Tacoma Family Photographer
What Should We Wear for Family Photos?
(Without Buying a Whole New Wardrobe)
"I have absolutely nothing for us to wear."
Sound familiar?
If you've ever opened everyone's closets, stared at a pile of clothes on the bed, and somehow ended up more confused than when you started... welcome to the club. 😂
For a lot of moms, choosing outfits is the most stressful part of planning family photos.
You're trying to dress yourself, your kids, and your husband. Someone suddenly has a growth spurt. Someone else has ketchup on the only shirt you liked. Your toddler decides pajamas are the only acceptable outfit, and your husband asks if his favorite fishing shirt will work.
(I'm going to save you some time... probably not.)
The good news is that putting together outfits doesn't have to be overwhelming. A few simple tips can make the whole process so much easier.
Start With Mom
This surprises a lot of people, but I always recommend choosing Mom's outfit first.
Not the kids.
Not Dad.
You.
Why?
Because moms usually have the hardest time finding something they feel comfortable and confident wearing. Kids are generally much easier to shop for, and let's be honest... Dad probably owns three pairs of pants and thinks they're all "nice." 😂
Once you find something you feel comfortable and confident in, everything else starts falling into place. Build everyone else's outfits around yours instead of trying to match what everyone else is wearing.
If you're constantly wondering whether your outfit looks okay, it's hard to relax during your session.
Coordinating Beats Matching Every Time
Remember when everyone wore the exact same outfits?
We've come a long way.
Instead of matching, think about coordinating.
Choose colors that work together without being identical.
Soft greens, creams, warm browns, dusty blues, muted pinks, rust, and oatmeal tones all photograph beautifully together.
Think of your family like decorating a cozy living room. Everything belongs together, but nothing has to be exactly the same.
Adding different textures also makes a huge difference. Knits, linen, denim, cotton, and flowy fabrics create depth in your photos without making them feel busy.
Wear Clothes You Can Actually Live In
Family sessions aren't about standing perfectly still and smiling at the camera.
We'll be walking.
You'll probably pick up your kids.
There will be hugs, tickles, spinning, chasing, and maybe a game of tag if that's what gets everyone laughing.
So wear something you can actually move in.
If you're constantly pulling at your dress, adjusting your shirt, or worrying about straps, you're going to feel distracted and uncomfortable.
The same goes for the kids.
Choose outfits they can comfortably run, climb, and play in. Happy kids almost always photograph better than perfectly dressed kids who can't wait to get changed.
Please Don't Buy Everyone a Brand New Outfit
This might be my most unpopular opinion.
You do not need to spend hundreds of dollars on brand new clothes.
Some of my favorite family sessions have been with outfits people already owned.
If you love it, it fits well, and you feel good wearing it, that's usually a much better choice than buying something two days before your session that you've never worn before.
Comfort shows.
Confidence shows.
Trying to break in stiff new clothes... also shows.
Here's What I Want You to Remember
When you look back at these photos years from now, you're probably not going to remember whether your sweater was oatmeal, cream, or beige.
Your kids definitely won't.
They're going to notice the way Dad made them laugh.
The way your daughter reached for your hand.
The way your son wrapped his arms around your neck.
Those are the things that matter.
Your outfits should support those moments, not become the main event.
Ready to Start Planning?
After photographing hundreds of families around Puyallup and Tacoma, here's something I've noticed.
The moms who enjoy their sessions the most aren't wearing the trendiest outfit or the most expensive dress.
They're wearing the outfit they completely forgot about ten minutes into the session.
Because they were too busy laughing.
Too busy snuggling their babies.
Too busy making memories.
That's exactly where I want your attention to be.
Not wondering if your shirt is wrinkled.
Not focused on the itchy part of your shirt.
Just enjoying your family exactly as they are right now.
If you're booking a family session with me, you don't have to figure this all out on your own. I'm always happy to help you coordinate outfits, suggest color palettes, or give you an honest opinion if you're stuck between two dresses.
I'd much rather help you plan ahead than have you stress over it the night before your session.
Because choosing outfits should be the easiest part of making memories together.
