What to Wear for Your Family Photo Session in Texas

The biggest thing I hear from clients before a session — usually about three days out, when the panic sets in — is "I have no idea what to wear."

Y'all, take a breath. I've got you.

After a lot of years helping families pick outfits, I've learned a few things that make a real difference. None of these are hard rules. But they'll save you a whole lot of stress, and they'll help your photos hold up for years.

Coordinate, don't match

Matching outfits — like everybody in the same white shirt and jeans — used to be the standard. These days, photos look way more natural when everyone's in the same color family but each person's outfit is a little different. Think soft neutrals, dusty blues, warm tans, blush, sage green. Pick a palette and let everybody find something they actually feel good in.

Skip loud logos and busy patterns

Big brand names across a kid's chest will date the photo by next Tuesday. Same with bold prints — they pull the eye away from the faces. A small pattern or a subtle texture is just fine. Just keep it gentle.

Dress for the weather

This is Texas. We don't really have a "wear a sweater" season for very long. If we're shooting in summer, lean into breathable fabrics — linen, light cotton, flowy dresses. In fall, layers are your friend. Jackets, scarves, cardigans the kids can take on and off.

Comfortable shoes you don't mind seeing in pictures

Cute boots, clean sneakers, leather sandals — all good. Whatever you pick, make sure you can walk in it. A lot of my sessions involve some grass, some uneven ground, and probably some chasing of a toddler.

One bold piece, then keep the rest quiet

If somebody in the family wants to wear a really colorful jacket or a fun pair of boots, perfect. But then everybody else should pull it back. Too many statement pieces in one frame and you lose the people inside the clothes.

A note for the kiddos

Let them feel like themselves. If your three-year-old refuses to wear the dress you picked, don't fight it the morning of the shoot. A grumpy kid in a fancy outfit photographs worse than a happy kid in their second favorite shirt.

One more thing

Try the outfits on the night before. Iron what needs ironing. Lay everything out so the morning of the session is a calm one. The single best thing you can do for a relaxed session is have a relaxed morning.

If you're stuck or want a second opinion, send me a picture of what you're thinking. I'm happy to talk it through. Reach out anytime.