Family Photoshoot Outfits 101: Creating a Cohesive Palette
As many parents would agree, time goes by all too fast with a growing family.
While the days may feel long, the years often feel awfully short. In the blink of an eye, your newborn baby is taking their first steps, your toddler is attending their first day of school, and it becomes all too apparent that your little ones aren’t quite so “little” anymore.
While the passing of time can feel bitter sweet, one of the best ways to preserve these moments to look back on for a lifetime to come, is through photography. From newborn photography and first birthday photos, to annual holiday photoshoots and beyond, there are so many ways to capture these moments perfectly.
Once you’ve found your Birmingham family photographer and planned the perfect photoshoot, the next step is to find outfits for you and your family. While this can feel overwhelming at first, with a few simple guidelines to follow, you can find the perfect outfits for your family photoshoot.
Read on, and we will create a cohesive palette together!
The Importance of Coordinating Your Outfits
While it can be tempting to choose any outfit and head out the door to your photoshoot, taking the time to coordinate outfits can make all the difference for the results of your photoshoot.
Coordinating your outfits can offer a sense of unity and create a cohesive look, further uniting your family within the images. By following a color palette, aligning textures and selecting pieces appropriate for the style of photoshoot, you can create a balanced and seamless end result.
Choosing the Right Outfits For Your Photoshoot
With a little planning ahead of time, choosing the perfect outfits for your photoshoot can be a fun and enjoyable experience. Spark your inner creativity, think outside of the box and use the resources available to create a palette and find pieces for each family member.
Steps to Finding the Right Outfits
Begin by taking a look at the outfits you already have at home. Each piece you find at home is one less that you need to buy!
For any pieces that are needed that can’t be found at home, you may need to hit the shops! While you may want to begin your search online, looking for deals and promotions, in-person shopping will provide you with instant access. Along with your local mall or shopping center, also consider shopping from small, local businesses or thrift stores.
Once you’ve found most or all of the outfits, lay them out on your bed to visualize the entire look. Adjust as needed, until you have your final outfits selected. To really lock in your outfits, consider trying them on together as a family!
Use the knowledge that you have of the preferences that each family member might have. By taking their likes and dislikes into consideration, you can find outfits that everyone will be happy with in the end!
Top 5 Color Palette Options for Photoshoot Outfits
Are you ready to get started, but aren’t quite sure where to begin? Before you hit the stores or start searching for ideas online, consider the following color palette options for your photoshoot!
Blues, Linens & Neutrals
An oldie, but a goodie, it’s hard to go wrong with this palette. The blues, linens and neutrals palette often offers a calming and peaceful appearance. One that is not only cohesive and complementary, but also is appropriate for most seasons, locations and photoshoot inspirations.
How It Photographs
This palette creates an airy and elegant feel. Soft blues paired with linen textures and warm neutrals create a coastal, effortless look that works beautifully in outdoor settings, studios with natural light or even lifestyle home sessions.
Color Ideas
Soft Blue • Navy • Dusty Blue • Linen • Sand • Cream • Oat • Stone Gray • Warm White
Outfit Examples
Women: Linen midi dress in sand or oat, paired with a soft blue denim jacket.
Men: Light-blue button-down, tan chinos, leather loafers, or navy pants and a white linen shirt for contrast.
Families: Mix variations of blues (light to navy) with linens and creams to create depth, without overwhelming the frame.
Styling Tips
Linen photographs beautifully due to the texture, with a few natural wrinkles to embrace.
Include a mix of soft blues to keep the color story cohesive, but still with visual interest.
If you’re shooting at the beach, these tones often complement the combination of sand, ocean and sky seamlessly.
Avoid overly bright or electric blues, as they can appear harsh or reflective.
White & Neutrals
While a white and neutral palette can sound a little boring at first, it should never go overlooked. This harmonious palette can brighten up just about any photoshoot, while also offering a contrast against your environment and background of the photoshoot. Neutral tones can range from white and gray, to brown, cream and beige - in all shades and textures!
How It Photographs
Clean, bright and ever so timeless, white and neutral outfits create a sophisticated, high-end look. They work especially well in bright studios, minimal indoor spaces, and outdoor sessions with lots of natural light. This palette also helps to ensure that you and your family remain the focal point of the images.
Color Ideas
White • Ivory • Cream • Beige • Sand • Taupe • Light Gray • Soft Brown
Outfit Examples
Women: White flowy maxi dress, nude heels or sandals, minimal gold jewelry. Another option would be cream pants with an ivory top, complemented by a brown cardigan.
Men: Cream sweater, light gray trousers, clean white sneakers or brown shoes, or beige chinos with a white oxford shirt.
