How to Style Your Outdoor Family Photography Session | Spokane Family Photographer

Lifestyle family photos in Spokane, Wa.

How to Style Your Outdoor Family Photography Session | Spokane Family Photographer

Styling your outdoor family photography session can feel stressful and overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! I’m here to help you simplify the process and get it done quick and easily. You don’t have to shop at expensive boutiques and sometimes you can dress the whole family all at one place.

Dress Mom First.

Mom this is your time to shine! I love a dress for mom, it just adds a warm, feminine element to the photos. Dresses are the absolute most foolproof clothing choice, they flatter every body shape and add beautiful movement to the photos. Choose a dress that is weather appropriate and in season. Mom’s outfit sets the vibe for the rest of the family- dressing it up or down. So start with mom, and then work everyone else’s outfit to fit with hers. Remember the rule- all longs, all shorts. If mom is wearing a long dress, everyone wearing pants, needs to wear long pants. If mom wears a short dress, then those who are wearing pants can go long or short. Elevated casual is the way to go, so think semi formal wedding guest and avoid formal gowns or anything too silky and shiny. Keep the whole family reasonably comfortable and true to the best version of themselves.

If dresses aren’t mom’s vibe, try another trendy piece like a romper, jumper, or overalls. Denim can be an okay option, just keep in mind that denim trends change quickly and finding a perfect pair of jeans may be tough. If you go the denim route, I recommend Levi’s specifically, because they are the ultimate timeless jeans.

One more note on dresses: choose a dress that has some variation of a sleeve. Arms tend to be one of the things most mom’s are self conscious of in their photos, sleeves help conceal the arms just a touch so that there’s nothing to distract mom on her body in her photos.

CHOOSE NEUTRAL, SEASONAL COLORS.

The majority of your color palette should be neutrals- this will give your skin tones a beautiful creamy look. In the spring time, opt for crisper, cooler colors like grays, and pure white, light khaki. In the fall opt for richer colors like tans, dark khaki, browns, and creams. An earthy toned color or two is okay as well as long as it’s seasonally appropriate. For example, avoid orange or red in the spring, and avoid pinks and purples in the fall. You’ll want to avoid anything too vibrant or bright, as it may cast unflattering shadows.

Limit Patterns FOR A TIMELESS LOOK.

As a rule of thumb I recommend two patterns or less for families with under 5 members. Too many patterns will look busy. I want your family to be the focus of the photos and not what they are wearing. Too many patterns is distracting to the eye. Choose classic patterns like pin stripes, fine florals, and plaid. Avoid all patterns that are bold or large. A note on stripes, I recommend women avoid wearing stripes as it can distort the look of the female figure. Stripes are a masculine, structured pattern, so it’s best to let the men have that one. It is also best to avoid clothing with print graphics as well. The majority of your family’s wardrobe should be solid items without patterns.

PRIORITIZE LayerS, TextureS & Fit.

Choosing clothing that is well fitting is always recommended- I want you to be comfortable! Opt for clothing that isn’t too baggy and isn’t too tight.

Using a variety of textures and layers adds warmth to your photos. Think leathers, wools, knits, felts, suedes, cottons, the options are endless.

Adding layers really creates visual interest in photos. For dad a button up short sleeve over a t-shirt with a pair of chinos can be a “dressed-up casual” variation of men’s attire. For mom add a knitted cardigan over your dress if it’s a spaghetti strap.

ADD ACCESSORIES FOR PERSONALITY.

This is a great way to add your own flavor to your photos. Add hats, belts, jewelry, the perfect pair of shoes to your wardrobe to really personalize your style. If it’s chilly outside for your photoshoot, choose stylish coats and hats.

I recommend choosing shoes that are an equal level of formal to your outfits, and almost always recommend avoiding high heels for outdoor family photos, because of the terrain.

Skip the athletic shoes for your family, they are often in bright colors and will bring down the look of your photos. Yes, feet will be shown, never assume that they won’t. Booties can be a great alternative for small kiddos with shoe struggles or let them have bare feet if they’re too young to walk.

This approach creates timeless family photos that feel like you. If you're dreaming of an easy, connected session that reflects your real life—click below to book your outdoor family session in Spokane

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Outdoor Family Photography Session Styling FAQ’s

• Should we all match for our family pictures?

  Not exactly, you’ll want to coordinate the colors your family wears, but you do not want to match or “twin” in your outfits. Select 2-3 colors and mix in plenty of neutrals if not all neutrals. Each family member should have their own distinct look within the same theme.

• Can we all wear jeans in our family photos?

  Yes, you can, but be sure that each family member has a different color or tone to their jeans to ensure that you don’t all blend together. I recommend Levi’s for a timeless look.

• What colors photograph best for outdoor family pictures?

  Neutrals are the no fail choices- tan, khaki, brown, gray, white, cream. If you want to add 2-3 colors in addition to your neutral pieces, select colors that are in season. In the spring time, that may mean some light blues, pinks, lavenders. In the fall, this may look like rust, mustard yellow, sepia. The color choices that look best will depend heavily on the location that your pictures are being taken, talk to your photographer if you’re not sure!

• What should I avoid wearing to outdoor family session photos?

  Avoid wearing neon colors, large graphics or logos, bold patterns and athletic shoes. All of these elements can be distracting in photos. I want you and your family to be the main focus of your photos.

• What if my kids won’t wear what I picked out?

  Sometimes that happens! I always recommend involving your kiddos in the selection of outfits. It can be helpful to offer 2-3 choices to your kiddo. Make sure the outfit fits them comfortably- unhappy kiddos will show in the photos and this is something in our control, so let’s deal with it before picture day.

• What if I don’t like wearing dresses?

  That’s not a problem! Opt for a stylish pair of jeans (I recommend Levi’s), overalls, jumper, romper, or flowy trousers for a stylish look.