Family in red outfits enjoying a golden autumn afternoon together in a sunny meadow at sunset.
Romantic couple portraits showing tender moments in plaid shirt and lace dress against white backdrop.

 

What to Wear for Your Family Session



A Guide to Styling for Confidence & Connection

 

A romantic wedding photo shows a happy couple embracing tenderly against a white curtained background.

Why Outfits Matter


Your wardrobe plays a powerful role in setting the tone for your portraits. The right styling enhances the connection, emotion, and beauty we’ll capture together. This guide is here to help you feel confident, prepared, and beautifully coordinated.

Color Palette inspiration

Your outfits don't need to match—they just need to belong together.

Choose 2–3 main colors and build around them using soft neutrals, textures, and accessories.


Palette Ideas:


Soft Neutrals: Cream, tan, gray, soft pink


Earthy Tones: Olive, rust, mustard, warm browns


Cool + Warm Mixes: Navy, burgundy, blush, slate blue

A couple in a red dress and jeans share tender moments during an autumn photoshoot in a scenic outdoor setting.

 

 

Tip: Start with mom's outfit, then build the rest around it.

 

 

 

Coordinating, Not Matching

do's and don'ts for picking your outfits


 

✓ THINK ABOUT THE SEASON

✓ ACCENT WITH ACCESSORIES(HATS, SCARVES)

✓ LAYERS, TEXTURES (KNIT, LINEN, LACE)

✓ CHOOSE CLOTHES THAT FIT COMFORTABLY

✓ WHEN IN DOUBT, GO NEUTRAL

✗ AVOID BOLD PATTERNS & LOGOS

✗ NO BRIGHT OR NEON COLORS

✗ FORGET THE JACKET

✗ AVOID IDENTICAL OUTFITS

✗ NO ALL BLACK OR ALL WHITE BY ACCIDENT

✗ AVOID WRINKLES

✗ AVOID TRENDS

Minnesota Best newborn photographer - A newborn and his big brother in a bright white room across four sequential photos.
Family playfully posing together in a sunlit field with tall grass and trees in the background.
Sweet child plays peek-a-boo while sitting in a golden field of tall grass on a sunny autumn day.
White dress captures movement on stone patio with green forest backdrop.
Two people in white and denim share intimate moments while dancing on a circular patterned rug in a bright studio.

 

Seasonal Styling:

 

A group stands together in a sunlit meadow with golden autumn trees and soft grass in the background.
Summer

Fall

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A group of friends laugh together while standing in a golden field during sunset.
Fall

Spring/Summer

Layers, boots, warm textures like knits or suede, muted earth tones

Group wearing coordinated red plaid and black outfits posing together on white backdrop during holiday photo session.
Winter

Winter (Indoor or Outdoor)

Cozy knits, flannel, blankets, rich jewel tones, scarves and boots

 

FOR A NATURAL & TIMELESS FEEL, SELECT OUTFITS THAT fit people's personalities.

For men and teens find clothing they feel more authentically themselves while wearing. Pick items in your color palette while trying to avoid bright colors, bold patterns & logos.

 

What to Wear by Role

 

Moms

 

Maxi or midi dresses, flowy sleeves, soft fabrics, layered jewelry

 

 

Dads

 

Neutral chinos or jeans, henley, button-up or sweater

 

 

kids

 

Simple solids or florals, layered with cardigans or suspenders

 

 

babies

 

Rompers, bloomers, barefoot, swaddles for newborns

 

Travel Dates
A couple embraces in a sunlit meadow while holding a vibrant purple bouquet during an outdoor photoshoot.

-

 

for dads

 

Baltic Born


Vici


Amazon


Target


Lulus

-

 

for kids

 

H&M


Gap


Target


Buckle (for more fitted options)

-

 

For Moms

 

Zara


H&M


Jamie Kay


Old Navy


Spearmint Love

Minnesota Best newborn photographer - A newborn and his big brother in a bright white room across four sequential photos.

 

FAQ

 

what if my child refuses to wear the planned outfit?

If this is a possibility I recommend bringing a backup and stay flexible. Happy kids always photograph beautifully!

How many outfits should we bring?

One outfit per person is plenty—unless you're doing a longer session with a second look.

What if it rains or the weather changes?

If the session is on location we could reschedule or embrace it. Umbrellas and overcast skies can create magical photos. If rescheduling would be too difficult for your family we can switch up the location to use one of our studio spaces or an indoor location of another kind.

Should we wear shoes?

Go barefoot if it suits the vibe! Otherwise, avoid neon sneakers or worn-out soles.

Elegant floral centerpiece with pink and white roses arranged in a black tall vase against a light background.

 

Final Thoughts

 

The most important thing is that you feel comfortable, connected, and like yourself. My job is to help you shine—your love, your laughter, and your story. Styling is just the ribbon on top. Let’s make magic.

