Let’s be honest—choosing outfits for family photos can feel like a mini crisis. You open the closet, stare blankly at a sea of colors, and suddenly you’re spiraling about whether jeans are too casual or if mustard yellow is “in” this season. If that sounds familiar—you’re not alone, and this guide is totally for you.
I completely get it. I’m the type of person who gets overwhelmed when there are too many options. And when it comes to preparing for a photo session, deciding what to wear can be just as important (and sometimes stressful!) as picking the perfect Central Ohio location or chasing that dreamy golden hour light.
So, I’ve put together a simple, stress-free style guide based on my years behind the camera—less fashion blogger, more experienced photographer who’s seen what works (and what definitely doesn’t) in real-life sessions.
This isn’t a rulebook—more like a warm nudge in the right direction. Take what feels good, leave what doesn’t, and most importantly: wear what makes you feel like your best self.
Let’s dive into some tips that’ll help your family look amazing—and feel totally comfortable—on photo day.
Tip 1: Be You—Comfort Is Key
The number one rule? Wear what feels like you. Seriously. There’s no need to go full glam (unless that’s your thing!) or squeeze into something stiff and unfamiliar just because it “looks nice.” If you’re not used to wearing heels or form-fitting clothes, now’s not the time to start.
Your photos should reflect who you really are, not a dressed-up version you barely recognize. So whether it’s your favorite pair of broken-in jeans, a soft flowy dress you love to twirl in, or a cozy sweater that feels like a hug—go for it! Use what’s already in your closet and makes you feel confident, relaxed, and like your best self.
The more comfortable you are, the more you’ll be able to laugh, move freely, and just enjoy the moment with your family. And trust me, that kind of energy? It shows up beautifully in photos.
Tip 2: Dress for the Weather and the Location
Ohio weather can be… unpredictable, to say the least. One minute it’s sunshine, the next it’s a full-on wind tunnel or surprise rain shower. So when picking your outfit(s), think practically as well as aesthetically. Where we’re shooting—and what the weather’s doing—makes a big difference in how comfortable you’ll feel (and look!) during your session.
If we’ll be hiking trails or wandering through grassy fields, skip the heels and go for shoes that are made for walking. Sneakers, boots, sandals—whatever suits the spot and still feels like you. Planning a session at the lake or beach? Barefoot is totally welcome, or bring along sandals that you can kick off easily.
In the spring and fall seasons, bring a favorite quilt to cozy up with—this is especially helpful in keeping the little ones warm.
As for the weather:
- Cooler days? Layer up! Cozy sweaters, cute jackets, scarves—they add personality and warmth.
- Hot and humid? Keep it breezy. Light, flowy fabrics not only photograph beautifully, but they’ll help keep you cool and avoid that sticky, sweaty feeling mid-session.
The goal is to be comfortable and confident, no matter what the weather throws at us.
Tip 3: Let It Flow—Literally
There’s just something magical about movement in photos—like the gentle swirl of a dress in the breeze or a soft shirt catching the wind. Choosing clothes made from flowy, lightweight fabrics adds an effortless energy and natural feel to your photos that stiff or overly structured outfits just can’t compete with.
Think soft cotton, linen blends, chiffon, or anything that dances a little when you walk. These kinds of fabrics not only look beautiful on camera but also help you move more freely and feel more relaxed—especially important if you’ll be chasing little ones or twirling under a golden Central Ohio sunset.
One quick note: try to avoid super tight clothes that restrict movement or anything that wrinkles the moment you sit down. We want you focused on being in the moment—not tugging at your outfit or worrying about creases!
Tip 4: Embrace Earthy Tones & Thoughtful Color Choices
Neutrals and earthy tones are a classic for a reason—they let your connection shine without competing for attention. But don’t worry, that doesn’t mean you have to dress head-to-toe in beige (unless you love that, of course). There’s so much room to play within a warm, subtle color palette without going overboard.
Instead of bold, bright primaries, try muted, autumn-inspired versions of your favorite colors:
- 💃 Red? Go for burgundy or a rich wine shade
- 🌻 Yellow? Try mustard or warm ochre
- 🌊 Blue? Opt for navy or deep Prussian blue
- 🌿 Green? Olive or army green blends beautifully
The trick is to pick one standout color piece—maybe a flowy dress or a cozy knit—and then let the rest of your outfit complement it with softer, more neutral tones. This helps your look feel balanced and lets you be the star of the show, not your outfit.
