Are you having pictures taken and wondering What to Wear for Family Pictures Outside? Whether it’s summer, fall or spring pictures find the best colors to wear outside as well should you wear matching or coordinating outfits.
What to Wear for Family Pictures Outside

Photography has been a passion of mine since, dare I say, the day I picked up a disposable camera. *cringe* I am the mom of a beautiful, spunky baby girl & wife to my high school sweetheart. I truly believe that a picture is something that should be cherished forever therefore I take the kind of pictures that I would like to display in my own home. I love natural light and try to keep my editing style that way as well… I honestly believe that photos are life.
One of the most common questions I am asked before sessions is “what should I wear to my photoshoot?” I have struggled with this myself when trying to dress my family for photoshoots; but here are some basic rules I go by when advising my clients.
Starting with #1…. Neutrals….. neutrals are ALWAYS a safe bet! Anything you would refer to as a “calming” color is a big YES to me!
Tans, navy’s, whites, denim, grays, blacks & even some pastels can be great choices!
Trust me….. the word neutral can sound uber boring I know! But when done right… they look AMAZING in pictures and the clothes don’t take away from the sweet families in the sessions!

These blush tones were perfect for this sunrise session, Lyric’s headband was EVERYTHING & that crop top…. STOP IT! I had all the feels.

#2… Bold colors can bring an awesome POP to a session. Just be careful with this & don’t do anything crazy. Bold colors can look amazing but can also be super distracting! I would for sure not have everyone in a bold color and maybe make one person the “center” of the session and let them shine…. like this beautiful mama to be below!!! As you can see everyone else is wearing something that compliments but doesn’t clash or stand out too much!

I absolutely loved this maternity session! The blue dress Teena wore was so fantastic & showed off that baby bump beautifully & can we talk about how Leilani stole the show with that smile!

On to #3….. Patterns can actually be okay …. when done right! I wouldn’t go overboard with something like looks like your grandmothers couch (you all know what I am talking about) … but small floral prints or some plaid can actually bring some pizzaz to your session! I also want to tie this into my…
#4 which is, don’t be too matchy matchy!
Coordinating colors are a MUST but match the outfits without matching the outfits if that makes any sense! For example….. pick 1 outfit (for anyone) that has more than one color in it…. then bring in colors from the original piece or coordinating colors for everyone else! Check out the picture below….. the girls are both wearing colors from their mothers dress which paired beautifully together and really stood out with the cotton as a background! Also notice the pattern on Kelly’s dress, not too busy, not too bold, not too distracting… PERFECT! — more on picking out your outfits to match your location –> What to Wear for Spring Family Pictures.

Here is another example of matching but not matching! Everyone has similar colors but they are not all the same! It really is such a fun way to bring a family together but keep everyone different at the same time!

Carrying on to #5…. Be comfortable!!! If you put on an outfit.. & it doesn’t feel quite right… don’t wear it to a session! There is nothing worse as a photographer than being able to tell someone is not comfortable in what they are wearing. Its hard to smile & have fun when you feel frumpy or feel like you should have worn something else! I have been in many a photoshoot when I look at myself later & wished I had worn something I was more comfortable in!! For example…. look at this little stud! You can tell he is feeling his outfit & looks great in it!

And Finally #6 which is the most important…… BE YOU!!! It is vital to be yourself during a photoshoot! Have fun, let loose & laugh with your family! After all, the reason you wanted photos in the first place is to have memories to look at! Wear something that makes you feel like your best self and have an amazing time!

Here is my sweet little family at our last photoshoot. My daughter has so much hair.. I hate that you can’t see her face!

I hope this helps with any questions you may have had about what to wear & what not to wear in a photoshoot! I look forward to seeing the outfits you guys come up with…. & please remember this….. being in front of a camera can be intimidating & sometimes make you feel stiff & uncomfortable… but talk & laugh with your family & you will be surprised how you can forget the camera is even there. Some of the best shots are made when the family is paying attention to each other & not the person behind the camera!
xoxo Hannah
MORE on what to wear…
What to Wear for Pictures – you’ll find a TON of extra ideas, tips and advice when it comes to choosing outfits for family pictures.
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