Are you getting ready to choose outfits for family photos? For some, this is part of the “fun”. For others, this part of it is stressful and is holding them back mentally and financially. It can definitely add to the cost of a session. But what if I told you that you can keep that expense to a minimum?
Some photographers are on the side of the fence that you should ALWAYS purchase new outfits for family pictures and some are on the side of the fence that you should NEVER purchase new outfits. I’m not on either side, but, to be completely honest, I probably hang out closer to the “purchase new outfits” side.
Let me explain:
You feel different when you have a new outfit. I believe family pictures shouldn’t be a task, it should be special. It feels special when you buy a new outfit and save it for your family pictures. If you go into a session with the idea that you are going to make memories, some of the pressure is taken off.
As a Houston family photographer AND a mom, I know how hard it is to drive around to try and find good outfits. Houston is an hour from Houston. So, many times, our only option is to order outfits online, although more convenient, it can be costly.
How to Choose Outfits for Family Photos from your closet
Let me walk you through finding outfits for family portraits in your own closet! This way you can find perfect outfits for your entire family or only have to purchase a couple of pieces.
I suggest starting this process 3-4 weeks ahead. My entire purpose is to help you minimize stress. Don’t procrastinate, plan ahead.
Step 1: Look Through the Closets
The first closet run through. Before you pick a color palette, before you pick a style, go through all of the closets one time.
What does everyone have?
What colors would go with the colors in your home?
Would casual or dressier work best?
Take some outfit options out and lay them on the bed or floor.
From here it may be easier to visualize a color palette that you like. Take items to your living room. Your images should be used as art around your home. What colors would you want to see on the walls?
Step 2: Choose a Color Palette
Choose your color palette for the session. Choosing a cohesive color palette is key to making your family look put together. Instead of everyone wearing the exact same color, aim for a mix of complementary shades. Here’s how to do it:
Choose a neutral base: Neutrals like white, beige, gray, or cream work well and are probably already in your closet.
Add 1–2 accent colors: These can be soft pastels or richer tones like dusty blue, mustard, or olive green, depending on the season. Always remember to keep even the accent color the neutral tone of the color, it photographs so much more smoothly.
Just an extra reminder to coordinate, doesn’t match. Especially, when you are choosing from your own closet, there could be a temptation to grab everyone’s white shirts and call it a day. A white shirt can be a great neutral base, but, definitely, keep going to find coordinating neutrals and accent colors.
Step 3: Find Layers
The next step is to find layers. I am a big believer that adding layers and accessories adds to your outfits and adds interest to your pictures, but don’t go overboard. Everyone doesn’t need a jacket or a hat. Is there someone that has a nice jeans jacket or a vest? Does mom have a pretty necklace or bracelet? Or a wide-brimmed hat to wear in some pictures.
Houston family photography can be complicated with the weather. Most of the year, the thought of wearing a jacket is awful. That makes layering a bit more difficult. If it is going to be warm, maybe just bring the jacket and we can put it on for a few pictures and then take it off. Also, with skirts or dresses and shirts, layers can be built in with texture, like lace and tulle.
Family photo sessions in Houston can bring out your creativity.
A Houston Family Photographer’s Tips on How to Choose Outfits for Family Photos
Now that you are getting a more clear sense of what you have, are there any gaps? This is a great use of the Mollie Jane Client Experience Guide to take a look at the style section. You can get some great ideas there for colors and accessories or layers and textures.
If anyone gets a new outfit for family pictures, it should be mom. Now that you have the colors you want and you know what everyone has you can go to the Mollie Jane Client Experience Guide and see what links are there for dresses in your color palette or go to the list of our favorite online retailers to see what options are there. Many of the options that I include are VERY cost effective!
If you decide to order something, while you are waiting for that to come, check everyone’s footwear options. Clean sneakers and dressy shoes. These are the things that, surprisingly stand out. Dirty sneakers can be an eye sore of a beautiful family picture.
Step 4: Try Your Outfits On
Try to be at this last step at least a week before your session. Once everything is ready, have everyone try it on. Does everything fit? Is everyone coordinating well? Send a picture to your photographer. He or she will be posing everyone, is there anything that would clash and make it hard in your session?
Choosing outfits for your family photo session doesn’t have to mean a trip to the store. With a little creativity and a thoughtful approach, you can pull together looks that are stylish, comfortable, and uniquely yours, all from what you already have. The key is coordination, comfort, and confidence. When you feel good in your clothes, it shows in the photos!
Now, go ahead and raid your closet—you probably have everything you need right at home.
Bonus tip: If you do decide to buy new items for your family pictures in Houston, coming from your Houston family photographer and a mom who has done family sessions for her family, buy items that can be worn regularly, not just items that a specifically for your family pictures.
If you are a Mollie Jane Photography client, you can refer to your amazing Mollie Jane Photography Client Experience Guide for inspiration. Or you can go to these sites, during peek family picture season, they have sections of their site dedicated to family picture outfit ideas:
Do you want to see a great example of an extended family photography session in Houston that shopped their closets to choose outfits for family photos? Click on this link HERE.
