What to Wear to Your Family Shoot: A Photographer's Guide

March 2nd, 2026

When it comes to a family or couple shoot, I always encourage my clients to dress in a way that reflects their personality and style. Fashion is a form of self-expression and it's important to allow each individual their own voice. The most important thing, however, is comfort.

You want to look back at these photographs years down the line and remember not just what you looked like, but who you were. You want to see the joy in your eyes, the love in your smiles, the comfort in your postures. And trust me, uncomfortable clothing can easily steal away that relaxed, genuine vibe we aim for in every shoot.

Now, don't get me wrong. I don't mean you should show up in your pajamas (unless, of course, that's your style!). What I mean is, choose outfits that make you feel good, that make you feel like yourself. If you're a jeans-and-a-t-shirt kind of person, go for it. If you love dresses and heels, that's perfect too.

For families, consider coordinating your outfits without being too matchy-matchy. For instance, you can pick out a color palette that everyone can incorporate into their outfits in their own way. This helps to create a sense of unity in the photographs without compromising individual styles.

Another thing to keep in mind is the location of your shoot. Make sure your outfits complement the environment. For instance, if we're shooting at the beach, lighter colors and casual styles might work better. If it's an urban location, you might want to go for something a bit more edgy.

Remember, these photographs are a celebration of you and your loved ones. So let your outfits reflect that. Have fun with it, play around with different options, and most importantly, wear what makes you feel like the best version of yourself. Because that's who we're trying to capture in these photographs - the real you.