Family Photo Outfit Ideas/ Boston Newborn Photographer/ Alternate Angles Photography

Overwhelmed by what to wear for your upcoming fall family photo session? As a professional family and child photographer for over 25 years, I am often asked for suggestions on how to best dress for upcoming family or newborn photos shoots. Here are some key things to consider as you prepare for your family photo outfits:

1. Choose Timeless options

Dress in clothing that will stand the test of time. Many people opt for classic jeans and allow their characters to shine through waist up. Keep it simple.

2. Go for comfort

Choose clothing that represents you and your style yet allows your body to move, hold squirming kids, and possibly allow them to ride on your shoulders. 

3. Be realistic regarding the weather. If you live in New England the temperature may be 40 degrees or 70 degrees for your October Fall family Portrait. Plan ahead and purchase layers to keep everyone in your family happy. No photographer is going to be able to create images of a two year old smiling if he or she is crying because they are freezing in their adorable outfit that you had your heart set on but doesn't make sense with fall temperatures. Plan smartly.

4. Coordinate, don't match

Avoid purchasing the exact same top or outfit for all family members.  Matching outfits does not create an interesting pallet or a family image that creatively shares who the individuals are in the end result. Instead, work with 1-3 fall colors and work them in to each outfit. This can be done with one piece of clothing or with the use of accessories.

5 Choose a Base to Build Around

Start with one outfit and coordinate other outfits around it. Many people begin with Mom's outfit and the others are matched to work beautifully alongside her outfit.

6. Hide Skin

Avoid tank tops or short sleeves unless your images are happening in very high temperatures. In general, the more skin you cover the better, allowing the viewer of the picture to go to the faces. Long dresses lengthen the body and provide movement: great option!

7. Flowing Fabric & Textures

I am a big believer in lots of fabric and use of textures. They look great in photographs! This can be accomplished with a long flowing skirt that blows in the wind, a fur vest, scarves made of various textures, jewelry, etc. Have fun and keep the color palette consistent as you make your selections.

8. Pops of Color

Pops of color are wonderful but remember the eye will go to the brightest color or the busiest pattern. Think of Sesame Street"s "Which one is different- it doesn't belong?" If one outfit is much brighter than the others or all outfits are solids and one is patterned, whatever is different is what stands out in the image. This can be used intentionally if, for example, you would like your child to be more prominent than parents but do so carefully.

9. Patterns or Solids?

Most professional photographers exclusively suggest to work only with solid colors in the outfits of your family photo. This is the easy route so is a good choice if you are struggling through your wardrobe choices. However, it isn't the only route. As long as your colors coordinate feel free to use some patterns. However, you do want to avoid everyone dressing in patterns, as the end result will be too busy.

10. Assess

As you are making your decisions for the best clothing choices for your upcoming  family portrait session, lay all the outfits (including accessories) on a bed or the floor so you can see them all together. Take a picture of all the outfits together and send them to your professional photographer for their opinion. If your eye consistently goes to one thing you may want to swap it out for another color.

11. Utilize your Professional Photographer

If all else fails, consider bringing multiple clothing options to your photo session to allow your photographer to make the final decisions.