Family Photos
Capturing life's moments is what we do best! Chris Schmitt Photography is an award winning portrait studio who believes Family photos are more than just pictures. We are parents ourselves and our photos capture memories, emotions, and moments that we can enjoy for a lifetime. The pictures remind us of the people we love and the experiences we've shared. Whether it's a candid snapshot or a professional portrait, family photos are a way to preserve our history and pass it down to future generations. So don't underestimate the power of a family photo... it's a priceless treasure that can bring joy and comfort for years to come.
What to Wear for Family Portraits
A Photographer’s Guide to Looking and Feeling Your Best
Not too long ago, it seemed every family photo featured matching white shirts and blue jeans. If you search online, you’ll still find plenty of those classic portraits! But in recent years, the trend has evolved—and for good reason. Today, it’s all about coordinating rather than matching.
Coordinating outfits lets each family member’s unique style and personality shine while still looking cohesive together. After all, not everyone looks their best in the same outfit. White shirts, for example, can wash out certain skin tones, and one style rarely flatters every body type.
As a photographer, one of the most common questions I get before a session is:
“What should we wear?”
It’s a great question—styling yourself is tricky enough, and now you’re choosing outfits for the whole family. Add in unpredictable weather, the location backdrop, and the possibility that little ones may turn their cute clothes into grass-stained works of art, and it’s a lot to think about.
Don’t stress—I’ve got you covered! Here are my top tips to make wardrobe planning for your family portraits easy, fun, and stress-free.
1. Coordinate, Don’t Match
Choose a color palette of two or three main colors that look great together, along with a few neutrals. Think soft, timeless tones like blush, cream, tan, navy, olive, or dusty blue. This approach keeps your photos cohesive without feeling too “uniform.”
2. Dress for the Location
Consider where we’ll be shooting. For outdoor sessions—like a park, field, or beach—earthy tones and soft neutrals always photograph beautifully. For indoor or studio portraits, you can experiment with richer hues or elegant textures. The goal is to complement the setting, not compete with it.
3. Mix Textures and Layers
Add visual interest with different fabrics like denim, linen, knit, or lace. Light layers—such as jackets, vests, or scarves—also give you more options for posing and variety during your session.
4. Keep It Timeless
Avoid large logos, bold patterns, or overly trendy pieces. Subtle prints and simple details photograph best and ensure your portraits stay classic for years to come. Remember, we want the focus on your family’s expressions and connection—not busy clothing.
5. Choose Comfort First
The best photos happen when everyone feels comfortable and relaxed. Choose outfits that fit well and allow you (and especially the kids) to move easily. If you’re tugging or adjusting clothes the whole time, it’ll show in the pictures.
6. Plan Ahead
Lay out everyone’s outfits a few days before your session to make sure the colors and styles work together. This also gives you time to steam, swap, or adjust anything that doesn’t quite fit or coordinate as planned.
At the end of the day, your family portraits are about connection and personality—not perfection. Coordinating your wardrobe helps your photos look polished and cohesive while keeping everyone true to themselves.
And if you’re still unsure what to wear, don’t worry! Bring a few options to your session, and I’ll help you make the final call. The goal is simple—to capture your family looking and feeling your absolute best.
