Family Photography Styling Guide
What to Wear for a Family Photo Session
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“What should we wear for our family photo session?”
One of the most common questions I receive from clients around the world is simple, yet crucial:
It is a valid concern. Whether you are planning a shoot in your hometown or a destination session in Europe, I place great importance on styling. The clothing you choose plays a massive role in shaping the final aesthetic of your images.
You do not need to buy a whole new wardrobe. However, intentional planning is the secret ingredient.
To help you prepare, I have curated this guide on what to wear for a family photo session to ensure your portraits look refined, cohesive, and effortless.
Why Styling Matters
When you look back at your photos in twenty years, you want to see the emotion and connection between your family. You don’t want to be distracted by a trendy logo or a shirt that clashes with the scenery.
Styling is about eliminating distractions. Whether we are shooting on a Greek island or a city street, the right clothing elevates your images from simple snapshots to fine art.
- Stick to Neutral & Earthy Tones
If you are wondering what to wear for a family photo session to achieve that high-end look, start with your color palette.
Soft colors work best in natural light. Think of tones like ivory, beige, dusty pink, sage green, soft blue, and warm gray. These shades absorb light rather than reflecting it harshly onto the skin. They give your portraits a delicate, artful feel that never goes out of style.
Pro Tip: Choose 2–3 complementary tones and build everyone’s outfits around them.
- Coordinate, Don’t Match
Gone are the days of everyone wearing identical white t-shirts and jeans. Modern styling is about viewing your family as a color palette rather than a uniform.
If one person wears beige, another can wear warm gray, and another soft brown. The goal is harmony. We want the group to look cohesive, while allowing individual personalities to shine through.
- Avoid Busy Patterns & Logos
Simplicity is the key to timelessness. Bold logos, cartoon graphics, or heavy prints can be very distracting. When looking at a photograph, the eye should be drawn to the emotion on a child’s face, not the text on their shirt.
Solid colors are your best friend. If you want variation, opt for subtle textures rather than loud prints. This is a golden rule when deciding what to wear for a family photo session.
- Texture is Key
If you stick to solid colors, how do you add visual interest? The answer is texture.
Natural fabrics like linen, cotton, muslin, and knits add beautiful depth. A chunky knit cardigan over a soft dress, or a linen shirt with rolled sleeves, adds a tactile element to the photo. These fabrics photograph effortlessly and fit an organic, “delicate art” aesthetic.
- Dress for Movement
We will likely be moving during our time together—walking, lifting kids, and interacting naturally. It is vital that your clothes allow you to move freely.
- Women: Flowy dresses are fantastic because they catch the breeze (especially beautiful for coastal shoots). Soft blouses with maxi skirts or linen jumpsuits are also great options.
- Men: Chinos or linen trousers paired with button-up shirts or knit polos look polished yet relaxed.
- Kids: Comfort is king. Simple rompers, cardigans, or soft dresses allow them to run and play.
- Footwear Matters
I often see perfectly styled outfits ruined by neon athletic sneakers. Please do not overlook footwear!
If you are shooting on a beach or in a grassy field, do not be afraid to go barefoot! It looks incredibly natural and grounded. Otherwise, neutral leather sandals, loafers, or soft slip-ons are best.
- Natural Hair & Makeup
We want you to look like the best version of yourself, so keep your hair and makeup natural.
A Note on Wind: If you are booking an outdoor session—especially in coastal locations like Greece or Italy—it is often breezy. I recommend having a way to pin hair back slightly or tuck it behind your ears. This ensures that even if the wind picks up, your eyes remain visible.
- Plan Ahead
Do not leave styling to the morning of the shoot. Lay out everyone’s outfits on a bed a few days before.
This allows you to see how the colors sit together. You might realize one shirt is too bright, or that you need more texture. Seeing it all together brings peace of mind, allowing you to relax and enjoy the experience.
Planning a Trip to Greece?
Now that you know what to wear for a family photo session, you are ready to create beautiful memories anywhere in the world.
If you are planning a trip to Greece, I would be honored to help you document it.
My goal is to make your session completely stress-free, allowing you to focus on what matters most—connecting with your loved ones.
Please fill out the contact form below to check availability for your dates.
I know that when you are traveling, time is precious, so I promise to respond to your request within 24 hours.
