What NOT to Wear for Family Photos

Family photos are meant to capture love, connection, and personality, but let’s be real…choosing outfits can feel overwhelming. Especially for you moms out there, we all know what it’s like to be standing in Target with handfuls of clothes, trying to coordinate everyone. With so many colors, patterns, and styles out there, it’s easy to get stuck. The good news? Over the years, I’ve seen it all, and I’m here to help. Here are some common outfit pitfalls and what to wear instead for timeless and flattering family photos, especially for Southern Oregon’s stunning backdrops.

Avoid: Overly matching outfits.

You might be tempted to dress everyone in identical white shirts and jeans, but trust me, it’s time to leave that trend in the past. Matching too closely can look unnatural and take away from individual personalities.

Try This Instead: Choose a color palette with coordinating tones rather than identical pieces. Think warm neutrals, soft earth tones, or jewel tones that complement each other. These colors look amazing against the natural landscapes of the Rogue Valley, whether you're in a golden field, among evergreens, or by the river. Opt for different textures like linen, knitted sweaters, or cozy wool to get interest and depth in your images.

Avoid: Loud patterns and graphics/text.

Bold patterns, logos, and graphic tees might be fun for everyday wear, but in photos, they can be distracting and take the focus away from your faces. Stripes and plaids can also create odd visual effects in pictures, so be sure to practice with your iPhone and see how they photograph before wearing them.

Try This Instead: Stick to solid colors or subtle patterns like small florals or textured fabrics. Layers, like a cozy sweater or denim jacket, can add visual detail without overwhelming the image. If you’re shooting in a Southern Oregon orchard or mountain setting, these choices will also blend beautifully with the scenery.

Avoid: Neon and super-bright tones.Neon colors are eye-catching, but not in a good way for family portraits. They can reflect onto the skin and create unnatural tones, making editing a challenge. They can also cast unflattering hues on faces.

Try This Instead: Look for softer, muted versions of your favorite colors, think dusty blues, sage greens, rich burgundy, or classic navy. These shades photograph beautifully on just about everyone, and especially with families with multiple kids, since they blend really well.

Avoid: Uncomfortable or ill-fitting clothing.

If something doesn’t fit well or feels awkward, it will show in the photos. Constantly adjusting a tight dress or itchy sweater isn’t fun for anyone, especially children.

Try This Instead: Choose clothes that make you feel confident and comfortable. Flowy dresses, structured but relaxed-fit tops, and well-fitting pants are always a win. Kids especially should be able to move and play without feeling restricted, especially if we’re adventuring to one of the many scenic outdoor locations that I love. Check the inside of all your little ones’ clothes for itchy tags and stitching, as well as the fit of all their shoes.

At the end of the day, the best outfit is one that feels like *you*. When you feel good, it shows in your photos. Need extra guidance? I’m always happy to help with outfit inspiration so your family looks and feels amazing on picture day!