Coordinate, don't match. Pick two or three soft colors plus a neutral, spread them across the family, mix in a little texture and pattern, and dress everyone for the season and for comfort. That's 90% of it.
I'm Betsy, and after photographing families across Delaware and Central Ohio for over ten years, I can promise you this: the outfits matter, but not in the fussy way people fear. You don't need everyone in matching plaid. You need a simple, coordinated palette and clothes people feel like themselves in. Here's how I help families get there.
Coordinate, don't match
Matching outfits (same shirt, same jeans) tend to look stiff and dated. Coordinating means everyone wears the same family of colors in their own way. One person in a sage sweater, another in cream with a denim jacket, a little one in soft rust. Pulled together, not uniform.
Pick a palette of two or three colors
Start with two or three colors plus a neutral, then build each outfit from that set. Colors that photograph beautifully in natural light:
- Earthy tones: sage green, rust, mustard, terracotta, warm brown
- Soft neutrals: cream, oatmeal, taupe, soft white
- Muted blues: denim, dusty blue, navy
A quick trick: lay everyone's outfits out on a bed together before the session. If it looks good as a group there, it'll look good on camera.
Dress for the location and season
Warm earth tones sing in a fall orchard; soft neutrals feel fresh for spring and summer. For cooler months, layers add depth. Cardigans, jackets, scarves, and boots photograph wonderfully and keep everyone comfortable outdoors. We shoot on location in natural light, so dressing for the weather is dressing for the photos.
What to avoid
- Large logos and slogans: they date the photo and pull the eye
- Neon or very bright single colors that cast onto skin
- Busy, clashing patterns on multiple people at once (one gentle pattern is lovely)
- Everyone in plain white tees and jeans: it reads flat and washes out
- Brand-new shoes or stiff outfits on kids: comfort wins every time
A quick checklist
Two or three colors plus a neutral · everyone in their own version of the palette · a little texture and one soft pattern · dressed for the season · comfortable, especially the kids · a backup outfit for little ones. Bring questions to your session and I'll help with the rest.