As a San Francisco Peninsula family photographer (and a mom myself), I get this question all the time: What to wear for family photoshoot? Whether you’re planning an outdoor session at a San Mateo park, the beach in Pacifica, or even in your backyard in Burlingame — I’ve got you covered.
Below is a stress-free style guide designed especially for busy moms of young kids who want beautiful, timeless photos without the added stress.
1. What to Wear for Family Photoshoot
Start with Comfort
Ultimately, your photos should capture real connection — the kisses, the hugs, the playful moments in between. And to make that happen, it all starts with feeling good in what you’re wearing.
To help with that, choose soft, breathable fabrics and skip anything stiff or restrictive. Think pieces that move with you and let you focus on your family, not your outfit.
The good news? It doesn’t have to be stressful. My biggest tip? Wear something that makes you feel comfortable and confident.
Because when you feel good, you can truly relax, have fun, and soak in the moment — and that’s exactly what makes the best photos.
For inspiration on timeless family style, check out Boden’s Family Clothing or Jamie Kay’s children’s collection.
2. What to Wear for Family Photoshoot: Outfit Tips for Parents
Moms
Let’s start with moms. My go-to suggestion? A long, flowy dress.
In fact, my favorite recommendation for moms, maternity shoots, and women in family photos is a long, flowy dress. It’s flattering on everyone, and the camera is able to capture the movements beautifully.
Not only that, dresses offer versatility for different poses — from standing, sitting, to even lying down — and they always help create a relaxed, elegant feel.
Dads
When in doubt, my go-to suggestion is to aim for a comfortable, stylish, and timeless look. A well-fitted button-down shirt (short or long sleeve) paired with khakis or jeans is always a great choice.
To elevate the look, consider layering — a sweater or henley over a button-down works really well and adds warmth and texture, especially for cooler sessions.
As for shoes, keep it simple, stylish, and comfortable — think boots, loafers, or clean sneakers that won’t steal attention from the moment.
To keep things clean and classic, try to avoid light-washed jeans, baggy fits, loud graphics, or anything too distracting on camera.
3. What to Wear for Family Photoshoot: Kids & Babies
Keep it simple, comfy, and true to them.
My top tip — especially for babies and kids — is to wear what makes them feel most comfortable and confident. When they feel good, they can play, explore, and let their personalities shine.
For girls, I love dresses or skirts — they’re super fun and give us those magical twirl shots full of movement and joy.
Meanwhile, for boys, a short or long sleeve button-up, henley, or sweater gives a great balance of casual and polished.
In addition, comfortable shoes are key so they can move freely — candid, playful shots are some of my absolute favorites.
Lastly, it’s always a good idea to try outfits on ahead of time to check for comfort and fit — so your kid stays happy and ready to play.
Here are a few places I recommend browsing, depending on your budget:
- $ H&M Kids, Old Navy – great basics, easy to move in
- $$ Zara Kids – modern neutrals, soft fabrics
- $$$ Janie & Jack – timeless styles, photo-ready quality
4. Coordinate your outfits
Complimenting Colors & Patterns
To start, coordinate your outfit with the rest of the family, aiming for a clean, classic look.
From there, stick to solid colors, soft neutrals, earth tones, or gentle patterns — and don’t be afraid to add a pop of color to show off your personality.
Avoid
Try to avoid graphic tees, loud logos, neon colors, or overly bold prints that can distract from your faces and the connection we want to capture.
Instead, choose natural textures and simple prints — they always photograph beautifully.
5. Still stressing about what to wear for family photoshoot?
As always, I’m here to help. Feel free to email me your outfit ideas. I love helping clients finalize looks and make sure everything works well together on camera.
Above all, photoshoots are meant to be fun. Don’t overthink it. Just show up, love on your family, and we’ll capture beautiful photos — no matter what you’re wearing.
And if you’re still feeling unsure, need help planning your outfits? Let’s chat — I’m here to make the whole process feel easy and stress-free from start to finish.
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