Some people know exactly how to pull outfits together for their family session, while others need a little guidance—and that’s where I come in. Color is just the starting point; patterns and textures are what truly tie everything together. Follow the steps below and you’ll be well on your way to creating beautiful, cohesive images. From there, I use your chosen color palette, the location, and features of the environment to highlight those colors and create photos that feel balanced and timeless. Take a look at the sample galleries below to see how I enhance each family’s images by using elements of the location they selected. And if you're still stuck, just let me know and I am happy to help you complete the steps below!
1
choose your palette
Consider when your photos will be taken and choose colors that complement that season. For spring or summer sessions, soft pastels, light neutrals and floral tones work beautifully. Autumn sessions are enhanced by warm earth tones, deep reds, burnt oranges, and mustard yellow. For indoor or neutral spaces, soft creams, whites and muted blues create a timeless and elegant look.
2
choose feature pattern
Adding a subtle pattern to one or two family members outfits can create interest and focal points. Stripes, plaids or small florals can be incorporated effectively and pairing a patterned item with solid colors prevents clashing. It's best to use only one feature pattern per outfit group to maintain balance and cohesion throughout the photos.
3
add texture
Textures add depth and richness to your photos. In the fall, layering cozy fabrics like chunky knits, corduroy and/or suede brings warmth and visual interest. During the summer months, pairing breathable textures like linen, seersucker and light cottons keeps outfits looking effortless and cohesive. Scarves, hats, vests and other subtle accessories can tie everything together, and mixing different textures-without repeating the same fabric-adds variety while still feeling harmonious.
SUMMER
Cool blues and airy neutrals create a calm, cohesive feel, while darker accents add depth and contrast. Clean lines and minimal patterns keep everything modern and effortless, letting texture—flowy fabrics, structured denim, and smooth knits—do the talking. Finding the neutral pockets of this location made it easy (and fun!) to highlight the subjects and their outfits, resulting in images that feel intentional and polished.
FALL
In these photos, shades of green anchor every outfit, balanced by classic denim and warm neutrals that feel perfect for fall. Subtle patterns—like small-scale checks—add interest without competing, while texture does the heavy lifting: cozy knits, soft corduroy, and suede boots bring depth and warmth. The result is polished but approachable, with each outfit distinct yet clearly part of the same visual story. Placing the family among trees that echoed these tones helped the outfits stand out naturally, creating images that feel polished, approachable, and effortlessly connected.
FALL
These outfits feel cohesive thanks to a thoughtful mix of color harmony and touchable textures. Cool blue tones anchor the group, while soft creams and warm browns add balance and keep the palette inviting. Minimal pattern keeps the look clean, allowing texture to stand out—chunky knits, fluid dresses, and structured leather boots create visual interest without feeling busy. The overall effect is classic and coordinated, with a comfortable, lived-in feel that photographs beautifully. I love how the wood elements at this location beautifully echoes the girls’ boots, while the slate blue wall complements the boys’ denim and neutral sweater, tying the entire scene together in a way that feels classic, comfortable, and natural.
WINTER
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This winter color palette feels classic and timeless. Deep navy and soft blues are balanced with warm camel tones and rich burgundy, keeping everything feeling cozy without being too heavy. Denim grounds the look, while texture—plaid flannel, knits, and quilted layers—adds warmth and interest. Using the weathered wood and neutral barn walls as a backdrop helped the colors stand out beautifully against the winter light and snow, making the whole gallery feel cohesive and intentional.
and finally, What NOT to Wear for Your Family Photos
When it comes to family photos, what you don’t wear is just as important as what you do. Avoid these common pitfalls:
- Too many patterns: Stick to one patterned outfit per family to keep the focus on faces.
- Neon or super bright colors: They can distract and sometimes reflect on skin.
- All black or all white outfits: Black can lose detail; white can wash you out, especially outdoors.
- Uncomfortable clothing: Fidgeting or tugging at clothes will show in your photos.
- Trend-heavy pieces: Choose classic styles that won’t look dated in a few years.
- Colors that clash with your setting: Pick tones that complement the environment.
- Ill-fitting clothing: Too tight or too baggy clothing can look awkward.
- Shiny or reflective fabrics: Sequins, satin, and metallics can catch light in distracting ways.
Following these tips will help your family look cohesive, comfortable, and timeless in your photos!