If there is one question I hear more than any other before a family session, it is this one: what should we wear? I understand why. Coordinating outfits for an entire family while also getting kids out the door on time is no small task.
The good news is that I have built my entire process around making this part easy for you. Getting dressed for your family photoshoot in Omaha should not be the most stressful part of preparing for your session. With a little guidance from me, it becomes one of the simplest.
I Start With a Feeling, Not a Color Chart
Before I think about specific outfits, I ask you about the feeling you want your photos to carry. Soft and romantic? Warm and earthy? Clean and timeless? Once I know the mood you are drawn to, choosing colors and textures becomes much simpler because every choice I help you make gets filtered through that one idea.
I find that a soft, cohesive color palette photographs more beautifully than mixing several bold, competing colors. This does not mean everyone needs to match exactly. It means choosing tones that sit comfortably together, the way a well-designed room feels pulled together without looking forced.
Building a Palette That Works for Your Whole Family
A simple approach I recommend is choosing two or three complementary colors and letting each family member wear a variation of them. This creates a polished, intentional look in your photos without anyone feeling like they are in a uniform.
Some color palette directions I often suggest:
- Soft neutrals such as cream, taupe, and warm white paired with denim
- Muted earth tones like olive, rust, and soft brown
- Dusty blues and greens layered with neutral accents
- Classic black and white with one warm neutral mixed in for texture
Whatever palette feels right for your family, I encourage variety in texture and pattern rather than everyone wearing the exact same shade. A mix of solids, subtle stripes, and soft knits tends to photograph far more naturally than identical outfits.
Fabrics and Textures Matter More Than You Think
I always tell my clients that the way fabric moves and catches light makes a noticeable difference in the final images. Flowy dresses, soft knits, and natural fabrics like linen and cotton photograph beautifully in my natural light studio. Stiff fabrics or anything overly structured tend to feel less relaxed in the candid, movement-filled moments I love to capture.
Layering helps too. A cardigan, vest, or light jacket adds dimension to an outfit and gives you flexibility if we are working outdoors and the weather shifts during our time together.
What I Recommend Avoiding
A few simple choices keep your photos feeling timeless rather than dated. I usually steer my clients away from:
- Large, busy logos or graphic text on clothing
- Neon colors or anything overly bright that competes with skin tones
- Outfits that are uncomfortable to move or sit in, since our sessions involve a lot of both
- Brand new shoes that have not been broken in, especially for kids
Comfort matters just as much as style to me. A child who feels restricted in their outfit will show it on their face, and I see that discomfort come through in photos far more than any wardrobe choice ever could.
Let My Studio Wardrobe Closet Do the Work for You
One of the easiest ways I remove this guesswork entirely is through my client wardrobe closet, filled with high end pieces for moms, dads, and kids in a range of sizes and styles. Before your session, I take into account your skin tone, hair color, and personal style preferences, then bring curated wardrobe options directly to our session, ready to wear.
This means you and your husband can simply show up, try on a few options together, and let the styling come together naturally rather than spending weeks shopping and second guessing choices at home.
A Few Practical Tips for Your Session Day
- Lay out everyone’s outfit the day before, including shoes and accessories, so the morning of your session stays calm
- Bring a backup option for young kids in case of last-minute spills or meltdowns
- Keep hair and makeup simple and true to your everyday style so your photos still feel like you years from now
- Dress for the season and the setting of your session, since comfort outdoors looks different than comfort in a warm, sunlit studio
If you are still deciding between an outdoor location and my studio, you may find it helpful to read more about why hiring the best newborn photographer in Omaha matters for a sense of how I approach comfort and natural light across every type of session.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do we all need to match exactly for our family photos?
No. I find that matching exactly often looks less natural than coordinating. A shared color palette with some variety in texture and pattern tends to photograph more authentically than identical outfits.
What if my children refuse to wear what I planned?
This happens more often than you might think, and I always encourage a flexible mindset. Having a backup outfit and choosing comfortable clothing in the first place prevents most last minute battles.
Should we dress more formally for studio sessions than outdoor sessions?
Not necessarily. I care most about comfort and how the outfit complements your chosen palette. Some families prefer slightly more elevated pieces for studio portraits with me, while others keep things casual regardless of setting.
Can my husband wear a pattern if the rest of us wear solids?
Yes, as long as the pattern shares colors with the rest of the family’s palette. I find that a subtle pattern on one person adds visual interest without disrupting the overall cohesion of the group.
Is it better to buy new outfits or use your styling closet?
Both can work well, but I usually recommend using my curated client wardrobe to remove the stress of shopping for everyone at once. It also gives you access to higher-quality pieces that I have already considered with your coloring and the season in mind.
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