As a family photographer based out of Park City, Utah and Southern California, I love seeing what everyone picks for their family photo outfits. Below you will find inspiration from many of my favorite family sessions, in all sorts of locations. Plus, tips for choosing your outfits no matter the size of your group.

How to Choose Your Family Photo Outfits

Pick Neutral Outfits For All Settings

You can’t go wrong selecting neutrals. Whether you want light and airy tans and white, or mood navy blues, every location is complimented by simple neutral outfits. This is the best option if you want to keep your photos timeless, and make your life much easier picking out clothes for everyone. You can pick as many shades and textures as you want, without having to worry about your extended family showing up in 5 shades of green.

Try One Main Outfit To Tie The Rest Together

If selecting family photo outfits doesn’t come naturally to you, pick one item of clothing you love to inspire everyone else’s looks! I love the dress that below that inspired the Brinton’s family session. Not only did it decide the color palette, but it had an intricate pattern that photographed well and added interest. Plus, it complemented the color scheme of their home perfectly too!

Of course, you must always consider your setting. And during an in-home photo session, having a feel that flows is important. You can see more inspiration for matching your outfits to the feel of your home, here, in another family session I love.

Don’t Be Afraid of Patterns

For another look where the mom’s outfit tied everything together, scroll through the Kuresa Family photos below. Their clothing struck a stylish balance between patterns and solid fall tones for their early autumn shoot. They weren’t afraid to mix patterns, and because they were mindful of how it would look on camera, the outcome was amazing!

Go Monochrome (in Different Shades)

If you have a large family, full of different personalities, simplify by going monochrome. Select a color that is flattering for every family member, and make it interesting with different shades and a small pattern here and there. For the session below, the Bacher families black and charcoal gray outfits stood out against the wintery Utah background.

Plan a 3-Toned Palette To Make it Simple

If you are planning extended family photos, and don’t want to feel too “matchy matchy” OR too un-curated – expand your color palette to 3 distinct colors. Either a more neutral scheme that looks good even if the shades don’t match perfectly – such as, tan, blush, and chambray, like the Wilson Family. Or easy to identity shades like navy blue, mustard yellow, and white. Keep scrolling to see both examples below.

Mix or Match For Personality

Often the most dynamic family photos have no obvious color scheme. For their desert photoshoot, the Bitter Family was bold in their choice multiple colors and patterns. What anchored this look was enough solid colors to not look busy, and a calming enough background to support the brighter pops.

Plan Your Next Family Photos

If the main thing this post inspired you to do is finally plan new family photos, let’s do it! Especially now, when the time to send out Christmas Cards is approaching quickly. Click here to learn when I will be in Utah, Southern California, or other places as I travel. I would be happy to include your family photos while I am in your area!

Find more family photo outfit inspiration, curated on my Pinterest.