Also, keep in mind: loud neons and bright fluorescents can steal the spotlight in the worst way. They tend to draw focus away from the emotion and connection we’re capturing, which is the real heart of the session.
Want a pro tip? Try to match your outfit tones to the natural colors in the environment—whether we’re in a golden field, a woodsy trail, or a charming downtown alley in Central Ohio. The idea is to create harmony between you and the setting—not to blend in completely, but to flow with the scene. Think complementary, not camouflage.
Oh—and please, no matching outfits with your spouse or kids! Coordinating is great, but identical colors and styles can make things feel flat and forced. Variety adds visual interest and makes the whole photo feel more dynamic and real.
Tip 5: Keep Patterns Subtle & Let the Setting Guide You
When it comes to patterns, less is usually more—especially if we’re shooting in a location with a lot going on visually. If the background is already rich with texture, shapes, or details (like city streets, tall grasses, or woodland trails), a simple, solid outfit will help you stand out against all that natural or architectural beauty.
On the flip side, if our backdrop is more minimal—think open fields or soft, neutral spaces—a delicate pattern can add just the right touch of visual interest.
The best patterns for photos? Think small and subtle—tiny florals, fine stripes, or understated prints that won’t steal the spotlight. The trick is to avoid anything that competes too much with the environment (or the other outfits in your group). One easy tip is to pull colors from your surroundings—like leafy greens, sky blues, or earthy browns—to help your outfit blend harmoniously without fading away.
And here’s a biggie: steer clear of clothing with large logos, slogans, or loud graphics. They can pull focus in a way that takes away from the real magic we’re trying to capture—those natural, connected moments between you and your people.
Tip 6: Accessorize with Meaning (But Skip the Watch)
Accessories can be the cherry on top of a great photo outfit. A stylish hat, a cozy scarf, some layered necklaces—these little details can add texture, personality, and a touch of flair to your photos. So yes, feel free to bring a few pieces along!
That said, I do recommend skipping the watch—especially smart watches. Hands often play a big role in telling the story during a session—whether you’re holding your partner’s hand, brushing your child’s hair back, or pulling someone in for a hug. A big, chunky watch can pull attention away from those intimate gestures and become an unintended focal point.
If you’re thinking about adding even more personal touches to your session, props can be an amazing way to tell your story—as long as they actually reflect you. Let the kids wear their favorite outfits and bring their treasured stuffies—you’ll treasure these memories in a few years time. A picnic setup, a bouquet of wildflowers, your vintage bike, your beloved pup, or even a beat-up truck you’ve made memories in—if it’s a part of your real life, it’s welcome in your photos.
Just make sure anything you bring along has a connection to you. If it doesn’t feel authentic, it’s probably better to leave it behind. The goal is always to keep the focus on you and your story, not on extra stuff that doesn’t mean anything to you.
Tip 7: Hair & Makeup—Keep It Natural (or Not!)
When it comes to hair and makeup, it’s totally your call! If you love a bit of glam, go for it—but the key is to keep it natural. You want to look like the best version of you, not someone you don’t recognize in the mirror. If you’re used to minimal makeup, I’d recommend sticking with what you’re comfortable with—it’ll keep you feeling more like yourself and less like you’re in disguise.
If you do decide to have your hair and makeup professionally done, just make sure to give yourself plenty of time. I recommend scheduling your appointment at least two hours before you need to head out to the shoot so you’re not rushing at the last minute. Being calm and relaxed before we start will make all the difference in how the session goes!
You’re Ready to Shine!
If you have any more questions about what to wear, don’t hesitate to reach out—I’m here to help! Feel free to send me photos of your outfit options, and together we can narrow down the perfect choices. If you’d like, we can even create a Pinterest board to help you visualize it all!
And remember, when in doubt, just wear something that makes you feel comfortable and happy. Express your personality, be yourself, and trust that your photos will turn out beautifully. The best images happen when you feel confident, relaxed, and ready to have fun with your family.
I can’t wait to capture some unforgettable moments with you!
Thank you for making this list! These tips make it so much less intimidating to get ready for having your picture taken!