What to Wear for Family Photos: A Practical Guide

Short answer: pick a palette of two or three colours that sit well together, mix textures rather than patterns, dress everyone to be comfortable, and avoid anything with large logos. You want to look like your best selves, not like a catalogue.

How do you choose a colour palette?

Start with one colour you all like and build around it. Soft neutrals — cream, oatmeal, sage, dusty blue — are easy to match and rarely date. Everyone does not need to match exactly; coordinating works better than matching.

• Choose 2–3 main colours and one accent.
• Vary tones within the palette — light, medium and dark — so no one blends into the others.
• Take your location into account: warm earthy colours stand out against green parks, soft pastels suit blossom and spring.

Which textures and fabrics photograph well?

Texture adds depth without the distraction of busy patterns. Linen, knit, cotton, denim and soft wool all photograph beautifully. Fabrics that crease badly or cling can be unflattering once you start moving.

What should you avoid?

• Large logos and slogans — they pull attention away from faces.
• Neon colours, which can cast colour onto skin.
• Tight patterns such as small stripes, which can shimmer in photographs.
• Brand-new shoes you have not walked in.

How should you dress children?

Comfort comes first. A child who is warm, dry and free to move gives you real smiles; one who is itchy or too hot does not. Pack a spare outfit and snacks, and let them wear a favourite item if it fits the palette.

Does the season change what you wear?

• Spring: soft pastels, white and cream; light layers for changeable weather.
• Summer: breathable linen and cotton; keep necklines and sleeves light.
• Fall: rust, mustard, olive and deep green; add scarves and knits.
• Winter: warm neutrals and deeper tones; coats, hats and boots that can stay on in the frame.

A simple checklist for the day before

1. Lay out every outfit together to see how the palette looks as a group.
2. Iron or steam everything.
3. Pack a spare outfit for each child and snacks.
4. Charge your phone and leave it in the car — the photographer will handle the picture-taking.

Family sessions with Larah are $450 CAD and include 1–2 hours, 30+ edited high-resolution images and the full originals. See the Service page or get in touch to choose a date.