The #1 Thing People Stress About for Family Photos—Solved!

“What do we even wear?!”

If you’ve ever planned family photos, you’ve probably asked yourself this at least a dozen times.

And you’re not alone! This is the #1 thing people stress about before their session. 

You want everyone to look coordinated but not overly styled. 

You want timeless, not trendy.

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. 

I completely understand how stressful it can feel trying to pick out the perfect outfit for your photoshoot—especially when you’re trying to coordinate looks for multiple people. That’s why I offer access to a beautifully curated client closet filled with timeless, flattering pieces for women, children, and even babies. 

Whether you need a full look or just a few finishing touches, I’m here to take the guesswork out of styling. From color coordination to fit and flow, let me be your guide so you can focus on what matters most: showing up, being present, and making memories you’ll cherish forever.

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. 

One of my favorite success stories was from a sweet family who from the moment they arrived for their session, I instantly knew their outfit choices were going to photograph beautifully. They chose soft, neutral tones—creams, light blues, and sandy tans—that blended effortlessly with our lush outdoor location. What made it such a hit was how each outfit felt coordinated without being overly matched. Mom’s delicate floral dress added just the right touch of pattern, while the boys’ simple, textured pieces brought balance and a natural feel. It all came together in a way that felt relaxed, timeless, and full of warmth—exactly the kind of look that lets genuine connection and joy shine through in every frame.

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.

I know that getting kids into these coordinated outfits isn’t always easy—especially when they’re insistent on their favorite superhero or character shirt. 

One strategy I often suggest is the “bribe shirt” trick: let them wear their favorite character top in the car on the way to the session, and then do a quick change before we start shooting. This way, they feel heard and happy, and we still get those clean, classic looks that photograph beautifully and stand the test of time.

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.

One mistake people make? Dressing for the “look” instead of the weather. If it’s 95 degrees in the summer, ditch the heavy layers. And for winter sessions, layer in a way that still looks put together—think chic wool coats, scarves, and cute boots rather than giant puffy jackets.

Consider Movement & Comfort

Family photos aren’t about standing stiffly and posing like statues anymore. They’re about movement, playfulness, and real moments. That means your outfits need to move with you !

For moms, dresses with a little flow photograph beautifully. 

For kids, avoid anything too tight, stiff, or itchy—they’ll be uncomfortable, which means less patience and more meltdowns.

Finally, for dads/partners, layers always look good. A lightweight jacket or open button-up shirt over a solid tee adds depth without bulk. Avoid stiff dress shirts that wrinkle easily or make movement feel awkward.

Here’s the thing—your family photos aren’t about the outfits. 

They’re about your people, your love, and the little moments in between. 

But when you feel comfortable, confident, and put together, it makes the entire experience smoother and more fun.

So if you’ve been stressing about what to wear, take a deep breath. Start with Mom’s outfit, pick a simple color palette, dress for the setting, and focus on comfort. 

The goal isn’t perfection—it’s capturing your family’s connection in a way that feels natural and true to you!

Need some outfit ideas?

Here are four great online shops to find stylish, photo-friendly pieces:

• Baltic Born – Flowy, flattering dresses that photograph beautifully for moms.
• H&M – Affordable, neutral basics for kids and adults that mix and match easily.
• Jamie Kay – High-quality, soft fabrics for babies and toddlers in muted, timeless colors.
• Abercrombie & Fitch – Elevated casual wear with great layering pieces for dads.

Wherever you shop, keep it simple, comfortable, and true to your style.

Ready to book your LIVE OAK family session? Let’s make it happen— Inquire now for session details.

---

✨ Let’s Stay Connected!
Follow along on Instagram and Facebook for behind-the-scenes moments, client highlights, and all the latest updates from the studio. It’s the best way to stay inspired and in the loop!

📚 Want to keep reading?
Be sure to check out our other blog posts for helpful tips, beautiful stories, and photography inspiration for every season of life.

If you’re still looking for a Live Oak Portrait & Wedding Photographer, click here to see my portfolio of family images or here for heirloom portraits.📸 Ready to create timeless portraits of your own?Let’s chat! Click here to inquire and schedule a complimentary consultation to start planning your custom photography experience.