Coordinating your clothing can elevate the visual impact of your portraits


Family photos are treasured keepsakes that capture the love, connection, and unity within your family. When it comes to creating timeless and beautiful images, choosing the right outfits plays a significant role. Coordinating your family's attire can elevate the visual impact of your portraits, creating a cohesive and harmonious look. Let's go over helpful tips and suggestions on what to wear for family photos, ensuring that everyone looks their best and your memories are preserved in style.


  1. Coordinate Colors and Tones: Start by selecting a color palette that complements each other and matches the overall vibe you want to convey. Choose two to three primary colors and build upon them with shades and tones that harmonize. Avoid overly busy patterns or clashing colors, as they can distract from the main focus – your family's beautiful faces and interactions.
  2. Embrace Timeless Classics: Opt for classic and timeless pieces that won't go out of style. Solid colors and simple patterns work well, allowing the focus to remain on your family rather than the clothes. Crisp white shirts, neutral tones, pastels, or soft earthy colors often create a clean and timeless aesthetic.
  3. Consider the Location and Season: Take into account the location and season of the photoshoot when selecting your outfits. If you're shooting in a lush green park, earthy tones or soft pastels can complement the natural surroundings. For a beach or outdoor setting, light and airy fabrics in cool tones can create a relaxed and breezy vibe. Let the location inspire your clothing choices, ensuring a harmonious blend between your family and the environment.
  4. Mix Patterns and Textures: While it's generally recommended to avoid busy patterns, adding subtle patterns or textures can add depth and visual interest to your family's outfits. Mix and match patterns such as stripes, plaids, or small floral prints, making sure they complement each other without overpowering the overall look. Incorporating textures like lace, knits, or denim can also bring a touch of visual richness and dimension to the ensemble.
  5. Dress for the Whole Family: Coordinating outfits doesn't mean everyone has to wear the exact same thing or color. Instead, aim for a cohesive and complementary look. Start with a focal point, such as a patterned dress or a shirt with a bold color, and build the rest of the outfits around it. Mix and match colors, patterns, and textures among family members, ensuring a balanced and harmonious appearance.
  6. Pay Attention to Fit and Comfort: Make sure that everyone's outfits fit well and are comfortable to wear. Ill-fitting clothes can be distracting and affect confidence during the photoshoot. Ensure that sleeves, pants, and dresses are the appropriate length and that everyone feels at ease in their chosen attire. Comfortable clothing will allow your family to move naturally and enjoy the experience, resulting in more relaxed and authentic photographs.
  7. Add Accessories and Layers: Accessories can add personality and visual interest to your family's outfits. Consider incorporating accessories like scarves, hats, belts, or statement jewelry that complement the overall look. Layers, such as cardigans, blazers, or jackets, can add depth and dimension to the outfits, particularly during cooler seasons.
  8. Avoid Logos and Branding: To maintain the timeless and classic appeal of your family photos, it's best to avoid clothing items with visible logos or branding. These can quickly date the images and distract from the focus on your family's connection and love.


By carefully selecting coordinating outfits that align with your vision and the location of the photoshoot, you can ensure that your family photos are visually appealing and timeless. Remember to prioritize comfort, choose timeless classics, and coordinate colors and patterns to create a harmonious and cohesive look. The goal is to let your family's love and connection shine through, and the right attire will help create a visually stunning backdrop for those cherished memories.


Live in the Wilmington, North Carolina area and are ready to book your family photography session with K.Ley Productions? Contact me HERE for more information and pricing!