Your guide to never stressing over outfits for family photos again!

Let's be honest...sometimes picking out outfits for family photos is the hardest part of the entire process.

I've had families tell me they wanted to book a session months ago, but that they have nothing to wear, and the session never got booked. If that sounds familiar, you're definitely not alone.

Somewhere along the way, Instagram convinced us that family photos require perfectly coordinated, brand-new outfits for everyone in the family. It can make you feel like if you don't have the "perfect" wardrobe, you shouldn't even book the session.

I'm here to challenge that idea, and help you feel picture ready!

Some of my favorite sessions have been with families wearing clothes they already had in their closets. The focus becomes more on the people in the photos and not on their clothes. A. few years back, my husband and I were selling the first home we had bought together. The one we brought our kids home to. A house with so many memories, we had to document it one last time. Before I had a chance to scroll the depths of the internet to find the perfect outfits, I booked an in-home lifestyle session before we said goodbye. I searched our closets, followed the rules below and didn't buy a single thing. Our photos came out perfect. When I look at the photos I see us, not outfits on people.

Here are a few simple tips that will make choosing outfits so much easier.

Start with a piece you love

Instead of trying to plan outfits for everyone all at once, start with just one.

Maybe it's a dress you absolutely love for your daughter, a shirt that looks great on your husband, or a sweater you've been wanting an excuse to wear. Once you have that one piece, build everyone else's outfits around it by pulling colors from that outfit.

It's so much less overwhelming than trying to coordinate five people all at once.

Large, small, solid, texture

A good rule of thumb is to have one person in a larger pattern, another person in a smaller pattern, and the rest in coordinating solid colors. If you have a family of more than 4 people, start adding in some textured items to some of those wearing solids. (A chunky sweater, corduroy pants, etc.). Too many patterns of the same scale can be overwhelming and distracting. Try avoiding words on clothes or logos that stand out.

You don't want everyone matching exactly. Coordinating colors create a much more natural look and keep the focus on your family instead of your clothes.

Dress for the Location

Think about where your session is taking place and ask yourself:

"What would we wear if we were spending time here?"

If we're walking through a field at sunset, a suit jacket might feel a little out of place. If we're downtown, you might choose something a little more polished. A ball gown on the beach? Not the right feel. Keep it simple.

Your clothing should complement the setting—not compete with it. When your outfits fit the location, your photos feel authentic and effortless.

Comfort over fashion

If you're uncomfortable, it'll show.

This doesn't mean you should wear your favorite sweatpants for photos. Choose clothes that fit well, that you can move around in, and that you don't have to constantly adjust. The same goes for your kids. If they're tugging at itchy clothes or uncomfortable shoes, it's going to make the session harder for everyone.

When everyone is comfortable, everyone is more relaxed—and those genuine smiles come through in your photos.

Don't overthink it

At the end of the day, your family photos aren't about perfectly styled outfits.

They're about capturing the season of your life that you are in right now.

The laughter, hugs, silly moments, and genuine connections are what make your gallery special. Your clothing should simply support those memories, not become another source of stress.

So stop waiting until everyone has the "perfect" outfit. Chances are, you already have everything you need!

And if you're still stuck, just ask! I'm always happy to help my families put outfits together before their session. Sometimes all it takes is texting me a few photos of what you're considering, and we can figure it out together.