Styling for Family Photos
Ok so you’ve found the right photographer, and the right date, and you’re all booked in for your upcoming family photo session! Woohoo! But wait, there is still one more task. That is styling for you family photos. Dun dun dun… just kidding. It’s not that big of a deal! However I will note that the way you style your family for your family photos can really set a whole vibe, or not… So let’s make sure your family session is a vibe.
In this blog post, you will learn everything you need to know about how to style your family for your family photos, while still feeling and being your family. I get it, not everyone feels comfortable in a flowy dress on the mountain side. And that doesn’t have to be the case for good family photos. Your family should be styled in a way that feels like you, that way your photos will feel like you, and dare I say the most overused word in the photography industry – authentic.
There are five styling categories I want you to think about.
Textures, layers, patterns, colours, and accessories. Outside of these styling categories, I want you to think about comfort and what reflects you. I’ll dive deeper into each of these categories, but I can’t stress enough that you want your outfits to be representative of you and your family. When styling for family photos and keeping these categories in mind, you really only need to incorporate 2-3 of these categories. I don’t want you thinking you need all elements for your session, that would likely be stressful and not end up cohesive. If you end up with all 5 elements and it looks complimentary between each family member, this is also great! If you’ve found a good photographer, they ultimately should be able to guide you through styling your family for your photos as well.
Lets start with texture.
Incorporating a variety of fabrics into your photos can instantly elevate their visual appeal. Think of the contrast between rugged denim and smooth silk, cozy knits and airy linens, delicate lace and structured tailoring. Each fabric brings its own texture, movement, and personality to the frame. By mixing materials—like pairing something flowy with something more fitted—you create layers of depth that draw the viewer in and make your photos feel more dynamic and thoughtfully styled.
For this session below, you can see the Mom picked out a knitted dress for her daughter. This added dimension to the images, and really elevated the visual appeal.
Next up is layering.
Layers can be a fun and easy way to add something special to your photos. A jacket, cardigan, or even a cozy scarf can bring in some movement, texture, and extra style. It helps create that natural, lived-in look that photographs so beautifully. Not everyone in the family needs to be layered, but adding this touch to one or two outfits can really bring the whole look together and add a little extra charm to your session.
A simple jacket added, just like this Mama did, helped bring the looks together, and created a natural look.
Patterns, my personal favourite to mix in!
Patterns are a great way to bring personality and visual interest into your photos. Whether it’s subtle stripes, playful florals, or classic plaids, patterns can create a natural focal point and help guide the eye through the image. They also break up large blocks of color, making the overall composition feel more balanced and dynamic. Just a touch of pattern—on a dress, shirt, or even an accessory—can add that extra layer of charm and help tell your family’s unique story.
Adding in a large piece with a pattern, such as this mama did with her dress can really add to your session.
Next, let’s talk about colour.
Colour plays a big role in how your photos feel, so it’s definitely something to think about ahead of time. It’s always a good idea to chat with your photographer about colour choices—they can help guide you toward tones that work well with the setting and each other. Instead of everyone wearing the exact same thing, aim for a coordinated look with colours that complement each other. Think of balance, not matching! This way, each family member’s outfit fits together beautifully without looking too uniform.
Quick tip: Start with a neutral base—like cream, beige, or soft grey—and layer in one or two accent colours. Earthy tones, warm rusts, soft blues, or muted greens photograph really well and tend to feel timeless.
These photos are taken by the talented Rachel Bowman, of my fam that I’m obsessed with! But as you can see when styling my family, I added lots of colour, pattern, and texture! Don’t be afraid to get colourful! Just make sure you’re cohesive in your colours. And don’t be afraid to ask your photographer for advice!
Lastly, let’s accessorize!
Accessories might seem small, but they can really pull an outfit together and add that extra bit of personality to your photos. Think hats, jewelry, hair clips, scarves, or even suspenders for little ones! Just like with outfits, a little goes a long way—choose a few meaningful or stylish pieces that complement your overall look without stealing the show. Accessories also bring texture and interest, which helps add variety to your gallery. And bonus: they’re an easy way to switch things up partway through your session without a full outfit change!
Now that you’re equipped with these styling tips, you’re ready to create a memorable family photo session that feels authentically you! Remember, it's all about balancing the right textures, layers, patterns, colors, and accessories to highlight your family's unique vibe. If you need a little extra inspiration or guidance along the way, be sure to check out Style and Select for inspo and for more styling tips, behind-the-scenes looks, and all things styling for family photos And if you're ready to dive deeper into the world of family photo styling, don't forget to grab my free Style Guide to make sure your session is a total success. Happy styling, and I can't wait to see your beautiful photos!
