It is one of the first things families ask me when they book a session: what should we wear? And I completely understand why — getting everyone dressed and coordinated feels like its own project. The good news is that it does not have to be complicated. After years of photographing families across the Waterloo Region, my advice always comes back to the same two things: neutrals, and no busy patterns. That is really it.
Here is a little more detail on what that looks like in practice — and a few things worth avoiding so your photos look as beautiful as possible.
Start With Neutrals
Neutrals are your best friend for family photos. Creams, whites, taupes, soft greys, warm beiges, dusty blues, sage greens, blush — these tones all photograph beautifully and stand the test of time. When you look back at these photos in ten years, you want to see your family, not be distracted by what anyone was wearing.
You do not need everyone in the exact same colour — in fact, slight variation within a neutral palette looks more natural and interesting than everyone wearing identical outfits. Think of it as a palette, not a uniform. As long as the tones are in the same family, it will look cohesive and lovely.
Avoid Busy Patterns
Busy patterns — bold stripes, large graphics, logos, bright clashing prints — pull focus away from faces and expressions, which are the whole point of the photograph. They can also create a visual effect in photos called moiré, where fine patterns appear to vibrate or shimmer on screen. It is distracting and hard to fix after the fact.
Simple solids and subtle textures are almost always the better choice. A chunky knit, a linen fabric, a soft floral that reads as a neutral from a distance — these add visual interest without competing with the people wearing them.
Coordinate, Don't Match
Perfectly matching outfits — everyone in the exact same colour, same style — can look a little stiff in photos. Coordinating within a palette feels much more relaxed and natural. A good rule of thumb: pick two or three colours from the neutral family, and let each person choose something they feel comfortable in from within that range.
Layers also help. A cardigan, a denim jacket, a light scarf — these add depth and texture to a photo without adding complexity. And practically speaking, they give you options on the day depending on the weather.
A Note on Kids
Dress the kids first, then build the rest of the family's outfits around them. Kids' clothing tends to come in bolder colours and more limited options, so it is easier to start there and work outward. And above all — dress them in something comfortable. A child who is pulling at their collar or refusing to walk in their shoes is a child who is not going to want to be in photos. Comfort leads to happy faces, and happy faces make beautiful pictures.
When in Doubt, Ask
I always encourage my clients to send me a photo of their outfits before the session if they are unsure. It takes two minutes and gives you complete peace of mind. I would much rather help you figure it out ahead of time than have anyone show up on the day feeling uncertain.
The most important thing is that your family feels like themselves. Clothes that fit well, feel comfortable, and are in a cohesive palette will always photograph beautifully — and the rest takes care of itself.
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