Start with Comfort, Not Perfection
Has it ever happened that you booked a family session and then realized… you have no idea what anyone should wear? You’re not alone. Outfits can feel like the hardest part, especially when you want the photos to feel natural, warm, and truly “you”.
If there’s one thing I always encourage, it’s this: choose comfort first.
If you haven’t worn a dress in years, the session is not the best time to try one on for the very first time. Reach for clothes you already love, pieces that move with you, let you bend, cuddle, pick up your child, or chase a toddler without thinking about how you look.
When you feel good in your clothes, your shoulders drop, your smile softens, and your real self shows up. That’s exactly what we want in your photos.
Little ocean note: if we’re shooting by the water, there’s a good chance someone will end up splashing in the waves. Bringing an extra outfit for you and the kids is always a smart idea.
Let Colors Support the Story
One of the easiest ways to make your gallery look soft and cohesive is to let your colors work with the location, not against it.
By the ocean, gentle tones look beautiful: soft blues, creams, beige, sand, muted yellows, dusty pinks. They blend with the sea and sky and keep the focus on your faces and connection.
In parks or more green spaces, earthy colors are your friends: warm browns, olive, terracotta, soft pastels. They sit nicely against trees, grass, and paths, without feeling too bright or “loud”.
You don’t need to match exactly. Think coordinated, not identical:
choose a small palette of 3–4 colors,
let everyone pick something within that range,
keep big logos and neon shades away from the camera.
If someone loves shorts, that’s okay too, just make sure they look a little structured, not like gym wear. The idea is that everyone looks like they belong to the same story, but still feels like themselves.
And if you’re still deciding where to shoot, you can always pair your outfits with the right backdrop later.
For ideas, you can link this line to your “10 Best Places for a Family Photoshoot in San Diego” post.
Try It On, Then Forget About It
A few days before your session, do a tiny “dress rehearsal” at home.
Put all the outfits together on the bed or take a quick photo of them side by side, and see how they look as a group. Then actually try them on:
Can you sit on the sand or grass comfortably?
Can you lift your child without adjusting your clothes every second?
Do the shoes feel okay for walking?
If something pulls, pinches, or needs constant fixing, it will distract you during the session. Better to swap it now than worry about it later.
The most important thing to remember: your outfits are there to support the moment, not steal the scene. When you’re relaxed, playing, hugging, or laughing together, no one is thinking about “perfect clothes”, they’re feeling the connection. And that’s what makes the photos timeless.
If you’d like help choosing outfits for your family, I’m always happy to look over ideas and give gentle suggestions. We can plan everything together - from colors and textures to the location that suits your style, so on the day of the session, all you have to do is show up, breathe, and enjoy your time together.
