What to Wear for Your Family or Extended Family Photoshoot | Tips from a Houston Photographer
One of the first questions almost every family asks me is:
"What should we wear?"
And honestly, I get it. Picking outfits can feel like a lot, but it does not have to be stressful. I have been photographing families here in Houston for years, and today I am breaking down my best tips to help you choose outfits that will look amazing, feel like you, and make your photos timeless, whether it is a small family session or a full extended family gathering.
Here is what I recommend:
1. Stick to Neutrals, Soft Colors, or Thoughtfully Chosen Brights
Neutrals, earthy tones, and soft colors photograph beautifully.
Think cream, beige, soft blues, sage green, dusty pinks, warm browns, olive, and navy. These tones feel natural, timeless, and allow you to be the focus, not just your outfits.
However, if you love a little more color, that is perfectly okay too. The key is making sure the colors are thoughtfully chosen and coordinate with each other. A pop of bright color or a fun print can bring a lot of energy and personality to your photos when it is styled intentionally.
One of my favorite examples of this is the Johnson/Cozad family. They are an extended family I absolutely love working with. Every year I show up genuinely excited to see what they are going to be wearing. They always come dressed perfectly coordinated, mixing playful prints and vibrant colors in such a thoughtful way. Their kids are some of the most well-behaved and most fun I have ever photographed, and their sessions are truly a joy, as you can probably tell from their photos. Whether it is the grandparents, grandkids, or cousins, they always find a way to make every part of their extended family session feel connected and effortless.
Pro Tip: Try to avoid neon or super bold clashing patterns, and instead pick two to three main colors that tie everyone together.
2. Coordinate, Don’t Match
Gone are the days of everyone in identical jeans and white shirts.
Instead, think about coordinating outfits by choosing a color palette with a few tones that flow together naturally. Maybe Dad wears khaki pants and a navy shirt, Mom wears a soft floral dress with hints of navy, and the kids wear neutrals with little pops of matching color.
This same approach works beautifully for extended family sessions as well. Each smaller family group can coordinate within the larger color palette so that the whole group feels cohesive without everyone looking identical.
The goal is to look connected without looking like you tried too hard.
3. Embrace Textures and Layers
Layers and textures photograph beautifully. Think chunky sweaters, flowy dresses, linen shirts, corduroy overalls for the little ones, and denim jackets. They add depth, movement, and a cozy feel to your photos.
4. Say Yes to Dresses for Moms (If You Feel Good in Them)
A flowy dress can be incredibly flattering in photos. It moves beautifully and adds a soft, effortless vibe.
However, the most important thing is that you feel like your best self. If you are more of a jeans-and-cozy-sweater kind of person, that is perfectly fine too. Comfort leads to confidence, and confidence photographs best.
5. Think About Your Home Decor
When you are picking colors, it is smart to think about where you will hang these photos.
If your home is decorated with neutral tones, sticking with a soft, earthy palette will look amazing on your walls. If you love bold, vibrant spaces, you might want a little more color in your outfits too.
For extended families, you might even want to coordinate colors based on the style of the grandparents’ home if you are planning a large canvas or framed gallery wall.
6. Avoid Loud Logos and Busy Patterns
Large logos, crazy prints, or super bright neon colors can be distracting in photos. Simple, classic pieces will help your photos feel timeless for years to come.
If you are ever unsure, feel free to send me a photo of what you are considering. I love helping clients with outfit choices.
7. Shoes Matter Too
Try to keep shoes simple and coordinate them with your outfit choices. Avoid bright sneakers or athletic shoes if possible, and do not be afraid to go barefoot for part of the session if it fits the setting.
Bonus Tip: Plan Ahead (and Try It All On)
Lay out everyone’s outfits together a few days before the session. Make sure everything fits, feels good, and looks great together.
For extended family sessions especially, a little pre-planning goes a long way toward making the session run smoothly and stress-free.
You’re Never On Your Own When You Book With Me
At the end of the day, the best thing you can wear is whatever makes you feel like yourself. When you are comfortable and confident, it shows, and that is what makes your family photos truly shine.
And do not worry — when you book a session with me, you are never left guessing. I send you a full prep guide that covers everything you need to know to get ready for your session, from what to wear, to what to bring, to how to prep your kids (and even your husband).
When you book a session with me, you are never left guessing. I send you a full prep guide that covers everything you need to know to get ready for your session, from what to wear, to what to bring, to how to prep your kids (and even your husband).
Plus, I offer complimentary access to a styling service called Style & Select. It is a personalized online tool that helps you easily put together outfit combinations based on your style, color preferences, and favorite stores. You will answer a few quick questions, and it will instantly create a shoppable style board, pulling pieces from places like Old Navy, Zara, H&M, and more. You can shop new outfits or mix and match with pieces you already own. It takes so much of the stress out of coordinating, and makes the entire process simple, fun, and effortless.
If you ever need a second opinion, I am always just an email away to help you feel completely confident going into your shoot.
If you are looking for a Houston family photographer — or a Houston extended family photographer — who makes the entire process easy, relaxed, and enjoyable, I would love to work with you.
Loved these tips and ready to make some photo magic?
Let’s get your family session on the calendar.
