One of the first questions families ask after booking a session is, “What should we wear?”

The good news? There isn’t one perfect outfit. The goal isn’t to look like you’re wearing matching uniforms—it’s to wear clothing that feels like you, allows your family to move comfortably, and keeps the focus on your connection rather than your clothes.

As a documentary family photographer in West Michigan, I love capturing genuine moments. The right clothing helps everyone relax, play, snuggle, and simply enjoy being together. Are you looking for locations that pair with your outfits? Head over to my location page for my favorite locations in West Michigan! https://www.kmellema-photography.com/west-michigan-family-photographer

Start with Mom

I always recommend choosing Mom’s outfit first. When you feel comfortable and confident, it sets the tone for the entire session.

Choose something you can easily move in. Dresses with flow, cozy sweaters, linen tops, and relaxed jeans often photograph beautifully because they create natural movement without feeling stiff.

Instead of shopping for everyone separately, build the rest of the family’s outfits around yours.

Coordinate Instead of Matching

Gone are the days of everyone wearing identical white shirts and jeans.

Instead, choose a color palette with three to five complementary colors. Mixing textures and subtle patterns creates photographs that feel timeless and natural.

Some favorite combinations include:

Cream, olive, tan, and rust
Dusty blue, oatmeal, sage, and brown
Soft ivory, camel, and muted green
Denim, cream, mustard, and warm neutrals

The goal is for everyone to look like they belong together without looking identical.

Stick with Earthy, Neutral Colors

Michigan’s natural beauty deserves to shine.

Soft, earthy colors photograph beautifully in every season and won’t distract from your family’s connection.

Consider colors like:

Cream
Ivory
Beige
Olive green
Sage
Rust
Camel
Brown
Dusty blue

Bright neon colors and large logos tend to pull attention away from faces, so it’s usually best to leave those at home.

Dress for the Season

Spring Family Photos

Family during spring photography session

Spring in West Michigan is full of fresh greens, flowering trees, and soft light.

Beautiful spring colors include:

Sage green
Light blue
Cream
Blush
Soft lavender
Tan

Layering with lightweight cardigans or denim jackets works well, especially since Michigan weather can change quickly.

There are so many gorgeous fields in the Grand Rapids area! Check out some of my favorite spots here! https://www.kmellema-photography.com/grand-rapids-family-photographer

Summer Family Photos

Family splashing in the creek during documentary photography session

mom with her kids at the beach during family photography session

Whether we’re splashing in a creek or walking along the Lake Michigan shoreline, summer sessions feel relaxed and carefree.

Choose breathable fabrics like linen or cotton in colors such as:

Cream
Sand
Deep browns
Light blue
Olive
Rust

Bare feet are always welcome for beach sessions!

Holland and Saugatuck are my favorite favorite lakeshore photography spots!

https://www.kmellema-photography.com/holland-family-photographer

https://www.kmellema-photography.com/saugatuck-family-photographer

Fall Family Photos

Fall is one of the most popular times for family photos, and for good reason.

Rich autumn colors pair beautifully with Michigan’s changing leaves.

Think:

Rust
Mustard
Olive
Camel
Burgundy
Cream
Chocolate brown

Layering sweaters, boots, scarves, and textured fabrics adds warmth and depth without feeling overly styled.

Winter Family Photos

Christmas time winter photography session documenting putting up the Christmas tree

Winter sessions can be incredibly cozy.

Soft sweaters, wool coats, knit hats, and neutral scarves photograph beautifully against snowy landscapes.

Stick with:

Cream
Camel
Burgundy
Forest green
Olive green
Warm brown

Keeping everyone warm helps everyone stay happy during the session.

Because winter can be cold for little ones, in-home documentary sessions are my favorite! Book a documentary session here! https://www.kmellema-photography.com/emotive-moments#contact

Don’t Forget Texture

Texture photographs better than bold patterns.

Some favorites include:

Linen
Knit sweaters
Cotton gauze
Denim
Corduroy
Wool
Muslin

These fabrics add visual interest while keeping the focus on your family.

Shoes Matter More Than You Think

Shoes often appear in your images, especially during walking, playing, or beach sessions.

Neutral boots, simple sandals, clean sneakers, or bare feet at the beach tend to work best.

Athletic shoes with bright colors can sometimes distract from the overall look.

Wear Something That Feels Like You

The best family photos happen when you’re comfortable enough to forget the camera is there.

If you’re constantly adjusting a dress, tugging at a shirt, or worrying about wrinkles, it’s much harder to relax.

Choose clothing that allows you to sit on the ground, chase your kids, cuddle together, and simply enjoy the moment.

Those authentic interactions are what you’ll treasure years from now.

FAQs

Can you wear more than one pattern?

This is a tricky one. The short answer, sometimes. The long answer, it all depends on the patterns. It is possible to wear two different patterns, but typically I suggest going with textures over multiple patterns. Patterns can be extremely visually distracting, which will take away from the subject of the photo - you! When in doubt, ask your photographer!

Should siblings match?

I get this question a lot. It helps to coordinate instead of match. It gives each of your children their own look, instead of merging them into a “blob” when they’re next to each other. With that said - personally, one of my favorite photos of my own two girls, they’re matching! If I were to have given myself advice back then, I would have changed one of their outfits to compliment instead of an exact match.

I don’t like my body. What should I wear?

First off, you are wonderful as you are. I often suggest wearing flowy fabric. Not to hide your body, but it adds movement, and is often flattering! But for some people, something more close fitting feels better. Go with that! You may have heard this before, but your body is the least interesting thing about you. Your family loves you for you! For who you are, not what you look like. They can’t wait for you to be in these pictures. We photographers also want you to feel amazing during photos. Work with your photographer to find a fit that’s flattering and makes you feel confident!

Need Help Choosing?

Every family who books a session with me is welcome to send outfit ideas before their session. I also send over a style guide for you! I’m always happy to help coordinate colors, offer suggestions, or give feedback so you can feel confident before photo day.

At the end of the day, your children won’t remember exactly what everyone wore.

They’ll remember laughing, running, snuggling, and spending an evening together.

Those are the moments I love documenting.

If you’re looking for a documentary family photographer in Grand Rapids or anywhere throughout West Michigan, I’d love to help you preserve this season of your family’s story.

Contact me today to get on my schedule! https://www.kmellema-photography.com/emotive-moments#contact