When you’re trying to create a beautiful and timeless family portrait it is important that you choose the right clothing. Just Google bad family portraits to see why. You’ll find lots of hilarious outfits and concepts which make great Facebook profile photos and future blackmail material. But when it’s time to tell your family story you really want to get it right, and you want it to last!

Not too long ago it was popular for the whole family to wear white shirts and blue jeans. In fact, your internet search will probably return lots of matching outfits in family portraits. These days, however, the trend is to coordinate, not match for a couple of reasons. First, this is the best way to show off each family member’s unique personality. And second, not every outfit looks good on every person. Those white shirts will wash out most skin tones, and not every cut works on every body.

So when my clients ask me, “What should we wear,” I feel their pain. It can be difficult enough dressing oneself, let alone making a small brood coordinate and look fashionable while taking into consideration the weather, the backdrop, and whether or not the young ones’ outfits will show grass stains. But don’t worry! I’ve outlined some simple instructions below to help you narrow down your wardrobe choices for your next family portrait.

What to wear

• Neutral, coordinating colors. Do not match! Like I said above, not every color or fit works for every person. Mix colors that go well together but are not exactly the same. This is easiest done using neutral colors, which will also weather the years better than bright, bold colors.
• Patterns like plaids, stripes, and floral. You can even mix-and-match them, and don’t be afraid to layer them with solid colors and denims.
• Fitted clothes. Tailored outfits will always look better than loose-fitting clothing. If you feel the need, wear span x to smooth rolls (we all have them). Also, you should choose a cut that works best on each family member’s body type.
• Closed-toe shoes. There are few instances when you should go barefoot or wear sandals, but in general most people should wear closed-toed shoes. This can include fashionable boots, dress shoes, and sneakers.
• Jeans. It is not an absolute, but don’t be afraid of them, including torn jeans if that’s your style.
• Sleeves. Of course take the season into account when choosing the cut of your top, but most people should wear sleeves.
• Layers. Often my clients like to get a little bit of wardrobe variety in their portrait session, but let me tell you that with kids you won’t have time to change! Family sessions usually move along rather quickly as we try to fit in as many shots as possible while children are cooperating. So by layering rather than bringing a change of clothes you can quickly and easily change up your look.

How to dress your kids

• Avoid dressing your little ones in short dresses as they have a tendency to ride up. you will spend most of your session playing! Be sure that the outfit you’ve chosen to dress your little one in is play-time appropriate.
• Use spandex shorts if you are putting your child in a dress just in case.
• Try your best to hide diapers. Bloomer pants are a great choice, and a longer shirt (tucked in or not) will help as well. It is not absolutely imperative that diapers are covered up. I recommend that you do a wardrobe test-run and if you find yourself fiddling with your child’s clothing to cover up their mid-section, diaper, or underpants, choose a different outfit.
• Be careful with accessories. Often children don’t want to wear hats or scarves and will remove them. In other cases they’ll use them to hide from the camera. Remember that the important part is not the outfit, but the moments that are captured of your family. Just go with the flow if your child removes accessories to avoid crying

What not to wear

• Unfitted t-shirts. This includes any kind of loose t-shirt or sport top.
• Anything with logos or graphics. In my experience the only acceptation to this rule is children who cannot yet walk (because they literally cannot object to being dressed in hilariously ironic and adorable clothing).
• Ball caps or practically any other kind of hat. Though you’ll see fashionable hats on Pinterest, that fashionable hat will leave a shadow over your eyes and a red ring around your forehead.
• Sleeveless shirts, strapless tops, or halter tops. This is not a hard rule, but I recommend that people wear sleeves. The brightest part of your photographs will be the most noticeable. Because our faces are generally always exposed to the sun and our arms often aren’t, the skin on our arms is usually lighter than our faces. This can be exaggerated in photographs, and result in a very distracting arm situation.
• Anything that shows your undergarment straps or under pants.
• Cargo pants.
• All white or all black.
• Velcro sandals, any kind of running shoe or skate shoe, or crocks.
• Snuggies. (I’ve never seen it happen, but I thought I better put it on the list just in case.)
• Hoodies.
• Short dresses. A short dress can significantly limit your ability to pose comfortably for your photos. Test out your favorite dress to see if it’s appropriate for your session by sitting on the ground. If you cannot comfortably sit in it, it will be best to choose a dress that is longer or opt for pants.

Looking great!

• You’re looking fabulous now! It’s easier to dress for family portraits than you might think. Practically any pattern and texture is great, and you can feel free to mix and match styles to show off your personalities. By focusing on cuts that look best on each individual family member, everyone will arrive at your session feeling confident. And when you mix neutral colors you’ll be sure that your family portrait will still look great 20 years from now.

Select locations that are very meaningful to you (like the place where you met :) or that best describe you as a couple. Maybe a location which represents a shared hobby or activity you enjoy doing together. If you would like help identifying a meaningful location, I can help suggest some options based on your personalities and the style of images that you would like to create.

