What to Wear for Family Photos in the Berkshires

One of the most common questions I receive is what to wear for family photos. And for good reason! Whether you’re preparing for an engagement, family photo session, or newborn session, your clothing choices will shape how your final images look and feel.

Here are my top tips from over a decade behind the lens.

Dress It Up A Bit

A photo session is a good excuse to skip over your everyday clothes and wear something a bit dressier, especially if you plan to print and frame or gift these photos (we’re doing that with our photos, right?!). You don’t need to dress formally, but choosing something a little more intentional can make your family photographs feel extra special.

Casual clothes tend to be trendy and can look more dated a few years from now. Whereas dressier clothes are more timeless. Dressing up elevates your experience and make your photo session feel like a special event…making the photos even more memorable!

And yes, you can rock an elevated look and still photograph casually cool and candid. Think a breezy white dress with your partner in crisp beige pants.

When you look good, you feel good. And that will radiate in your photos.

(For in-home newborn sessions, I recommend soft, comfortable pieces and neutral colors that keep the focus on your baby and connection. This is covered in my newborn session guide that is sent after booking with me.)

Choose Neutral Colors

Neutrals are timeless and chic. They photograph beautifully in any setting, from nature to city streets, from daytime light to sunset. The camera loves muted, soft shades, such as pinks and blues, paired with creams, tan, brown and white. Earth tones are great, like deep greens, so is wearing denim or jeans!

Think about it: what would look better, a soft pink dress flowing in the breeze against green trees during sunset hour OR a bright red shirt against green trees? Bright and strong primary colors clash with the environment and distract our eye which takes away from the emotion of the photo and faces that are captured.

Avoid bright colors and accessories which can cast color shadows onto faces and believe it or not, black clothing doesn’t photograph well either. Though slimming in real life, the camera can’t see in 3D and your figure will look flat in the photos.

Don’t Be Afraid of Prints And Patterns

Just like bright colors, bold patterns or large logos pull attention away from what should be the focus: your expressions, your relationships, and the overall emotion of the photo.

Busy patterns such as large florals, stripes, tribal, or animal prints can create visual noise or even odd optical effects that are difficult to edit.

Big logos should be avoided, too (Nike check mark, graphic tees, tees with writing etc.). These prints can distract and distort in camera.

Opt for solids or subtle patterns like small checks, fine textures, or soft florals instead and limit patterns to 1-2 people per group. Mix and match small patterns with solids or add in texture (linen, knits, denim) and chef’s kiss! You’ll create a wonderful aesthetic for your crew.

Layer With Textures

When in doubt, lean into layering. It adds visual depth and dimension, especially within a neutral palette. You can incorporate texture in place of patterns (think a chunky cream sweater over a white dress instead of a plaid).

Just like patterns, textures should be limited to 1-2 people per group. Otherwise, photos can feel too busy.

Some other textures to consider: knits, denim, chambray, linen, corduroy, suede, or thermal. You could dress mom in a chunky knit sweater, dad in a soft flannel, and the kiddos in solid or corduroy.

How To Coordinate The Entire Crew

Many families (myself included!) find it easiest to start with mom’s outfit and build everyone else’s look around hers. Instead of matching everyone exactly, opt for coordinating within your chosen color palette.

Vary light and dark shades within the same palette. For example, if mom is wearing white, the rest of the crew can wear shades of blue, tan, and white. Or swap the shades of blue for shades of green.

And be sure to mix and match who is wearing blue on top vs. blue on blue on bottom to create depth in your photos.

How To Prepare Younger Kids

Pack water, snacks and any small toys that might help get their attention when it’s time to look at the camera.

Depending on the time of year, bug spray or a portable fan can be helpful.

Don’t hesitate to fill them in on what they can expect and what’s expected of them, too, ideally a few days in advance. For example:

“We’re going to meet mommy’s friend, Christina, who is going to take fancy pictures of us. We’ll need to listen and smile at her camera when she tells us to. We’re going to frame these photos and hang them on our wall when we get home after!”

If you want to pack a reward, like a small toy or treat to gift them once we’re done with photos, that is up to you. I can also “gift it” to them to create a positive bond between them and the camera lady. 😉

Feed and dress your littles (in that order, ha!) right before arriving.

We will photograph the largest group first and then move onto the group with the youngest kiddos — kids lose interest quickly, so we will work quickly. I will work with their energy and mood as best as possible. It’s not uncommon for kids to start out shy and stand off-ish then graduate to tears or smiles.

We will have fun during your session and try to get the littles looking AND smiling, but let’s focus on making the experience fun for everyone first!

Let Go Of What We Can’t Control

I believe in letting kids be kids. Candid, laugh out loud images come from being present and having fun. My daughter once cried an entire photo session and I love the images of me holding and comforting her as much as I would love photos of her smiling. Let’s capture their big personalities as is and enjoy doing it.

Example Color Palettes To Inspire You

These palettes work beautifully for outdoor family photos, maternity sessions, and relaxed newborn photography at home.

TO SUM IT UP

Choose what you feel comfortable, confident, and good in. It’s that simple. When you dress to feel confident and true to yourself/your style, you will radiate, effortlessly, and love the photos. Don’t overthink and don’t stress about buying something new. Don’t get caught up in trendy Pinterest looks. Your favorite dress or sweater will go a long way!

Wear neutrals, soft colors and patterns, layer textures, and coordinate tones across your tops and bottoms.

For more inspiration on what to wear head to my Instagram or click here to learn more about family, maternity, and newborn sessions in the Berkshires.