- Julie
What to Wear For Summer Family Photos
Nailing a cohesive look that’s unique to your family
Warm weather and beautiful sunshine are finally gracing Kansas City! It's nice to see gardens and fields in full bloom after a winter that felt like it lasted forever and a spring that came and went too quickly.
Summer in Kansas City is a beautiful time for family photos. Everything feels fun, and nature’s artwork is on a stunning display. Bonus, no cold fall photo sessions!
Perhaps, that is why so many people choose to do family photos in the summer?
But, no matter the season, choosing what to wear for your family photos is always a challenge. And, probably one of my most asked questions – “what should we wear”?
Choosing what to wear for a photo session can feel overwhelming. Why? Things that look great in person may not always look great in your photo. Professional photos are an investment. You don’t want to regret your outfit choices!
If you feel yourself panicking or impulse shopping, don’t worry. You’ve come to the right place for summer family photo outfit ideas! I’ll break down how I select photo-worthy family outfits step-by-step. Plus, I’ll give you some outfit inspiration that won’t break the bank.
Summer Family Photos Outfit Ideas
When selecting outfits for their family photos, I always tell my clients that they want to ensure that whatever they wear is unique to their family. And most importantly, comfortable! If you’re uncomfortable with your selection, it will show on camera.
Try following these simple steps to get you started with selecting the perfect summer family photo outfits.
Step 1: Location Matters!
Location, location, location! I can’t reiterate this point enough!
Before selecting your family photo outfits, consider where you’ll be taking your photos. You want to ensure that whatever outfits you choose match the location and the environment. High heels in a muddy summer field can be a disaster. Trust me.
Be sure to chat with your photographer about your vision and the location's details. For example, are there walking paths, or will you need to hike through a field to get to your location? What types of colors can you expect at your location? The outfits you choose for a sunset photo session in a wildflower field will naturally look different from what you’d select for an edgy downtown session.
Need some Kansas City location inspiration? I've compiled a few of my favorites here.
Step 2: Start With Your Outfit First.
Moms, I’m talking to you about this step. I will go out on a limb and guess that a mom’s desire to have a decent family photo drives most photo sessions. So while you might fret over what your little ones will wear, in the long run, you’ll likely look at what you were wearing and remember how you felt in that outfit.
So, start by considering what you will feel comfortable wearing. Do you love dresses, or are they your arch nemesis? Do you adore patterns, or are solids more your thing? Once you have a good idea of what you want to wear, you can base everyone else's outfits on yours.
Step 3: Decide On A Color Palette
Once you’ve chosen your outfit, select two to three other colors to complement your outfit. A general rule of thumb is that you want some neutrals, at least one pop, and minimal pattern mixing. With that said, I recommend that you avoid being matchy matchy. Having a lot of the same pattern can be overwhelming.
I recommended muted hues over super-saturated and bold colors. Avoid neon colors or vibrant colors that distract from your family’s connection. But, if your family loves bright colors and bold patterns, you shouldn’t shy away from them. Embrace a color palette that feels right to you and your family.
Step 4: Try it on.
This one might seem obvious, but even I have fallen victim to this. I’ve laid out cute outfits for my kiddos only to find out that the pants are too short or the top is too big. And the worst might be shoes. Kids' feet grow fast, so if you buy shoes well in advance, make sure you try them on.
And, I don’t mean try them on the night before. I don’t want you to have to dash to the store right before your session. Give yourself a few days just in case something doesn’t work out.
My Favorite Tips for Picking Family Photo Outfits
I’m confident that if you follow the steps above when selecting your family’s photo outfits, you’ll end up with a good-looking group. However, I have a few additional tips I couldn’t let go unsaid.
Be Comfortable!
Honestly, being uncomfortable in whatever you’re wearing for photos is the worst! And it shows. You don’t want your kids pulling at itchy shirts or a dress they hate. You don’t want to try and break in new shoes while tromping through a field.
What makes you and your family look amazing in photos is being you! If that means shorts and t-shirts or a formal black tie, that’s entirely up to you.
Choose Layers.
Layers are great for adding texture, color, and warmth. If we have an especially chilly or windy day, a sweater or wrap can come in handy. Plus, having layers that are easy to take on and off will provide you with various looks for your photos. Consider things like hats, jackets, wraps, or sweaters.
Start In Your Closet.
One of the biggest excuses I hear for delaying family photos is shopping for new outfits. Nothing says you need to do that. You might be surprised by what you can find in your closet. Dig to the back for your favorite go-to summer outfit. Grab your son’s one and only “fancy” shirt and pair it with his favorite sandals. Or are rain boots his thing? Great! No need to buy new if you don’t have to.
Avoid Being Matchy Matchy.
It’s so tempting to make everyone match perfectly. Heck, the stores are planning on it by making mommy and me matching sets. But, photos with everyone in the same outfit can lack the contrast needed to make your family stand out.
Choose Classic Over Trendy.
We’ve all seen the remakes of hilarious family photos. My goal is to help you create a family photo that lasts a lifetime. Choosing classic pieces over trendy ones will give your image some much-needed longevity. I tend to steer toward classic outfits with pops of trendy shoes or jewelry versus wearing an entire outfit that will be out of style next season.
Summer Family Photo Outfit Inspiration
Now that you have my step-by-step guide for picking family photo outfits and my go-to tips, it’s time for some inspiration. Below are four family outfit inspirations (with links) to help you start planning the perfect summer family photo outfits.
Creamy Neutrals
Shades of Blue
Pastels
Blush and Blue
Now that you’ve had some summer family photo outfit inspiration let’s get your family session on the books. Send me a message or drop me an email at jbryantphotographykc@gmail.com to schedule your session today.
Want more outfit or photography inspiration and tips? Follow J Bryant Photography on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.