When i am photographing a family portrait about nine times out of ten the client will ask, “Do you have a place you typically like to photograph?”

We all do, of course, but if you take every portrait client to the same location, your portfolio will develop an undesirable, repetitive consistency.

That’s why it’s important to thoroughly scout the area where you live and work, to build a list of go-to spots for any scenario, circumstance, and style.

When it comes to family beach photos, you can choose from a number of different outfits. Depending on what beach you are on, your family can opt for a breezy, lightweight look or a comfy, coastal vibe. 

If you are taking photos somewhere tropical like Hawaii, sundresses, shorts, light neutral tones, and linen are great options. On the other hand, if your beach photos are being shot near the coasts of Washington or Oregon, layers will be more appropriate. 

Depending on how formal you want your family beach photos to be, you can choose clothing that is a bit more dressy, or clothing that feels more laid back. Choose what makes your family feel comfortable, and play around with textures.

As long as the clothing reflects your family, you’ll be looking great for your beach session!

Family Beach Pictures, What To Wear + Modern Outfit Ideas!

What to wear for a beach family portrait session?

For a beach family session, go with airy, neutral, and comfortable clothing items that have a coastal feel. Achieve a cohesive look for the whole family by choosing neutral or pastel color tones in mostly solids, with small pops of pattern. Your clothing should not distract from the breathtaking scenery or your beautiful family. 

We hope you have enjoyed this list, and when it comes to the question of “beach family pictures, what to wear?“, you have your answer and can feel confident choosing your family’s attire.

We are certain everyone will be all smiles for your beach photography session and the photos are sure to serve as beautiful keepsakes for a lifetime!

Family beach pictures, what to wear? That is the question! Take inspiration from these chic and modern family beach portrait looks. 

When it comes to family beach photos, you can choose from a number of different outfits. Depending on what beach you are on, your family can opt for a breezy, lightweight look or a comfy, coastal vibe. 

If you are taking photos somewhere tropical like Hawaii, sundresses, shorts, light neutral tones, and linen are great options. On the other hand, if your beach photos are being shot near the coasts of Washington or Oregon, layers will be more appropriate. 

Depending on how formal you want your family beach photos to be, you can choose clothing that is a bit more dressy, or clothing that feels more laid back. Choose what makes your family feel comfortable, and play around with textures.

As long as the clothing reflects your family, you’ll be looking great for your beach session!

What is the best color to wear for beach pictures?

Neutral tones like ivory, cream, beige, or tan, along with subtle pastel colors like mist blue, sage green, and light pink are best for beach photo shoots. Whether your beach pictures will be in a tropical or coastal location, neutrals and pastels photograph very well against the sand, water, and hues of the sky.

It’s also best to stick to mostly solid colors, and add in pops of subtle patterns like stripes, florals, and polka dots for interest. Overly busy patterns and bright, bold colors can be distracting and take away from the beach scene and your family.

Family Beach Picture Outfits To Inspire You

Taking our color scheme suggestions into account, below are some of our favorite outfit ideas for the whole family. These suggestions reflect more of a laid back, tropical vibe.

White, linen, barefeet and rolled up jeans, what’s not to love? These outfits will have your family looking fresh and fun on a tropical beach vacation! 

Airy whites on the beach are perfect for a more formal family beach session. Have the girls in all white, linen dresses and the boys in linen button-downs with either white or very light khaki pants.

No shoes are needed for this beach look! Your family portraits will seem almost ethereal.

Adding subtle splashes of color to your family beach photos can add interest. Pastel pink always looks excellent against a beach sunrise or sunset.

We suggest keeping it simple with a pastel button-down shirt, or going with a pastel pink dress. Combining the pink with white and other neutral tones keeps the photo crisp and clean while still adding a little something extra. 

The color and outfit combination in this photo is dressed-up enough for printable s, but still has a laid-back vibe. 

A color palette of beige, whites, and creams, is a great way to make your beach pictures look stunning without adding a lot of color.

If the beach location for your session has any type of grass, this oatmeal color palette is perfect. We also love the added texture of the straw hat on the mama in this photo.

Dress your little ones in neutral colored shorts, t-shirts, or rompers, and you’ll instantly have a comfy, cozy beach vibe. 

SEE YOU AT THE BEACH!

MORE GREAT IDEAS FOR YOUR FAMILY PORTRAITS.

Choosing the right location for your family photo session.

As my client, I know you are thinking about SO MANY THINGS when booking your family session. What to wear? What time of day? And… Where should you have your family photos taken? I realize that the options might seem overwhelming at first, but I have a tried and true method that I walk each client through to help them find a location that is a good fit for their “style” and the age of the kids.

The location will set the overall mood and feel for your family shoot. When choosing the perfect place for your family session there are several things that you want to consider. In order to help you, I have broken the locations down into five general categories to help you narrow down your selection. Once we have a category in mind I can help you determine the exact location.

 
Five types of photo locations you should consider for your family photo session.

