What to Wear for Family Photos
Choosing what to wear for family photos can feel like a daunting task—but it doesn’t need to be! As a professional photographer of family photos, I’ve captured hundreds of families in all seasons and landscapes, and I know one thing for sure: comfort and confidence make the best accessories.
In this guide, I’ll help you feel prepared and excited about your professional family photo shoot, with styling tips that work beautifully for natural family photography—from sun-drenched summer days to snowy winter wonderlands.
Let’s Start with the Basics
My first and most important tip?
You need to feel comfortable, beautiful and most of all—fabulous!
We’ll be moving, sitting, laughing, snuggling. The best family photography sessions feel relaxed and full of connection. Your outfit should support that.
Try to plan your outfits at least a week in advance. That gives you time to try them on, tweak any last-minute details, and make sure everything fits and feels amazing.
What to Wear for Family Photos Outdoors
Whether you’re shooting in the forest, in the meadows, or on the mountainside, here are the natural family photography styling tips that always work beautifully:
Natural fabrics like linen, cotton, or gauze photograph beautifully and feel great to wear. They allow for movement, which adds emotion and texture to your images.
✧ Colour Palettes That Complement Nature
Earth tones always look incredible in outdoor family photos. Soft neutrals, warm browns, dusky blues, sage greens, and muted pinks work well with most backdrops.
- Natural white or cream looks stunning—better than pure white, which can be harsh.
- Choose tones that contrast softly but stay cohesive. Think: everyone looks different but goes together.
✧ Embrace Texture, Layers and Accessories
Adding layers like cardigans, scarves, or textured knits brings dimension to your family portraits.
A few favourites:
- Statement jewellery (just not too distracting)
- Stylish hats, beanies, bonnets for little ones
- Blankets (especially for cuddles during the shoot)
- Props, like a teddy, a book, or your child’s favourite toy, can help little ones feel secure and bring personality to your photos
- Flowers or flower crown, to add a splash of elegance and colour
✧ Dress to Move
A flowy skirt or maxi dress can look stunning, especially when there’s a breeze. Bare shoulders, off-the-shoulder tops, or rolled-up sleeves allow skin-to-skin connection, which enhances the feeling of closeness in your images.
What to Avoid
Even the best locations and lighting can’t compensate for uncomfortable outfits. Here’s what to skip:
- Stiff or wrinkly fabrics
- Polo necks or tight collars
- Navy or royal blue, which rarely blend well with nature
- Matchy-matchy outfits (think: identical jeans and white tops)
- Logos, baseball caps, and sunglasses
- Short, fitted dresses (especially hard to sit in)
- Pure white blankets or overly plain props
- Jewellery that needs adjusting constantly
What to Wear for Family Photos in the Snow
Snowy sessions are some of my favourites—playful, magical, and full of sparkle. But they also need a bit more prep to keep everyone warm, especially the little ones.
Here’s how to dress for a natural family photography session in winter:
✧ Warm Base Layers
Think thermal tops, ski socks, and long underwear. Hand and toe warmers are lifesavers, especially for toddlers!
✧ Boots Made for Snow
Bring practical snow boots and, if you like, a pair of stylish ones for close-ups.
✧ Winter-Friendly Accessories
Keep your colour palette in mind and add variety with:
- Beanies and bonnets
- Scarves, gloves, mittens
- Colourful jackets or coats for that extra “pop” in monochrome landscapes
✧ Sunglasses & Snow Glare
Snow reflects sunlight—even when it’s cloudy. Bring sunglasses for the walk, and we’ll remove them for photos.
Final Thoughts on Styling for a Professional Family Photo Shoot
As a Chamonix-based family photographer, I know how to make the mountains part of the magic. Whether you’re locals or visiting, your photos will reflect your story. What you wear is part of the story your images will tell. My goal is to create an experience that feels joyful, connected, and effortless. When you wear something you love, that shines through the lens.
The most important thing? You’re not just dressing for a camera—you’re dressing for memories that last a lifetime.
If you ever feel unsure or want help pulling together a look, I’m always here to guide you. That’s part of what makes each session special—collaborating with you to create something beautiful and uniquely you.
Ready to book your next family photo session?
Get in touch and let’s start planning your professional family photo shoot together.
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