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It’s that time of year again—summer family photo season is here, and if you’re anything like most of my clients, you’re probably staring at your closet wondering how on earth you’re going to coordinate outfits for the whole family without everyone looking like they’re wearing matching pajamas. Trust me, I’ve been there as both a photographer AND a mom trying to wrangle my own family into photo-worthy outfits! In fact, before I really understood the value of choosing certain colors and fabrics for photographs, I once had my own family wear all the same color to a photo session. Now, looking back, we all laugh because it honestly looks like just our heads are floating in the background! That experience taught me firsthand the struggle of outfit planning and solidified my understanding of how overwhelming it can feel to choose outfits for everyone.

Summer family photos should be about capturing precious memories, not stressing about what everyone should wear. But between finding outfits that photograph well, coordinating colors for multiple family members, and dealing with the summer heat, outfit planning can feel overwhelming. The good news? With the right approach, you can have your family looking effortlessly coordinated and comfortable in no time! Every family wants to look their best in photos, but most parents feel overwhelmed by styling decisions. Summer poses unique challenges with heat, bright sun, and active kids. Good outfit coordination can make or break the overall look of family photos.

The Foundation: Choosing Your Color Palette for Summer Photos

The right color palette is like the secret sauce for stunning family photos. It ties everyone together and sets the mood for your images, whether you’re going for light and airy or warm and rich. I’ll be honest, this was a concept I was a slower learner with myself! For a while, I was frustrated with my own family photos, not quite understanding why they didn’t look as cohesive and “put-together” as the beautiful images I admired elsewhere. Then, I had a session with a friend’s family, and she has an amazing eye for coordinating outfits. Seeing her family’s photos, it clicked – that was the missing link!

When choosing your family’s outfits, start with 2-3 main colors and add 1-2 accent colors maximum. This keeps things balanced without looking too busy. For summer, some of my favorite combinations include soft neutrals with pops of color, classic earth tones, or the timeless elegance of navy and cream. These palettes photograph beautifully and help maintain that timeless feel I love so much in my work.

On the flip side, there are a few colors to approach with caution: neon colors can be distracting, all-black outfits can look too heavy and absorb the light (plus, they’re hot in the summer sun!), and too many competing patterns can make your photos feel chaotic. Always consider your photo location too – a beach setting might call for a different palette than a green park.

Styling Mom: Comfortable Elegance That Photographs Beautifully

Moms, you are the heart of your home, and you deserve to be highlighted and made to feel special and loved, surrounded by your beautiful family! My goal is always to make you feel confident and comfortable during your session, because when you feel good, it truly shines through in your photos.

When it comes to choosing outfits for yourself, think comfortable elegance. Flowy midi or maxi dresses are often a perfect choice because they move beautifully with you, create lovely lines in photos, and can gracefully hide any post-baby concerns you might have. If a dress isn’t your style, a beautiful blouse paired with nice pants or a skirt can offer a polished yet relaxed look.

Fabric choices are key, especially in the summer heat. Avoid anything too clingy and opt for breathable materials like cotton blends, linen, or soft rayons. We want you to feel cool and relaxed, not stifled! For accessories, keep it simple – a delicate necklace or earrings can add a touch of polish without distracting. And don’t forget comfortable shoes! Choose options that won’t sink into grass or sand, or that you can easily slip off for barefoot shots. Remember, my focus is on connection and making sessions easy and comfortable, and that starts with you feeling amazing in what you’re wearing.

Dad’s Summer Photo Style: Looking Sharp Without the Sweat

Now, for the dads! Often, the focus shifts to mom and the kids, but a well-styled dad truly completes the family photo. The key here is looking sharp without sacrificing comfort, especially in the summer heat of Temecula and surrounding areas. And don’t worry, dads, I make this a fun and enjoyable time for you too! I’ve been told by many dads at the end of a session how surprised they were about how easy and fun my sessions are.

I usually recommend a classic button-down shirt, either short or long-sleeved, in a solid color or a subtle pattern. These always photograph well and give a refined, yet relaxed look. For bottoms, lightweight chinos or nice shorts are perfect for hotter weather sessions, allowing for movement and comfort without looking too casual. Polo shirts are another excellent alternative to button-downs if he prefers something even more relaxed but still polished.

When choosing clothes, also think about how he can move in them. We want him to be able to lift kids onto his shoulders, swing them around, or comfortably sit on the ground without feeling restricted. Clean sneakers (think classic white or neutral tones), loafers, or boat shoes work perfectly for footwear, depending on your chosen location. We want him to feel at ease, so avoid anything too stiff or uncomfortable. The goal is for him to feel relaxed and confident, ensuring those genuine smiles and connections shine through in every shot.

Dressing the Kids: Age-Appropriate Styles That Stay Put

When it comes to dressing the little (and not-so-little) ones, my biggest piece of advice is this: allow them to have some say in what they wear, and above all, make sure they are comfortable and truly love their outfit! Just like moms and dads, it’s important for kids to feel special too, because when they feel good and are happy, that genuine joy will absolutely shine through in their photos. Happy kids make for the most beautiful memories!