1. Nature– Nature locations tend to offer wide-open spaces, tall grass, nature trails and beautiful sunsets. This is a versatile backdrop that compliments most clothing styles. In addition, nature locations are ideal for families with babies, toddlers and smaller kids as they offer a few distractions. The best part is the little ones can roam freely without stress or the dangers or a more urban location.

2. Parks – Local city parks, walking trails and golf courses are filled with photography session options. These locations tend to be more manicured than nature locations with green grass, park benches, and landscaping. Many local parks have water features such as a pond, creek or waterfall. This is a perfect choice if you want a more polished look for your session. My one word of caution is to pick a location far away from a plays scape as it will be a huge distraction for the younger kids.

3. Collective– Buildings and trees, alleyways and streets, nature and architecture. Collective locations offer a bit of everything for your family session. These locations allow us to incorporate a nature + urban feel into the same shoot giving you lots of variety.

4. Rustic – Weathered shabby buildings, historic downtown areas with exposed brick and chipped paint, and gravel country roads. You might feel as if you have stepped back in town when you are in a rustic location. The textures and colors add a lot of visual interest to your photos. This is a great option for families with school age and older children.

5. Urban – Brick buildings, alleys, colorful graffiti, parking garages, and busy streets + sidewalks. This is a perfect location for the family that loves the hustle and bustle that the city has to offer. The variety of elements and backgrounds are exciting and the bright colors make your images come alive. As with the rustic locations this type of environment is best for families with school age or older children who will stay close by and be able to follow instructions easily.

I hope that these suggestions have helped you narrow down the type of location that you would like to have. One we have a type in mind I can help you choose from 2-3 options within that category that would best meet the needs of your individual family

The "golden hours"--early to mid-morning and late afternoon--are the best times of the day for outdoor shots. Plan for at least a couple of hours before sunset. You can still take photos at other times of the day; however, it gets a little trickier for getting the best light. Depending on travel time to various locations, a senior session is typically between one and three hours .

My ultimate favorite part of the day!

Sweet light because its soooo sweet!

The "golden hours"--early to mid-morning and late afternoon--are the best times of the day for outdoor shots. Plan for at least a couple of hours before sunset. You can still take photos at other times of the day; however, it gets a little trickier for getting the best light. Depending on travel time to various locations, a senior session is typically between one and three hours .

The golden hour occurs just after sunrise and before sunset, when the sun stays low on the horizon, creating a signature warm glow. Although professional photographers understand the golden hour more efficiently, it is the first hour after sunrise and the last hour before sunset. 

 The golden hour is also known as the “magic hour” by cinematographers. This is because, during the golden hour, the sun is low in the sky, providing a soft, diffused light that is much more favorable than the harsh midday sun that so many of us are used to shooting in. 

The golden hour’s soft, warm, directional light makes it easier to shoot than the harsh light of a midday sun. Both professional photographers and beginners prefer to shoot during the golden hours since it’s easier to work with.

Golden hour gets its characteristic look since the sun is in a lower position in the sky. Compared to other times of day, golden hour light is:

• Soft: the transition from light to dark is gradual, creating soft light that’s universally flattering and particularly good for portraits.
• Warm: the low angle of the sun creates an orange glow, associated with calm and happiness.
• Directional: since the sun is low in the sky, it’s easy to create back-lighting, side lighting or front lighting with just the sun utilizing my creative skill sets

Together, those three characteristics form the magic of the golden hour. All you have to do to take advantage of the golden hours is adjust your session time. And perhaps wake up a little earlier!

Sweet light baby !

Everyone has different reasons or inspiration for initiating a new family portrait. We will be better equipped to calculate an investment amount once we hear of your specific needs.

Some ideas to consider: Are you looking to just have a few new images or do you have a wall or mantel you are looking to personalize? We will help every step of the way. We offer impressive pricing on framing for your wall images and we can even hang them for you in your home. We make the entire process easy, professional and enjoyable.

As far in advance as possible to guarantee your date - ESPECIALLY if you're hoping for fall photos for the Christmas card! We know, "please book early" seems to be the recurring theme here, but we hate having to turn clients away!

We promise to answer your communications with us within a maximum of 2 business days (M-F, closed on holidays) with a short phone call! We often are able to respond the very same day and will answer every question you have through the entire process from first contact to when you receive your images! Skipping the phone chat isn’t an option - don’t worry, we don’t bite and won't keep you on the phone for an hour.

We don’t list detailed pricing information on the website, so you didn’t miss that anywhere! Our session rates  ( which varies ) which is due at booking and does not include files or product. After your session, you will view your image gallery and then purchase what you love! We have both a la carte and collection options. Our pricing guides are transparent and to the point. YES - each of our collections include a certain number of high resolution images for you to keep that you can print on your own!

All outdoor sessions. Monday-Saturday each week and begin 60-75 minutes before sunset year round, or 10 minutes before sunrise year round. Sunrise sessions are recommended in the warmer summer months if you have early risers and are happy in the morning as the temperatures are often 20-25 degrees cooler than at sunset.

Just tap on the Schedule a session tab to secure your session.