works well for fall family photos.
Balancing Bold and Neutral Hues
Bold colors add vibrancy to your portraits, but it’s important to balance them with neutrals. Too many bright colors can overwhelm and distract from your family’s faces. Use bold colors for accents and neutrals for larger pieces of clothing.
For instance, if mom wears a mustard yellow sweater, dad could wear a navy blue shirt, while the kids sport white or cream tops with pops of yellow in their accessories. This creates a harmonious look without appearing overly matched.
Adapting to Your Environment
Your photo location and the season significantly influence color selection. For beach portraits, soft blues, greens, and neutrals echo the natural surroundings. In contrast, autumn shoots in a park benefit from warm oranges, deep reds, and forest greens to beautifully complement the changing leaves.
Summer outdoor sessions look great with lighter, brighter colors that reflect the sunny mood. Winter portraits often stun with rich jewel tones (like emerald green or sapphire blue) paired with crisp whites or warm creams.
Consider the backdrop of your shoot. If you’re posing against a red brick wall, avoid red clothing that might blend in. Instead, choose colors that will stand out, like blues or greens.
Personalizing Your Palette
While following color theory principles helps create visually appealing portraits, don’t forget to infuse your family’s personality into the palette. If your family loves bold, vibrant colors, incorporate them thoughtfully. (A pop of bright red can add energy to an otherwise neutral palette.)
Try to reflect each family member’s style within the chosen color scheme. This personal touch will make your portraits feel authentic and uniquely yours.
As we move on to discuss specific clothing choices for different family members, keep these color coordination principles in mind. They’ll serve as a foundation for selecting outfits that not only look great together but also showcase your family’s individual personalities.
How to Dress Each Family Member for Perfect Portraits
Parents: Setting the Tone
Parents often set the style direction for the portrait. Moms should select flattering silhouettes that boost confidence. A wrap dress in a solid color from your chosen palette can be both comfortable and stylish. Dads should wear a well-fitted button-down shirt paired with chinos or dark jeans. Avoid overly baggy clothes as they can add unwanted bulk in photos.
Treasure every generation with expert tips and creative ideas for capturing timeless family photos that embody memories and heritage.
Kids: Prioritizing Comfort
For children, comfort takes precedence. An uncomfortable child will likely not cooperate during the shoot. Select soft, breathable fabrics that allow for easy movement. Girls can wear a simple dress or a skirt with a cute top. Boys look great in a polo shirt or a button-down with comfortable pants.
Pro tip: Pack a backup outfit for young children. Accidents happen, and having a spare can save the day (and the photo session).
Siblings: Coordinating Without Matching
The era of identical outfits for siblings has passed. Instead, try coordination. If one child wears a patterned dress, the other should wear a solid color that complements the pattern. This creates visual interest without clashing.
For larger families, consider a color gradient. Arrange outfits from lightest to darkest shades of your chosen color palette. This creates a pleasing visual flow in the final portrait.
Teens: Embracing Personal Style
Teenagers often have strong opinions about their clothing. Involve them in the outfit selection process to ensure they feel comfortable and confident. Encourage them to choose pieces that fit within the family’s color scheme while expressing their individuality.
(A happy teen makes for better photos, so a little compromise can go a long way.)
Grandparents: Elegant Simplicity
For multi-generational portraits, grandparents should opt for classic, timeless pieces. A simple blouse or sweater for grandma and a collared shirt for grandpa in colors that complement the family’s palette work well. Avoid overly trendy items that might date the photos quickly.
The goal is to create a harmonious look that represents your family’s unique style. Many photographers offer pre-session consultations to provide personalized advice on outfit choices. When everyone feels comfortable and confident in their outfits, it shines through in the final images.
Now that we’ve covered dressing each family member, let’s explore how accessories and props can add that extra special touch to your family portraits.
How Accessories Enhance Your Family Portraits
The Impact of Statement Jewelry
Using jewelry can add visual interest to your photos. It is a great way to add a pop of color and incorporate a little more personal style to family portraits. A bold necklace or eye-catching earrings draw attention to the face, creating a focal point in the image. We recommend one statement piece per person to avoid overwhelming the photo.
Mom might wear a chunky necklace with simple stud earrings. Dad could opt for a stylish watch that complements his outfit without competing for attention. (The goal is to enhance, not distract.)
Seasonal Accessories for Added Charm
Hats, scarves, and other seasonal accessories add texture and interest to family portraits while creating a cohesive look. In fall, a cozy scarf or beanie adds warmth to your images. For summer shoots, straw hats or colorful sunglasses inject a fun, casual vibe.
Consider the overall color palette you’ve chosen for your family’s outfits when incorporating seasonal accessories. A burgundy scarf ties together a fall color scheme, while a light blue sun hat complements a beachy summer palette.
Meaningful Props That Tell Your Story
Be in the moment and include elements that showcase your personality. Use props and backdrops to tell your story, and have fun, as it makes for better photos. A family of music lovers might include instruments in their shoot. Sports enthusiasts could incorporate team jerseys or equipment.
We caution against using too many props. One or two carefully chosen items enhance your photos, but too many clutter the image and detract from the main focus – your family.
The most successful props feel natural and meaningful to the family. A cherished family heirloom, a beloved pet, or even a favorite book adds depth and storytelling to your portraits. (These personal touches make your images truly unique.)
Coordinating Accessories with Outfits and Location
When selecting accessories and props, always consider how they’ll work with your chosen outfits and location. Try to create a cohesive, harmonious image that captures your family’s unique personality and style.
For beach portraits, consider incorporating items like sunglasses, beach hats, or even a colorful beach ball. In a park setting, accessories like flower crowns or picnic baskets can enhance the natural ambiance.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right outfits and accessories for family portraits combines color coordination, personal style, and practical considerations. Comfort and authenticity create the foundation for truly memorable photographs. When everyone feels at ease in their outfits, genuine smiles and natural interactions shine through, resulting in portraits that capture your family’s true essence.
Individual personalities make your family special, so don’t hesitate to let them sparkle in your portraits. (What to wear for family portraits often reflects these unique qualities.) Your clothing choices should complement each family member’s style while maintaining a cohesive look for the group.
At Faithful Photography, we specialize in capturing precious moments during family portrait sessions. We offer guidance on outfit selection and session preparation to help bring your vision to life. Our warm approach puts you at ease, allowing us to capture authentic moments you’ll treasure for years to come.