Family Photo Style Guide | What to Wear for Pictures in Tacoma & PNW

Family of four sitting on grass under a large tree outdoors, smiling at the camera.
Three people, two teenage boys and an adult man, standing on a wooden path in a forest with green foliage surrounding them.
Pregnant woman in a green dress standing by a lake with trees in the background, smiling and holding her belly.

Hello and thank you for considering us for your family photography session! We put together this style guide to help answer some common questions and hopefully help prepare your family for the photo session. The most important piece of advice is to be comfortable in what you choose to wear and be yourselves.

  1. Choose The Location

    Start by choosing your favorite location as this will determine outfit complexity and some of the color palette you choose later.

  2. Start With Mom’s Outfit

    Begin the process of coordination and clothing selection by starting with mom’s outfit and build around her choice.

  3. Choose A Color Palette

    Based on mom’s outfit, choose 2-3 coordinating colors, most will be neutral, however one should be colorful and add a bit of flair to the outfits. Base the color palette on your ideal image (warm, bold, deep tones) and keep in mind where in your home the images will be displayed.

  4. Coordinate Rather Than Match

    Outfits should coordinate and look like they belong together, but generally no two family members should be wearing the same clothes.

  5. Fitted Clothing Photographs Well

    Fitted clothes tend to be more flattering and show better in photographs.

  6. Dress For The Weather

    Comfort should be your first thought and this means dress for the weather to avoid shivering or sweating during your photo session.

  7. Don’t Imitate, Be Your Unique Self

    While social media can be useful in helping us choose colors or styles, remember to stay true to your unique self. You want the images to reflect real life.

  8. Think Timeless And Classic

    Avoid current trends in fashion and stick to timeless and classic looks that will last throughout the years.

  9. Don’t Forget The Accessories

    Accessories are a good way to compliment an outfit and add pops of color, personality, and interest.

  10. Match Style To Home Decor

    As your photos will likely be displayed in your home, give some thought to your current and future decor style to avoid making photos look out of place.

  11. Props/Comfort Items For Children

    Think about your children’s favorite book, stuffed animal, or clothing accessory for your family photo session. Something memorable that you would not mind in photos displayed around your home.

Quick Reference Of Things To Avoid…

  • Oversized Clothing

  • Thin Stripes of Plaids

  • Bright White Clothes

  • Neon Colors

  • Logos

  • Mismatched Undershirts

  • Athletic Polo Shirts

  • Transitional Eyeglasses and Sunglasses

Family Session Checklist:

  • Set Date, Time, And Location

  • Review Guide For Style Tips

  • Choose Outfits

  • Possible Items To Bring:

    • Flats For Walking Between Locations

    • Touch-up Makeup

    • Water Bottle

    • Coat For Cover-up

    • Snacks For Little Ones

Portrait of a bald man with blue eyes wearing a light gray collared shirt against a black background.

Hello, I am Gabriel Collins, a Puyallup, WA family photographer specialized in capturing life’s fleeting moments. I aim to provide a fun and relaxed session where your family feels at ease. Our memories deserve to be celebrated and displayed in our homes as artwork.

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