What To Wear For Summer Family Photos
Planning your summer family photos? One of the most common questions I hear as a Cleveland family photographer is what to wear for summer family photos. Choosing outfits can feel overwhelming, but with a few simple guidelines, you can ensure your family looks coordinated, comfortable, and camera-ready! All without the stress.
Let’s dive into some easy, practical tips to help you style the perfect look for your summer photo session.
Light & Airy Summer Family Photos
Summer’s bright, beautiful light calls for clothing that feels just as fresh and airy. Opt for light, breathable fabrics such as cotton, linen, or chambray. Not only will they help keep you cool, but they’ll also bring a soft, elegant texture to your photos.
Light colors photograph beautifully in summer. Think soft pastels, creams, blush, light blue, sage green, and other muted tones. These shades complement outdoor settings like parks, beaches, and gardens. In addition, they keep the focus on your family’s connection rather than bold, distracting colors.
Coordinate, Don’t Match
Gone are the days of everyone wearing identical white shirts and jeans. Instead, aim for a coordinated look by selecting a color palette of two or three complementary shades. For example, soft blue, khaki, and white work well together. Or you could combine blush, sage, and cream.
Once you choose your color palette, mix and match solids and subtle patterns across family members. This creates visual interest without looking overly uniform.
Avoid Distracting Patterns and Logos
Speaking of patterns, let’s talk about what to avoid. While a small floral or soft plaid can add charm, it’s best to avoid busy patterns, neon colors, or large logos. These can draw attention away from the natural connection between your family members and may not photograph well in bright summer light.
Comfort is Key for Summer Family Photos
When thinking about what to wear for summer family photos, comfort should be at the top of your list! Especially for little ones. Make sure everyone’s outfits allow for easy movement and won’t cause overheating during your session.
For moms, flowy dresses or skirts are always a great choice. They’re flattering, feminine, and perfect for capturing beautiful movement in photos. Dads can opt for lightweight chinos or shorts paired with a button-up or polo shirt. For kids, keep it simple and avoid anything too fussy or stiff.
Consider Your Location
Your summer family photos location can also influence what to wear. For example, if you’re planning a beach session at Edgewater or Huntington Beach, think breezy and casual. Bare feet and flowing fabrics work beautifully at these locations! For garden or park sessions, light, natural tones will complement the greenery. And finally, if you’re doing an urban shoot in downtown Cleveland or the Flats, you can add a bit more edge or formality to your outfits.
Footwear & Accessories
Choose shoes that make sense for your location, but are also comfortable. Sandals, flats, or even some cute loafers are all great choices! However, I do recommend that you avoid athletic shoes or flip-flops unless they fit the aesthetic of your session.
Accessories like a wide-brimmed hat, simple jewelry, or a lightweight scarf can add personality without overpowering the look. For little ones, headbands or suspenders can be a cute touch. It all depends on your family’s personal style and what everyone is comfortable wearing.
Be Yourselves in Your Summer Family Photos!
The most important thing to remember when deciding what to wear for summer family photos is to stay true to your family’s style. Your photos should feel authentic and reflect who you are, not just what looks good on Pinterest. When you feel comfortable and confident in what you’re wearing, it shows!
If you’re ready to book your summer family session or need personalized styling advice, I’d love to help! Contact me today to start planning a session that captures your family’s unique story, while looking and feeling your best.
