What Should We Wear for Family Photos?

If I had to guess the question I get asked more than any other before a family session, it would be this:

"What should we wear?"

And I completely understand why! Choosing outfits for one person can feel overwhelming enough. Coordinating clothing for an entire family—while making sure everyone feels comfortable, confident, and like themselves—can seem almost impossible.

The good news is that it doesn't have to be stressful.

After photographing hundreds of families throughout Albuquerque and New Mexico, I've learned that the best outfits aren't necessarily the fanciest ones. They're the ones that help your family's personalities shine while creating timeless images you'll still love twenty years from now.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know so you can show up feeling confident and excited for your session.

Start with Mom's Outfit First

This may surprise you, but I almost always recommend choosing Mom's outfit first.

Why?

Because moms are usually the hardest to shop for, and when Mom feels beautiful and confident, the entire session tends to feel more relaxed.

Once you've found something you truly love, it's much easier to build everyone else's outfits around it.

Think of Mom's outfit as the inspiration piece for the entire family.

Instead of trying to match everyone exactly, use her colors and style as the guide for the rest of the family.

Coordinating Is Better Than Matching

Remember when everyone wore matching white shirts and blue jeans?

Thankfully, family photography has evolved.

Today's timeless family portraits focus on coordinating colors rather than matching outfits.

Choose colors that complement each other while allowing each family member to have their own unique style.

Think of your family like a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Every flower is different, but together they create something even more beautiful.

Colors That Photograph Beautifully

New Mexico gives us some of the most incredible natural scenery in the country, and choosing colors that complement our landscape makes a huge difference.

Some of my favorite color palettes include:

Warm Neutrals

• Cream

• Ivory

• Beige

• Camel

• Taupe

• Soft Brown

These colors look beautiful year-round and never go out of style.

Earth Tones

Earth tones pair perfectly with Albuquerque's desert landscape.

Try combinations like:

• Sage Green

• Olive

• Rust

• Terracotta

• Mustard

• Dusty Blue

• Chocolate Brown

These colors create warmth without overpowering your family.

Soft Blues and Greens

These shades photograph especially well during spring and summer sessions and add a calm, timeless feel.

Muted Jewel Tones

For fall sessions, consider rich colors like:

• Burgundy

• Forest Green

• Navy

• Plum

  
  

These colors add depth while still keeping the focus on your family.

Colors to Avoid

While there aren't many strict rules, there are a few things that tend to distract in photographs.

I usually recommend avoiding:

• Neon colors

• Bright fluorescent shades

• Large logos

• Characters on children's shirts

• Busy geometric patterns

• Tiny stripes that can create visual distortion

• Clothing with lots of words printed across the front

The goal is for people to notice your faces first—not your clothing.

Dress for the Location

One of the reasons I love helping families plan their session is that your clothing and your location should work together.

For a mountain meadow or forest setting, soft earth tones blend beautifully with nature.

For White Sands, lighter colors like cream, soft blue, blush, sage, and light gray create an elegant, airy look against the bright white dunes.

For downtown Albuquerque or Old Town, you can often dress a little more polished with layers and accessories that complement the architecture.

When your outfits fit the location, the final gallery feels cohesive and intentional.

Layers Add Interest

One of the easiest ways to elevate an outfit is by adding layers.

Think about:

• Cardigans

• Denim jackets

• Lightweight sweaters

• Scarves (when appropriate)

• Textured fabrics

• Vests

• Dresses with movement

  
  

Layers create depth and dimension without making your outfit feel busy.

Flowing dresses are especially beautiful because they create natural movement in photographs.

Shoes Matter More Than You Think

It may sound funny, but shoes can completely change the feel of your photos.

Whenever possible, choose shoes that match the overall style of your outfits.

Neutral boots, simple sandals, loafers, dress shoes, or clean sneakers can all work beautifully depending on the setting.

Try to avoid brightly colored athletic shoes unless they genuinely fit your family's style.

And don't forget to check children's shoes a few days before your session—little feet grow quickly!

Don't Forget Comfort

The most beautiful outfit in the world won't help if you're uncomfortable.

If your child hates wearing itchy fabrics or stiff collars, that discomfort will likely show in the photos.

Choose clothing that allows everyone to move, cuddle, sit, run, and play comfortably.

Family sessions are active! We walk, hug, laugh, swing little ones, and explore together.

Comfort helps create natural expressions.

Should We Accessorize?

Absolutely—but keep it simple.

A few thoughtfully chosen accessories can add personality without becoming distracting.

Ideas include:

• Delicate necklaces

• Earrings

• Hats (for a few images)

• Hair bows

• Suspenders

• Simple watches

• Layered bracelets

Accessories should enhance your outfit, not compete with it.

What About Babies and Toddlers?

Little ones often look best in simple, timeless clothing.

Soft knits, rompers, dresses, overalls, and neutral-colored outfits photograph beautifully.

Bring an extra outfit just in case of spills or accidents.

And remember—sometimes a barefoot toddler is even cuter than one wearing shoes.

Should We Change Outfits?

If your session includes enough time, a second outfit can add wonderful variety.

Many families choose:

• One slightly dressier look

• One relaxed, casual look

This gives your gallery two completely different feels while keeping the experience fun.

The Secret Ingredient Isn't the Clothes

After all of this advice, here's something important:

The most beautiful family photos aren't created by perfect outfits.

They're created by connection.

The hugs.

The laughter.

The way your little one reaches for your hand.

The look your kids give you when you tell one of Dad's silly jokes.

Those moments matter far more than whether everyone's shirt was exactly the same shade of blue.

My goal is always to help your family feel comfortable enough that your personalities shine through.

When that happens, your photographs become something truly special.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do we all have to match?

No! Coordinating colors creates a much more timeless and natural look than matching outfits.

Can we wear patterns?

Yes—but use them sparingly. One or two subtle patterns mixed with solids often works beautifully.

Should we wear black?

Black can absolutely work, especially during cooler months or urban sessions. I recommend softening it with lighter complementary colors so the overall look feels balanced.

What if I need help choosing?

I'm always happy to help! Many of my families send me photos of outfit options before their session, and I'm happy to offer guidance.

Can we be casual?

Absolutely. Your photos should reflect your family. Whether your style is dressy, relaxed, or somewhere in between, we'll create images that feel authentic to you.

Let's Create Something Beautiful Together

Choosing outfits shouldn't feel overwhelming.

With a little planning and a focus on comfort, coordination, and timeless style, you'll arrive at your session feeling confident and ready to simply enjoy time with the people you love most.

And that's where the magic really happens.

As your photographer, I'm here to guide you every step of the way—from choosing the perfect location to helping you select outfits that photograph beautifully.

Together, we'll create images that you'll proudly display in your home and treasure for years to come.

I can't wait to help tell your family's story.

Ready to Plan Your Family Session?

If you're ready for a family photography experience that's relaxed, fun, and beautifully tailored to your family, I'd love to help. From choosing the perfect location to helping you coordinate outfits, I'll guide you through every step so you can focus on making memories together.

Contact Kate Buckles Photography today to reserve your family photography session in Albuquerque or anywhere throughout New Mexico.