Styling Tips for a Relaxed Family Photo Session

Let’s be honest: figuring out what everyone is going to wear for family photos can feel a bit overwhelming. You want everyone to look great and feel comfortable, while letting your family's real personality shine through.

If you're currently looking at a bed covered in clothes wondering where to start, take a breath! We’ve helped plenty of families get ready for their sessions, and it’s much easier than it looks.

Here are a few simple ideas to help you pull your crew's outfits together effortlessly.

1. Aim for Coordinating Colors

Instead of trying to get everyone in matching outfits, it's often easiest to pick a soft, simple color palette that plays nice together.

A great approach is to mix cozy neutrals—like cream, grey, khaki, or classic denim—with one or two warm accent tones. Muted greens, soft blues, and earthy rust tones always photograph beautifully and look incredibly cohesive together without feeling forced.

2. Embrace Cozy Textures

Clothing with a bit of texture adds wonderful warmth and depth to a photograph. When you're looking through the closets, keep an eye out for pieces that have a nice feel to them, such as:

Comfortable knit sweaters

Classic linen or denim shirts

Flowing layers or textured cotton

These kinds of fabrics catch the light beautifully and give your photos a really rich, inviting feel.

3. Choose Clothes Made for Movement

Our favorite photos are almost always the ones where everyone is laughing, moving, and just interacting naturally. To make sure the kids can explore and be themselves, look for outfits that give them plenty of room to move around.

Having them try everything on a few days before the shoot for a quick test run in the living room is a great way to ensure they feel great and are ready to have fun.

4. Keep Footwear Simple and Comfortable

Since we'll likely be moving around to find the best light, comfortable footwear is key. Clean, classic options like leather boots, simple canvas sneakers, or neat flats work perfectly. And if we happen to be down on the sand for a beach session, going barefoot is always a fantastic, relaxed option!

The Main Goal is Comfort

At the end of the day, the absolute best thing you can bring to a session is your genuine self. When everyone feels comfortable and relaxed in what they're wearing, it makes for the most authentic, memorable photos.