Family Portraits


 There’s something special about looking back on family portraits over the years past. Family photos are a moment saved in time that will be cherished forever. So when it comes to what to wear for family picture day make sure you plan ahead. Whether you are taking family photos for your annual photo Christmas card or looking to get an updated shot to hang above the mantle, you’ll want you and your family to look your best doing so.

There are many things to keep in mind when deciding what to wear for your family photos. Coordinating outfits for family photos doesn’t have to be hard. You can never go wrong with selecting a few focal colors and textured clothing items, as well as considering the season. Focus on accomplishing a cohesive look and dressing in outfits that will allow your photos to take on a timeless feel. Of course, the most important part of your family portrait is to document the love that your family shares. We’re here to help you with the rest. These family photo outfit ideas below will create a portrait that has a close-knit family feel.

Family Photo Outfit Ideas


Allow your family to be the focal point of your shots during any season with these suggestions. Consider these coordinating outfit ideas when choosing family photo outfit ideas:

  1. Plan your outfits in advance. The more time you allow yourself to plan your outfits, the less stressed you’ll be. Plus, it never hurts to have options especially when you’re dressing your kids.
  2. Choose coordinating colors, not matching. Knowing what colors to wear can be tricky. Start off with colors that coordinate well. You can accomplish a cohesive look without every family member wearing the exact same outfit. In fact, that can seem overly-matching. By selecting a color scheme and using hues that complement each other, you can achieve a more natural look across the board. Pick two main colors and then add softer tones to accent and complete your color scheme.
  3. Consider your home decor. You’ll want to consider your home decor style when picking out what to wear in family photos. Since a few of these photos will most likely be hanging in your home and on display for a long time, make sure that the clothing you select blends in seamlessly with the color scheme of your home.
  4. Keep location in mind. Another helpful item to consider when trying to decide what to wear in your family photos is the location of your photoshoot. Are you going to be on the beach where there are plenty of neutral tones or under a tree surrounded by bright fall foliage? Select a color palette for your outfits that will complement the setting. Pick out items of clothing in colors that will complement your background and not compete with it.
  5. Use the season to help select color schemes for your outfits. Each season is associated with different colors, weather, and landscapes which will be an important item to consider when picking out what everyone will be wearing.
  6. Choose practical clothing items. This is an important item to keep in mind for every family member but, especially when you are thinking about what to dress your little ones in. If your kids are not comfortable then you’re going to be in for a long photoshoot. Don’t make it more difficult on yourself or your photographer to get the perfect shot. Make sure that everyone is comfortable with their clothing to ensure all smiles.
  7. Select an outfit that is appropriate year-round. One of the more popular times for families to take their portraits seems to be around the holidays (when the kids are home from school and everyone is in the same place). The holidays may seem like the perfect excuse to bring out the Santa hats and incorporate props into your family portraits. However, you’ll want these photos to be displayed all year round. Try to avoid purely seasonal accessories and items.
  8. Limit distracting patterns and large logos. Including articles of clothing with multiple patterns or large logos can become a distraction. Strong prints and abstract patterns can overpower your photo. Avoid items that clash and stick to one pattern or textural element for your portrait session.
  9. Lay each family member’s outfit together while planning. This way you’ll have a good idea about how the pieces will look next to each other. This will allow you a better idea of what works and what doesn’t. Plus, this way, you can make sure that you’re not missing any essential clothing items.
  10. Select outfits that will make for a timeless portrait. If all else fails, when you look in your closet to find the perfect family portrait outfits think about staying classic. You’ll want your photos to be timeless. Styles come and go but, your photos are forever.
  11. Have fun playing stylist and let your family’s personality shine.


what to wear ideas for photo shoots pastel colors neutrals
what to wear ideas for photo shoots pastel colors neutrals
what to wear ideas for photo shoots pastel colors neutrals
what to wear for a photoshoot dressy blues Kaysville Utah photographer family Davis County
what to wear for a photoshoot dressy blues Kaysville Utah photographer family Davis County
Kaysville Utah family photographer Layton outdoor kids photography teens

This family used white, blue, and peach as their colors. Pastel colors work well together.

Kaysville Utah family photographer Layton outdoor kids photography teens

Spring Color Schemes: Blush and Teal; Blush and White; Light Blue, Tan; White, Navy, and Yellow,

extended family portraits photos Kaysville Utah Layton Farmington Davis County family photographer outdoor

For the extended family they used white, tan and blue as their colors. The prints are mostly small and blend well together.

Kaysville Utah family photographer Layton outdoor kids photography Davis County

The mon had a blue print dress which blended with the boys blue shirts.

Kaysville Utah family photographer Layton outdoor kids photography Davis County

Summer colors: Tan and White; Orange and Teal; Light Blue, Tan, White; Blue, Green, Yellow

family photographer Kaysville Utah Layton Davis County teens

For fall warm colors blend with the yellow grass. Fall Color Schemes: Brown, Maroon, Denim, Yellow, Crimson, Navy, Tan, Cream.

family photographer Kaysville Utah Layton Davis County teens

Here are some more ideas of color schemes for your outfits. These are good for fall and winter.

neutral colors in fall

Their colors all blend together and the girls were comfortable with what they wore. Comfort comes first!

Many Options


In the end you can decide what works best for your family and how you will use the photos. There is not just one right way so you have lots of options. Dress appropriately for the weather. I've had too many cold families not having a great time with the photo shoot. If it's really hot, bring water and we'll find shade. Really you can have family photos done anytime of the year and have amazing timeless photos.

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