Deciding what family photo outfits to wear can be just as challenging as finding the perfect location. These are photos you are going to hang on your walls and cherish for years to come. It can seem overwhelming when considering what to wear but it doesn’t need to be.

Coordinating colors not matching

No longer is everyone wearing a white shirt and matching. Also you don’t have to have everyone buy a white shirt and jeans. Allow personalities to shine with colors and patterns. Pick a couple of colors and choose clothes that will fit in this color scheme.

Look at your home decor

You might be asking you self what is he talking about. What does your home decor have to do with family picture outfits? A lot actually. Do you like bright colors? Neutrals? Since you will be hanging these photos in your house you want to make sure the colors of your clothes go with the color scheme of your home.

Here is the fun part walk around your home and think about where will you display these photos? If they are going in the living room look at the colors in there. Do you have bright decorative pillows or more of a neutral palette?

Don’t forget accessories

Accessories not only add to your outfit but they can be fun to use in photos. Necklaces for the kids to play with or hats to hide behind. Remember the idea is not to create these perfect photos. Family photos are a time to capture who your family is at that time. Most people take family photos in the fall which means there are plenty of accessories you can add. Consider a fun scarf, cute coat, or stylish hat. The possibilities are endless.

Limit patterns

Personally, I enjoy having an outfit in the mix that has all the colors in it. However, not everyone in the photo should wear patterns as it may distract the final image.

Consider picking one outfit for your family photos that has a lot of colors or fun pattern. Choose that outfit first. This gives you plenty of colors to choose from to pick your coordinating colors.

Say no to characters

Yes, your little one may love their super hero shirt but you may want to skip it for the family photo session. Just like patterns, characters on shirts can be pretty distracting. Characters, like too many patterns, can make your photo look too busy.

Avoid all white or all black clothing

As mentioned earlier you would rather do coordinating colors than all white.

Same can be said with all black, it’s easy to have clipping on black clothing and the detail is lost.

Textures are your friend

I am a huge fan of a hooded sweaters . However, in photographs I like to add textures like scarves or belts to add a little more to the image. Don’t shy away from different textures.

By adding different textures through the material of your family outfits or your accessories you are adding depth and interest to your photos.

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Fall Family Picture Outfits

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The most popular time of year to get family photos is during the fall. The leaves are changing and the sun is softer. Plus, you need a new family photo for your holiday cards. Something to consider when choosing fall family picture outfits is the tones of the season.

Consider choosing outfits with warm earth tones.

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Family Beach Picture Outfits

Another popular time to get family photos done is while on vacation, especially at the beach. Again, you may feel the need to wear matching family outfits like all white shirts but that isn’t ideal.

Instead, while at the beach consider wearing cooler tones like blues & greens and even adding in pops of coral.

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NOTE: Guys just listen to what your wife tells you to wear and your life will be so much better take it from me. Even being a photographer it still comes down to what your wife or partner tells you because they are the ones who are for the most part decorating your home.