from color palettes to accessories, we'll tell you everything you should and shouldn't do for beautiful family portraits
One of the first questions every family asks before a portrait session is this:
"What should we wear?"
If you're like most parents, you've probably gone through every closet wondering how you're supposed to coordinate outfits for every person in your family without everyone looking identical or completely mismatched.
The good news is that choosing what to wear for family pictures doesn't have to be stressful.
We know it can be overwhelming from personal experience and we are here to help! Clothing choice is essential in creating amazing portraits that age well with time instead of becoming outdated.
Here's how to choose outfits that photograph beautifully as well as some things to avoid...
hat to wear for your family portraits in the treasure valley
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tart with your home, not your closet
Most families make the mistake of choosing clothing before considering where their portraits will ultimately live.
Instead, start by thinking about your home.
Will your finished portrait hang above the fireplace? In the dining room or along a staircase?
Look around your home and notice the colors, textures, and style of the room where you plan to display your artwork.
A family portrait becomes part of your home's design. The clothing you choose should complement the space rather than compete with it.
For example:
Neutral homes often pair beautifully with soft earth tones.
Modern homes may work well with clean, sophisticated color palettes.
Traditional interiors often support richer, deeper tones.
When your wardrobe and home work together, the finished artwork feels intentional and timeless.
Thankfully, the days of everyone wearing identical white shirts and jeans are behind us.
The most beautiful family portraits feature coordinated colors rather than matching outfits.
Think of your family's clothing as a color palette rather than a uniform.
Choose two or three primary colors and build everyone's wardrobe around those tones.
For example:
Cream, navy, and soft blue
Sage green, ivory, and tan
Dusty blue, charcoal, and oatmeal
Burgundy, cream, and warm gray
This approach creates visual harmony while allowing each family member's personality to shine through.
The result feels polished without looking forced.
oordinate colors instead of matching
Because family portraits are designed to become wall art, color selection matters.
While bright neon colors may seem fun today, they often feel distracting in large printed artwork.
Instead, focus on timeless colors that photograph beautifully:
Soft neutrals
Earth tones
Deep blues
Muted greens
Warm creams
Rich burgundy tones
These colors tend to age gracefully and blend naturally into a wide range of home décor styles.
Years from now, you'll be grateful your portraits still feel current and elegant.
hoose colors that compliment your home
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When someone looks at your family portrait, their attention should go to the people, not the clothing.
Large logos, graphic designs, and busy patterns often pull attention away from faces and relationships.
Whenever possible, try to avoid the following:
-Large brand logos
-Graphic T-shirts
-Neon colors
-Busy stripes
-Bold plaid patterns
-Trendy designs that may quickly feel dated
Simple, classic clothing tends to create the most timeless portraits.
Remember, the goal is for your family to remain the focus.
hings to avoid
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Wanna hear a secret many photographers share?
Choose mom's outfit first.
Why?
Because moms are often the most difficult person to shop for and the most concerned about how they'll look in portraits.
Once mom finds an outfit she loves and feels confident wearing, coordinating everyone else becomes significantly easier.
Build the family's color palette around her outfit rather than trying to find something that fits into everyone else's choices.
When mom feels beautiful and comfortable, the entire session tends to go more smoothly. If mama ain't happy, no one's happy!
tart with mom's outfit
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your pre-session outfit checklist
1. Choose a color palette of 2-3 complementary colors
2. Lay out all outfits out on the floor together to check they coordinate
3. Avoid bold logos, heavy patterns, and perfectly matching looks
4. Make sure all clothing fits well and is wrinkle-free
5. Make sure shoes coordinate and are clean
6. Keep accessories simple and intentional
7. Let the kids wear something they feel comfortable and happy in (but DO NOT let them completely dress themselves completely)
Still feeling stuck? When you book your session with us we send you our complete What to Wear guide along with a personal style consultation to make sure your family feels confident and camera-ready. We’re here to help every step of the way! This is going to be a fun and memorable experience, we promise!
use this checklist to make sure you're ready for your session
frequently asked questions
"What colors are best for family pictures?"
Neutral colors, earth tones, muted greens, navy blues, creams, and soft textures typically photograph beautifully and create timeless artwork.
"Should family members match outfits?"
No. Coordinating colors creates a more natural and modern look than identical outfits.
"What should moms wear for family photos?"
Choose clothing that fits comfortably, flatters your body type, and makes you feel confident. Soft textures and timeless silhouettes often photograph beautifully.
"Can we wear patterns in family pictures?"
Small, subtle patterns can work well. Avoid large, busy patterns that distract from faces and relationships.
"How far in advance should we plan outfits for family portraits?"
Ideally, begin wardrobe planning at least two to three weeks before your session to allow time for adjustments and coordination.
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the most enjoyable experience...
Our pictures turned out stunning
"I am so impressed with the pure talent and personality from Nick Allen Photography! The family photo shoot was by far the most enjoyable experience we have ever had taking family pics! Nick was so much fun for my kids and the adults had some good laughs as well! He also had great advice on how we should face the camera to ensure the most flattering pose! Our pictures turned out so stunning! Truly a great experience and so grateful for their talent that we get to enjoy in our home forever! Thank you so much Nick Allen Photography you guys are the BEST!"
my son's portraits took my breath away...
Nick didn't just capture my son's best features, he captured who he is.
"I can’t say enough wonderful things about Nick Allen Photography. My son’s senior portraits completely took my breath away. Seeing the pictures was honestly emotional. Nick didn’t just capture my son’s best features, he captured who he is. Every photo reflected something meaningful about his life and personality. Nick was such a pleasure to work with and made the whole experience fun and comfortable. My son usually feels awkward being photographed, but Nick guided him with confidence, helping him pose and position naturally while making sure to get the perfect shot. The results were beyond anything I could have imagined, truly priceless. I’m so grateful for his talent and heart behind the camera. I can’t recommend Nick enough, not only for senior portraits, but for family sessions as well."
the finished photos are stunning, truly like art
every photo feels warm, real, and full of life.
"Nick captures families so beautifully. Every photo feels warm, real, and full of life. The finished pictures are stunning, truly like art. He makes the whole experience enjoyable from start to finish. He puts a lot of thought into behind the scenes of how they will display in your home. He and his wife are very welcoming, a great experience all around."
