Deciding what to wear for family photos can be challenging – you’re going to treasure them forever, after all, so you want them to look great! I have several tips to help you choose your outfits, as well as some tips to ensure they turn out great, every time.
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We’ve made it a tradition to take family photos every fall that we can use for the holidays, too, and today I’m sharing this year’s photoshoot plus some tips on how to ensure your family photos turn out great every time!
I shared several outfit ideas (for the whole family!) the other day – you can see that post [here].
You can see last year’s family photos [here].
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Choose your outfit first, and then build from there
My outfit always seems like it’s the most difficult to find, but I think that’s just because men’s clothes are easier (less options!). So I choose my outfit, and then pick something for my daughter that coordinates…and then I’ll choose my husband’s and son’s outfits.
This year, I wore a cream colored sweater and skirt with pearl details.
Buy similar pearl studded skirt here
*Last I checked, this skirt was sold out unfortunately! HOWEVER – I’ve found several options with a very similar vibe that I love. I shared them all HERE and here’s another really pretty option!
*PS: the skirt I wore also has a matching top that is SUPER pretty! You can buy it here.
Stick with neutrals!
I always like to keep our outfits for family photos pretty neutral – they make great artwork in a house (and if you’re wearing neutral outfits, the pictures will match any decor style you choose for your home!). They look great blown up on canvas or framed…and they’re also good for Christmas cards!
This year, I stuck with a neutral base (cream + navy) and added in some maroon for a little color pop. Love how it turned out!
My husband wore jeans – it’s what he typically wears, went with our color palate, and I love that he actually looks like himself in the pictures. He also wore the same shirt that he wore in last year’s photos and a pair of boots!
Buy similar button up shirt here
Keep it comfy (especially for the kids!)
We dress up for our family photos, but just because I think it’s a fun tradition (and I think dressing up looks better for Christmas cards!). BUT I always make sure that whatever my kids are wearing is comfortable enough for them to run around and play in. Uncomfortable outfits will just make grumpy kids…and those photos will never turn out great. Don’t choose clothing that’s so precious you’re afraid they’ll ruin it if they sit on the dirty ground, either. You’ll be uptight, they’ll pick up on that energy, and everyone will just be stressed!
Buy similar little girls velvet dress here
Buy little boy’s corduroy shirt here OR here’s another color option!
Buy similar boy’s blazer here
Buy similar khaki jeans here
Buy boots here – I can’t find the exact ones he’s wearing here, but love this option!
Get some photos with just your spouse!
Give the kids a break from taking photos, and take some with just your significant other. You’ll cherish those photos, too! When our kids started to get antsy, we let them run around and play/get their sillies out while we took some photos, just the two of us. I always love how these turn out!
Be playful – don’t try so hard to get the perfect “pose”
This is always important for getting pretty, natural-looking photos, but especially when you have kids! They’ll have more fun, you’ll have more fun…all around it will just be a much more positive experience. And your family photos will look more like “you.” You want them to represent your family – this is the best way to do that!
Photography is all by Hayden Ward Photography
I hope you enjoyed this “What to Wear for Family Photos (and tips to ensure your photos turn out great, every time!)” blog post!
You have beautiful children? The whole family is just adorable ??
THANK YOU!!