This is something I’ve learned firsthand through my own motherhood journey with my five children. I used to pick whatever I thought looked perfect for our family photos. But then, when it came time to wear them and pose for pictures, my kids would often be grumpy and not want to do what I asked. This would understandably lead to frustration for me because the session wasn’t going as I had planned. After many years, and realizing I needed to work with them, I started picking out a few outfit options that would photograph well, and then letting them choose their favorites. This simple shift made a world of difference, and taking their pictures became so much easier and more enjoyable for everyone!

Let’s break down some age-appropriate styling tips:

Older Kids (Tweens/Teens)

• Let them have some input while guiding toward family-friendly choices.
• Solid colored tops with coordinating bottoms.
• Avoid graphic tees with large logos or text.

Little Kids (Ages 3-8)

• Comfort is key—choose outfits they can move and play in.
• Rompers, sundresses, or coordinating separates.
• Bring backup options for inevitable spills or meltdowns.

Toddlers (Ages 1-3)

• Easy-to-change pieces in case of accidents.
• Avoid anything too precious or restrictive.
• Suspenders, overalls, or simple dresses work great.

Babies (Under 1 Year)

• Simple onesies or rompers in solid colors.
• Soft, breathable fabrics for sensitive skin.
• Have multiple outfit options ready for spit-up emergencies.

Pro Styling Tips That Make All the Difference

You’ve got your color palette down, and everyone’s outfits are looking great on paper. Now, let’s talk about those pro tips that truly make all the difference on the day of your session. As a mom of five, I’ve come to realize that nothing ever goes exactly as planned, and honestly, that’s okay! It’s part of the beautiful life we live and learning how to adjust when we need to. I vividly remember when all my kids were little, and without fail, every time I tried to leave the house, something would happen – a blown-out diaper, missing shoes, or someone falling and hitting their head on a door jamb! These are the moments that taught me the importance of being prepared and flexible.

Here are my top tips to ensure your family photo session is as smooth and enjoyable as possible:

• The layering trick: Even in summer, bringing light cardigans, denim jackets, or a simple vest can add wonderful variety to your photos without needing a full outfit change. They can be quickly added or removed for different looks.
• Timing matters: To avoid last-minute stress, aim to have everyone dressed and ready at least 15 minutes before you need to leave the house. This buffer can save your sanity!
• The backup plan: Always, always, always pack an extra outfit for each child (trust me on this one!). Spills, dirt, or unexpected mishaps are common, and having a quick change ready can be a session-saver.
• Comfort test: Have your kids wear their photo outfits at home for a little while before the session. This ensures they’re comfortable, can move freely, and there are no unexpecteditches or tight spots.
• Weather contingency: Always check the forecast a day or two before your session. While we love outdoor photos in Temecula, having indoor/outdoor outfit options ready in mind can be helpful in case of unexpected heatwaves or light rain.
• Shoe strategy: Bring flip-flops or sandals for walking to your photo location, especially if it involves grass or uneven terrain. You can then switch into your “photo shoes” right before we start shooting, keeping them clean and fresh.
• Wrinkle prevention: Hang all outfits the night before to let any creases fall out. If needed, a quick steam can make a huge difference in how polished outfits look in photos.

Creating Picture-Perfect Summer Family Photos Starts With the Right Outfits

Phew! We’ve covered a lot about styling your family for summer photos, from choosing the perfect color palette to dressing everyone from tiny babies to busy dads. Remember, the goal is to start with 2-3 main colors and add 1-2 accents, opting for soft neutrals, earth tones, or classic navy and cream. For moms, comfortable, flowy dresses or polished separates in breathable fabrics are ideal. Dads will look sharp and stay cool in button-downs or polos with lightweight chinos or shorts, keeping movement in mind. And for the kids, comfort is paramount, letting them have a say in their choices to ensure their genuine happiness shines through. Don’t forget those pro tips: layering, packing backups, and doing a comfort test at home can make your session day stress-free.

Ultimately, while outfits play a role in creating beautiful, cohesive images, the most important thing is that everyone feels comfortable and confident. Because when you feel good, that comfort and genuine connection will truly shine through in your photos.

My passion for photography stems from my deep love for showing the beauty in simple moments and highlighting how truly beautiful you already are. I want to reassure you: don’t worry! Your family is inherently beautiful, and my ability to connect with mothers and children makes sessions easy and comfortable. I will absolutely be able to capture the unique beauty and connection in your family, creating timeless art that you will cherish for years to come. That’s the real magic we’re after, far beyond just the perfect outfit.

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Now it’s your turn! I’d love to hear from you. What’s been your biggest family photo outfit challenge? Share your experiences in the comments below! And if you’ve had a particularly successful family photo outfit combination, I’d love to see or hear about it.

Looking for more tips to prepare for your session? Check out my other guide on How to Prepare for Your Family Photo Session for even more ways to make your photo day stress-free and enjoyable.

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About the Author:

Jeri Marlow is a passionate newborn and family photographer based in Temecula, California, specializing in authentic, lifestyle photography that captures the real moments and genuine connections within families. With a warm and understanding approach, she strives to make every session a comfortable and joyful experience, delivering timeless images that families will cherish for generations.