“What do we wear?!”
If you’ve ever planned family photos, you’ve probably asked yourself this at least a dozen times. There’s a simple way to put together outfits that feel natural, effortless, and uniquely YOU—without the stress. I’m breaking it all down so you can stop overthinking and start feeling excited about your session.
Mom Picks First!
Here’s the deal—if Mom doesn’t feel confident, the whole session is going to feel off. So instead of stressing over coordinating the entire family first, start with what makes YOU feel amazing! Maybe it’s that flowy midi dress that makes you feel effortlessly put together, or a cozy oversized sweater that keeps you comfy but still polished. Whatever it is, pick your outfit first. Then, use it as the anchor for everyone else.
Once you’ve got your outfit, look at its colors, textures, and overall vibe. If your dress is a soft floral, your family can pull from those colors—maybe your partner wears a muted blue shirt, and your kids wear solid neutrals with a tiny pop of a matching color in their accessories. This way, everyone looks coordinated without looking like they came in a matching set from a catalog.
Start with a Color Palette, Not Matching Outfits
Super matchy outfits can quickly make your family look like an awkward 90s holiday card. Instead of dressing everyone in the same color, pick 3-4 colors that work well together and spread them out among family members. Here’s a trick: Look at your home décor. The colors you naturally gravitate toward in your home are likely the ones you’ll love in your photos! A good balance of solids and subtle patterns is key. If Dad wears a plaid shirt, let Mom go for a solid dress, and have the kids in a mix of soft textures and layers to add depth.
Dress for Your Location & Season
Your background plays a huge role in how your outfits look. If you’re shooting in a green park, avoid wearing too much green or you’ll blend right into the scenery. Instead, earth tones, soft blues, or warm rust colors will help your family stand out beautifully.
Avoid Distracting Logos & Graphics
Your toddler’s favorite superhero shirt? Adorable. Just maybe not for the family photo. 😂 Anything with big logos, text, or neon colors is going to pull attention away from what really matters—your faces and connection.
Ready to book YOUR PTC family session? Let’s make it happen— www.jmgphotographyptc.com/investment/