Families: Mix whites and creams with a few taupe or sand accents to keep dimension and prevent a “flat” look.
Styling Tips
When everyone is wearing white or cream, including a range of textures is key. Choose knits, lace, linen, or subtle ribbing to help increase visual interest and variety.
Be mindful of transparency, choose thicker fabrics or proper underlayers.
Avoid stark white plus dark black combinations, which can feel too high-contrast.
This palette is ideal for barefoot sessions, especially beach, studio or in-home photos.
Earth Tones
Earth tones create a warm, organic look that photographs beautifully in nearly any setting. Think rich browns, soft beiges, muted greens, and terracotta shades. These colors blend effortlessly with natural backdrops and lend a timeless, relaxed feel to your images. Earth-tone outfits also help keep the focus on connection and expression, rather than bold or distracting hues.
How It Photographs
Earth tones feel warm, organic and effortlessly cohesive. They often complement outdoor locations beautifully, including fields, forests, beaches, and mountains. With the right combination of earth tones, you can create a soft, timeless look for your family photoshoot.
Color Ideas
Camel • Rust • Beige • Olive • Sage • Brown • Cream • Terracotta
Outfit Examples
Women: Flowy cream or rust maxi dress, tan booties, gold jewelry, or beige pants with an olive top or sweater.
Men: Olive chinos, cream henley, brown leather boots. Another option to consider is charcoal pants with a taupe sweater.
Families: Mix shades of beige, olive and brown with different textures, along with knits, linen and corduroy materials for dimension.
Styling Tips
Layering with a cardigan, scarf or jacket can help to add depth, without becoming a distraction.
Earth tones look especially rich during golden hour. Speak with your photographer about a golden hour photoshoot!
Avoid bright greens if shooting in greenery, as they can sometimes blend a little too well.
Jeans & White Tee’s
Classic, clean and effortlessly stylish, the jeans and white t-shirt combo is a favorite for a reason. The simplicity keeps the look cohesive while giving your photos a fresh, modern vibe. Since this palette is neutral and universally flattering, it works well for families, couples and groups.
All while allowing personalities to shine without visual clutter!
How It Photographs
Clean. Minimalist. Modern. This look is perfect for studio sessions or outdoor shoots where you’re looking to achieve a fresh, airy feel. It lets the connection (rather than the clothing) take center stage.
Color Ideas
White • Off-white • Denim
(light, medium and/or dark washes all work perfectly!)
Outfit Examples
Women: High-waisted denim, tucked white tee, delicate jewelry.
Men: Dark-wash jeans, crisp white crewneck, clean sneakers.
Couples: Matching white tees with different denim washes for subtle variety.
Families: Keep the shirts consistent, but mix jean tones to avoid looking too uniform.
Styling Tips
Iron or steam your t-shirts, as wrinkles can sometimes show in photos.
Tuck or French-tuck shirts to give shape.
If your photoshoot is outdoors, avoid harsh midday sun, as white can reflect light strongly. Your Birmingham family photographer can help to plan the perfect time of day!
Holiday Colors
Holiday colors, such as deep reds, evergreen, metallic golds, and cozy neutrals, can instantly infuse your photos with festive warmth. These tones are ideal for seasonal shoots, from Christmas cards to winter engagements! And when coordinated thoughtfully, holiday palettes can achieve the perfect balance between celebratory and sophisticated, ensuring your images feel joyful - without becoming overly thematic!
How It Photographs
Festive, cozy and warm. Perfect for winter sessions, Christmas cards and seasonal family portraits! These tones add richness and instantly create a celebratory feel.
Color Ideas
Burgundy • Evergreen • Deep Red • Gold • Ivory • Navy • Plaids • Soft Gray
Outfit Examples
Women: Evergreen velvet dress, gold earrings, heeled boots.
Men: Burgundy sweater, dark slacks, brown dress shoes.
Couples: Cream knit dress, complemented by a forest-green sweater.
Families: Mix jewel tones with neutrals, think navy, cream and a touch of red for a balanced and sophisticated look.
Styling Tips
Aim to use bold holiday colors sparingly. Pair one statement hue with softer neutrals.
Plaid works beautifully when only one person in the photo session wears it.
Cozy textures like wool, cable knits and velvet can add dimension, with a seasonal charm.
Booking Your Birmingham Family Photographer
Ready to book your photoshoot?
Finding the right Birmingham family photographer is the first and most important step. It’s important that you take the time to review their portfolio, ask questions and ensure that they are the right photographer for you.
With Bryant Studio, you can expect nothing less than a professional experience, surrounded by warmth and comfort. For more information or to book your session, get in touch with Bryant Studio today!
