Are you thinking about booking a summer family photo session, but feeling completely stuck on what everyone should wear?
Trust me — you are not alone 😊
One of the biggest stress points for families before a session is figuring out outfits, but the good news is that it doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, the most beautiful summer photo outfits are usually the simplest.
For outdoor summer sessions, neutral tones like white, cream, tan, and soft beige photograph beautifully. These colors create a timeless, airy look that keeps the focus where it belongs: on your family’s connection and genuine moments together.
Busy patterns, large logos, and very bold colors can pull attention away from the emotion in your images, while softer tones photograph more naturally and complement my light and airy editing style beautifully.
If you’d like to add a little color or texture, soft pastel shades and delicate floral prints are always lovely choices for summer sessions. Light blues, soft pinks, muted yellows, and subtle textures can add interest without overwhelming your photos.
When planning outfits, I always recommend starting with mom’s outfit first and building everyone else’s looks around that. Once mom feels confident and comfortable, everything else tends to fall into place much more easily. The goal isn’t for everyone to match perfectly — it’s for your outfits to coordinate and complement one another naturally.
For dads and boys, you truly can’t go wrong with a neutral button-up shirt paired with khaki shorts or light-colored pants. Simple, classic pieces almost always photograph best — and chances are, you already have something perfect hanging in the closet.
And because we all know North Carolina summers are no joke 😅, comfort matters too.
Lightweight fabrics and breathable materials will help everyone stay cooler and more relaxed during your session. Flowy dresses are especially beautiful for summer photos because they move naturally, photograph wonderfully in the breeze, and help keep moms comfortable even in the humidity. While jeans may feel like the easiest option, they can quickly become heavy and uncomfortable in the summer heat.
At the end of the day, the most important thing is choosing outfits that make you feel comfortable, confident, and like yourselves. When you feel good, it always shows in your photos.
Honestly? The best family images aren’t about perfect clothes anyway. They’re about connection, movement, laughter, and capturing your family exactly as you are in this season of life 💛
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