The #1 Thing People Stress About for Family Photos—Solved! By Joy, Baton Rouge Family Portrait Photographer
The #1 Thing People Stress About for Family Photos—Solved!
If you’ve ever scheduled family photos, you’ve probably said this at least once:
“What on earth are we going to wear?” And you’re not alone.
This is hands down the #1 thing families stress about before their session. You want everyone to look coordinated but not like you stepped straight out of a matching pajama ad. You want timeless, not trendy. And you want to love your photos for years to come — not cringe every time a new fashion trend emerges. The good news? It doesn’t have to be stressful. There’s a simple way to pull outfits together that feel natural, comfortable, and beautifully connected to who your family really is. Here’s how to stop overthinking it and start feeling confident before your next session.
1. Mom Picks First
Here’s the truth: when mom feels confident, everyone shines.
So instead of trying to coordinate the entire family first, start with you.
Find something that makes you feel amazing, not just “put together,” but genuinely beautiful. Maybe it’s that flowy midi dress that moves gracefully when you walk, or a soft neutral sweater paired with your favorite jeans that feels like you.
Once you’ve chosen your outfit, build the rest of the family’s looks around it. Pull a few colors or textures from your outfit and use them as inspiration.
If you’re wearing a cream floral dress, your partner could wear soft blue, and your kids can mix in gentle neutrals with maybe one accessory in a matching tone. It feels cohesive without being too perfect.
As a photographer, I can always tell when mom feels comfortable — her confidence sets the tone for the entire session.
2. Start with a Color Palette, Not Matching Outfits
Gone are the days of everyone wearing identical white shirts and jeans. That “matchy-matchy” look instantly dates your photos.
Instead, think of your family as a color story. Choose three to four complementary shades and blend them naturally across everyone’s outfits.
A great place to start? Look around your home. If your space is full of warm neutrals and soft greens, you’ll probably love seeing those tones in your photos too. They’ll complement the environment and feel authentically you.
Here’s an example:
If dad wears a light plaid shirt, let mom go for a solid dress. Add texture for the kids — linen, cotton, or soft knits that layer easily.
That mix of tone, texture, and simplicity photographs beautifully.
3. Dress for Your Location and Season
Your background plays a big role in how your photos turn out.
If we’re shooting in a green park, skip wearing green unless you plan on blending in with the trees. Instead, go for earth tones, denim blues, creams, or soft rusts that pop gently against the scenery.
And let’s be practical — dress for the weather. If it’s Louisiana summer heat, stay away from thick fabrics and tight layers. Flowy, breathable materials are your best friend. If it’s chilly, choose cozy layers that look polished, like a neutral coat or a textured scarf, rather than bulky jackets.
When you feel good and comfortable, that confidence shows in every frame.
4. Avoid Distracting Logos and Graphics
Your toddler’s superhero shirt? Adorable — but not for family photos.
Big logos, bold prints, or neon colors pull attention away from your faces and the connections we’re capturing. Choose timeless pieces instead.
If your little one insists on wearing their favorite character tee, use what I call the “swap trick.” Let them wear it in the car on the way to the session, then do a quick change before we start shooting. Everyone wins.
5. Choose Comfort and Movement
Family portraits with me are never about stiff poses and forced smiles. They’re full of laughter, snuggles, and a little play.
That’s why comfort is everything.
For moms, soft fabrics that move naturally are flattering and easy to work with — dresses or skirts with a little flow photograph beautifully.
For kids, skip anything itchy or stiff. Think cotton, linen, and clothes they can actually move in.
For dads, simple layers work best — a tee under an open button-up or a lightweight jacket adds depth and looks great in photos.
When everyone feels relaxed, your images show it. The focus shifts from what you’re wearing to how you’re connecting.
The Real Secret? It’s Not About the Clothes
Here’s the thing — family photos aren’t about the outfits.
They’re about your people, your story, and your love. But when you feel confident and coordinated, the entire experience becomes easier and more enjoyable.
So take a deep breath, mama. Start with your outfit, pick a simple color palette, and keep comfort at the heart of it all.
The goal isn’t perfection — it’s to capture your family’s connection in a way that feels real, timeless, and beautifully you.
My Favorite Places to Shop for Photo-Friendly Outfits
Here are a few tried-and-true spots my clients (and I) love:
Baltic Born: Flowy, flattering dresses that photograph beautifully.
H&M: Affordable, neutral basics that mix and match easily for kids and adults.
Jamie Kay: High-quality, soft fabrics for little ones in muted, timeless tones.
Abercrombie & Fitch: Great layering pieces for dads that always look pulled together.
Keep it simple, comfortable, and true to your family’s style.
Ready to Feel Confident in Front of the Camera?
When you book a session with Heavenly Bliss Photography, I’ll help you coordinate a look that fits your family’s personality perfectly — so you can stop stressing and start enjoying the experience.
