Let’s be honest—planning family photos can feel a little overwhelming. You want everyone to look nice, coordinate without being too matchy-matchy, and somehow keep the kids (and your husband!) happy along the way. I promise you—it doesn’t have to be stressful. Think of it as preparing for a fun family outing where you just happen to have a photographer tagging along to capture it all.

Here are some tips I’ve gathered to help you choose outfits, prep everyone, and actually enjoy the process:

1. Start with Mom’s Outfit

This might sound funny, but it works every time: choose your outfit first. Moms often wait until the end, and then nothing feels quite right. Pick something you love and feel good in—comfortable, flattering, and you. A flowy dress, a cozy sweater, or even jeans with a pretty top can all look amazing. When you feel confident, it sets the tone for the whole family.

2. Build Around Your Colors

Once you’ve got your outfit, build the rest of the family’s looks around it. Choose two or three main colors and sprinkle in soft neutrals (cream, beige, gray, denim) to keep things balanced. Think complementary, not identical—coordinated rather than matching.

Example: If you’re wearing a soft sage green dress, your daughter could wear cream, your husband a light gray shirt, and your son khaki pants with a denim shirt.

3. Keep Patterns Simple

A little pattern is great—florals, stripes, subtle textures—but avoid anything too bold, neon, or covered in big logos. Solid colors or soft patterns photograph beautifully and won’t distract from your faces (which is what we want to focus on!).

4. Think Comfort for the Kids

Kids need to move, run, twirl, and cuddle. Choose clothes that allow them to do that! Nothing too scratchy or stiff. If they’re comfortable, they’ll be happier and more cooperative, and we’ll capture those genuine giggles and sweet snuggles.

Tip: If you’ve got toddlers, bring a backup outfit—just in case. Spills and surprises happen.

5. Shoes Matter (But Don’t Stress Too Much)

Neutral shoes work best—browns, tans, soft colors. Try to avoid bright sneakers unless they’re part of your family’s everyday look. And if we’re shooting in a field or at the beach, barefoot photos can be beautiful too.

6. Little Touches Go a Long Way

• Layers add depth (cardigans, vests, scarves).

• Avoid overly shiny jewelry or watches.

• A little hair bow, suspenders, or a fun hat can give kids’ outfits personality without being distracting.

7. Prepare Everyone’s Mindset

Here’s the secret: it’s not about perfection.

• Tell your husband he doesn’t need to “smile at the camera” the whole time—it’s more about cuddling up, walking together, and being himself.

• Let the kids know it’ll be fun, not stiff. We’ll play games, move around, and they’ll get breaks.

• And for you? Breathe. Your love and connection are what matter most, not whether your toddler stands still for every shot.

8. Stay Calm (Even If Things Don’t Go as Planned)

I know it’s tempting to stress if your child isn’t “cooperating,” but honestly, those real, in-between moments often make the best photos. A hug, a silly face, a laugh when things go sideways—it’s all part of your story.

9. Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute

Lay out everyone’s outfits a few days before the session. Do a quick try-on to make sure everything fits, is clean, and feels good. That way, the day of your session, you’re not scrambling.

Outfit Color Palette Ideas for Family Sessions

These palettes are just starting points—you don’t have to follow them exactly. Think of them as inspiration for mixing colors that feel natural and timeless together. The most important thing is that you feel like yourself and love what you’re wearing.

Earthy Neutrals
Warm beige, olive green, rust, cream, soft brown.
Perfect for fall sessions in fields or woodsy locations—cozy, timeless, and natural.

Warm & Golden
Mustard yellow, burnt orange, navy blue, ivory, tan.
This works beautifully in golden-hour sessions, adding richness and vibrance without being too bold.

Coastal Blues
Dusty blue, soft gray, white, sand, light tan.
Lovely for beach or waterfront sessions—calm, clean, and classic.

Muted Jewel Tones
Deep teal, burgundy, forest green, cream, charcoal.
Perfect for late fall or winter, when you want something a little more dramatic and elegant.