Family portraits should reflect your people, your vibe, and your real moments. We understand that, oftentimes, figuring out what to wear can feel like the biggest challenge. Do you wear all denim and white shirts? Is matching too much? Not necessarily – what works for one family doesn’t work for all. Take a look at the image of the family in white. They rocked their session and made it fun too. If you’re looking for family portrait outfit ideas and want your session to feel stylish and natural, you’re in the right place. At Mehraki Productions, we specialize in family photography that Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue families love, and we’re here to help you dress to impress without looking like a holiday card from 1995. When your family is comfortable in what they’re wearing, it goes a long way toward ensuring that we capture the expressions and interactions that you’ll want to preserve forever.
How to Coordinate Outfits Without Looking Too Matchy
Let’s fix the biggest pain point: that awkward, overly matched look. Great portraits aren’t about everyone wearing the exact same shade of blue. They’re about cohesion, not clones. Here’s how to pull it off:
Use the Color Wheel (Yes, It’s Your Friend)
You don’t need to be an artist to make the color wheel work for you. Start with one dominant color and build around it with complementary or analogous shades.
Example: Love navy? Mix it with mustard, rust, olive, or cream. Avoid overly bright colors that clash. Earth tones or soft pastels tend to photograph beautifully, especially for spring family photos in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area, where natural backdrops are lush. Remember, color can also reflect emotion. Warmer tones bring energy and joy, while cooler hues give off a calm and serene vibe. Pick what speaks to you and your family.
Mix Textures and Patterns
Instead of matching, try mixing! Think chambray, knits, denim, cotton, and corduroy; these bring depth to your look. A subtle pattern on one person can complement solids on others. Just don’t go overboard with competing prints.
Pro tip: If someone’s wearing plaid, balance it with neutrals or simple textures on others.
Adding layers is another great trick. Jackets, vests, scarves, and hats add variety and can be swapped out mid-session to change things up without needing a full outfit change.
Create a Color Story, Not a Uniform
Choose a palette of 3-4 colors that work well together. Let each family member pick something they love within that palette. This keeps everyone coordinated but still true to themselves. It’s also totally fine to let the kids have a little fun and give them a choice within the color scheme, so they feel like part of the process. Happy kids = better photos.
Avoid Logos, Neon, and Busy Graphics
These elements can be distracting and date your photos quickly. Stick to timeless pieces that let your personalities shine through.
Theme vs. Feel: What’s the Difference?
You might be thinking, “Do we need a theme?” No, not necessarily. But you do want a consistent feel. A theme might be something like “woodland picnic” or “urban chic.” The feel is more about the mood: cozy, joyful, elegant, fun, etc.
Sync with the Style and Location
If you’re doing a beach session, barefoot and breezy makes sense. For downtown Seattle photos, sleek neutrals or pops of bold color can really add life to a scene. The goal is to have your outfit vibe match the surroundings and energy of your session.
Example: A spring meadow location? Think flowy dresses, soft tones, and relaxed denim. Want help choosing? That’s, literally, our job. At Mehraki Productions, we help you plan your session from start to finish, outfits included!
Trust Your Photographer (We’re Your Outfit Wing Person)
You’re not alone in this! As Seattle portrait photography pros, we’ve seen what works and what doesn’t. Let us guide you through outfit choices and location selection. Yes, we can even help you decide between two jackets. Send us pics. We love this stuff. We also send you styling guides and visual inspiration, as well as personalized advice based on your family’s vibe and your goals for the final results. We’ve worked with families of all sizes and styles, so whether you’re laid-back casual or full-glam fierce, we’re here to help you shine.
Enjoy the Moment (The Best Part!)
At the end of the day, your outfits matter, but not as much as your connection. We want you to laugh, cuddle, play, and enjoy the experience. Although, we are aware that cuddles and hugs are not every family’s expression of love. That being said, your photographer should consult with you to ensure that your natural vibe is authentically captured. The best family portraits capture real moments, not cookie-cutter poses and locations. So, once your outfits are nailed down, focus on being together. We’ll handle the lighting, composition, entertainment, and session flow. Let the kids twirl. Let the baby eat grass. Let your partner crack jokes. Let your teen look pensive or contemplative. We’ve got a lighting pattern, body position, or camera angle to make sure that you, all, look great, because these are the moments that turn into beautiful memories.
Let Your True Colors Shine Through
Coordinating outfits for family photos doesn’t have to be stressful. Keep it cohesive and true to your style. Avoid being too matchy and once you’ve selected the right photographer for your family, trust them to guide you.
Need more help with family portrait outfit ideas or planning your session? Mehraki Productions would love to be the photography company that Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, and the surrounding area’s families come to count on. Give us a call and let’s connect.
