Spring and summer are the perfect seasons for family photos—everything is blooming, the light is beautiful, and there’s no need to worry about freezing temperatures! But the big question always remains: What should we wear? Here are my top tips to help you choose the perfect outfits for your session.
1. Think Light and Airy
The key to dressing for warmer weather sessions is to keep things light and breathable. Think cotton, linen, and other airy fabrics that will keep everyone comfortable. Flowy dresses, button-downs with rolled sleeves, and relaxed fits photograph beautifully in natural settings.
2. Start with the Most Difficult Person to Style
Every family has that one person who is the trickiest to dress. Maybe it’s a teen with a unique style preference, or a parent with particular tastes. Start with their outfit first and build the rest of the family’s looks around it for a cohesive feel.
3. Coordinate, Don’t Match
Gone are the days of identical outfits—coordinating colors and styles create a much more natural and visually interesting look. A great way to start is by choosing one patterned piece (like a floral dress or a plaid shirt) and pulling colors from it for the rest of the family. Small floral patterns generally work better than large ones because they create a softer, more cohesive look. Smaller florals add just the right amount of interest without distracting from the rest of the outfit or the scene.
Soft, neutral tones, pastels, and earthy hues work especially well in spring and summer settings. Some great color combinations to consider:
Blush, soft blue, and white
Sage green, light gray, and cream
Lavender, mustard, and beige
Navy, light blue, and tan
4. Supporting LGBTQ+ clients
I’m committed to making sure your session feels authentic to you and your family, no matter how you define it. When choosing outfits, feel free to dress in a way that aligns with your identity and personal expression. There are no "rules" when it comes to gender or relationship dynamics in family photos. I recommend focusing on what feels most comfortable and true to yourself—whether that’s a flowing dress, a sharp blazer, or something in between. For same-sex couples, choose looks that reflect your connection and personal style—there’s no need for matching outfits unless that’s something you want to do. The goal is for everyone to feel relaxed and confident during your session.
5. Consider the Background
Your location plays a big role in what colors will pop in your photos. If your session is in a garden or park, soft pastels and neutrals will blend beautifully with the scenery. If you’re at the beach, think about blues, whites, sage, and sandy tones for a relaxed, coastal vibe. Bright and neon colors can be overwhelming in photos, so it’s best to keep them as subtle accents rather than full outfits.
6. Dress for Your Personality
Your photos should reflect you! If your family has a more casual style, don’t feel pressured to dress too formally. If you love a boho vibe, flowy dresses and layered textures are a great choice. The most important thing is that everyone feels comfortable and confident.
7. Add Texture and Interest
Textures photograph beautifully and add depth to your images. Think ruffles, lace, linen, twirly skirts—anything that adds movement and interest! Layering can also enhance texture, so consider adding a lightweight layer to your outfit choices.
Variety and texture can also be included by adding layers to your outfits. Just be sure to try everything on beforehand—especially for kids—to ensure nothing needs constant adjusting during the session. If you’re dressing a toddler, pick them up to see if the outfit still works while they’re being held.
It's also a good idea to make sure your clothes aren’t see-through. If you're unsure, test them outside in bright sunlight to ensure everything stays in place.
8. Keep Comfort in Mind
Spring and summer sessions often involve a bit of movement—walking through fields, sitting on blankets, or playing with little ones. Choose outfits that allow for easy movement, and avoid anything too tight or restrictive. Light layers like a cardigan, or unbuttoned shirt over a dress or tank top can add variety without adding too much warmth.
9. Make Sure Your Bra Is Under Control
If you will be wearing a bra for your session, it’s important to make sure it isn’t visible in your photos. Try everything on ahead of time, and if you notice a sneaky bra strap peeking out, use fashion tape or pin it in place. Your session may involve a lot of movement—walking, picking up kids—and the last thing you want to worry about is your bra showing. No one wants to worry about an ill-fitting bra creating unwanted lines or bulges. Choosing a well-fitted, supportive bra will help you feel confident and comfortable throughout your session.
10. Footwear Matters
Shoes can make or break an outfit! For outdoor sessions, comfortable and natural-looking footwear works best. Sandals, flats, and casual sneakers are great for spring and summer, while heavy boots, athletic sneakers, or formal heels may feel out of place. If you’re doing a beach session, barefoot is always an option!
11. Be Mindful of Patterns and Logos
Patterns can add personality to your outfit, but too many competing patterns can be distracting. If one person wears a bold print, keep the rest of the family in solid or subtly patterned pieces. Avoid large logos, heavy graphics, or too much white, as these can sometimes be harsh in bright sunlight.
12. Test Outfits in Advance
Before the session, lay out everyone’s outfits together to see how they coordinate. You can even try them on and take a quick phone photo to make sure everything works well together. If you’re unsure, feel free to send me a picture—I’m happy to help!
Top 5 Things to Avoid:
Neon colors, primary colors, and too many clashing tones
Too many competing patterns
Large logos or heavy graphics
Stiff, uncomfortable clothing
All-white outfits in bright sun (they can be harsh in photos!)
I’m here to help! If you have any questions or want to chat about outfit ideas, just reach out. I can’t wait to capture your family this spring and summer.
P.S. While all of these tips can help you plan a beautiful, cohesive look for your session, try not to stress too much about getting it perfect. At the end of the day, the most important thing is capturing your family as you are—connected, present, and authentically you.
In fact, I’m including a photo of my own family from last winter where I let everyone wear whatever they wanted. Why? Because it mattered more to me that my teen and tween felt comfortable, seen, and validated in their style choices and identities. I knew that the memory and the experience were far more valuable than achieving a Pinterest-perfect look.
The most important thing is that everyone feels comfortable and confident. What you wear is secondary to the love and connection you bring.
photo by Monsters of Salem