A family sits together outdoors for a portrait against a green forest background.
Couple in a scenic field with tall grass, embracing as the woman wears a burgundy velvet dress.
A group of friends laugh together while standing in a golden field during sunset.
Clear Lake MN Family Photos: Group of people walking together in a grassy park setting on a sunny summer day.
Sweet child plays peek-a-boo while sitting in a golden field of tall grass on a sunny autumn day.
Two children sit together on a wooden bench against a white studio background.
A group of people posing together in a field of tall grass during an autumn photoshoot at golden hour.
A romantic wedding photo shows a happy couple embracing tenderly against a white curtained background.
Family maternity photo showing parents and child in coordinated outfits standing beneath a large tree at sunset.
Two people sit together on a red blanket in tall autumn grass wearing cozy sweaters on a fall day.
Three young children lying together on a white blanket surrounded by evergreen branches.
A playful studio portrait of a mother and two children wearing casual outfits.
Two people in white and denim share intimate moments while dancing on a circular patterned rug in a bright studio.
A tender moment captured as a parent in a white embroidered dress holds their sleeping newborn baby in a bright room.
Three people walk together through a lush green field with bright yellow wildflowers on a sunny summer day.
Two people take a romantic walk together through a field of tall grasses and wildflowers in a late summer setting.
Candid family moment with parents and children sharing laughs while sitting on a white bed in a cozy bedroom.
A couple embraces in a romantic sequence of photos in a sunlit park setting with green trees in the background.
Cozy family Christmas photo on white couch wearing matching buffalo plaid pajamas with holiday decorations and greenery.
Children play with wooden blocks on hardwood floor in a rustic room with warm lighting.
Two small children sit on a white blanket wearing holiday-themed buffalo plaid and green velvet outfits.
Clear Lake Family Photography: sit on stone steps surrounded by lush green forest during a summer photo session outdoors.
Family in red outfits enjoying a golden autumn afternoon together in a sunny meadow at sunset.
Family in casual autumn outfits share loving embraces in a series of four connected portrait photos.
A family group poses together against a white background wearing navy and light blue casual clothing.
A romantic couple shares tender moments in a sunlit meadow with tall grasses and wildflowers during golden hour.
A gathering of people sitting together on wooden chairs in a golden autumn field at sunset.
Romantic couple portraits showing tender moments in plaid shirt and lace dress against white backdrop.
A young child in a white shirt laughs while receiving loving kisses from parents against a light gray background.
A group poses on a nature trail surrounded by autumn foliage and tall grass.
A family in light clothing snuggling with a newborn in a soft white setting for tenderness-filled family portrait.
Holiday portrait with couple and small dog in cozy winter setting with buffalo plaid pillow and evergreen decorations.
A group stands together in a golden autumn field on an overcast day with dried grasses and trees in the background.
Person in coral shirt and jeans sitting casually on fallen log in golden field during sunset.
Group wearing coordinated red plaid and black outfits posing together on white backdrop during holiday photo session.
A couple embraces in a sunlit meadow while holding a vibrant purple bouquet during an outdoor photoshoot.
Family portrait against white wall shows three people standing with arms crossed in coordinated casual outfits.
A family poses on a gray couch decorated with festive holiday greenery and buffalo plaid accents.
Casual autumn photo session along a path lined with vibrant fall foliage and golden leaves.
Four sequential photos showing someone peering through a dark wooden portal while exploring an old building interior.
A collage of family photos showing parents and children in black and white outfits against light backgrounds.
A parent in a red dress holds a baby wearing a festive green and red knit sweater against a wooden wall backdrop.
A group walks together on a dirt path at sunset with mountains in the background and sun flare lighting the scene.
Two people share a romantic embrace on a path surrounded by autumn foliage and golden light.
A romantic couple in blue attire shares an intimate moment against a light neutral background.
Clear Lake MN Family Photos: A group embraces together while posing for a portrait in front of vibrant green forest foliage.
A side profile view shows a white shirt and jeans against a backdrop of peach and white floral arrangements and foliage.
Three candid moments of affection shown on a grassy forest floor in casual outdoor clothing.
Clear Lake Family Photography: A group poses together for a casual outdoor family portrait surrounded by lush green forest foliage.
Two people sit in a tall grass field wearing red plaid and cream colored sweaters during an autumn photoshoot.
A couple in a red dress and jeans share tender moments during an autumn photoshoot in a scenic outdoor setting.
Series of intimate dance poses between a couple in casual attire against a white background.
Clear Lake Family Photography: A group stands together holding hands along a stone wall in a lush green forest setting.
Minnesota Best newborn photographer - A romantic couple share an intimate moment while embracing their infant in soft white light.
Group stands together on a grassy dirt path surrounded by lush green foliage and autumn colors.
A group stands together in a sunlit meadow with golden autumn trees and soft grass in the background.
A family gathered in front of a floral backdrop wearing yellow and coral colored outfits in a soft studio setting.
Clear Lake Family Photography: A large extended family group poses together on a green lawn with garden landscaping in the background.
Ethereal white maternity photo session with flowing fabrics and soft natural light in a romantic indoor setting.
Intimate family portrait outdoors with parents and child sitting close together among green foliage.
Happy couple laughing and embracing on autumn tree-lined path with vibrant fall foliage in background.
Family walks together through wildflower field during spring photo session.
Princeton MN Photographer: Happy couple holding twin babies outdoors in a scenic meadow on sunny spring day.
A couple embraces in a golden autumn field during sunset with tall grass and warm tones all around them.
Family walking together on a sunny grass path surrounded by lush greenery during a summer outdoor session.
A group of people stand together in a golden field during autumn with sunlight filtering through trees in background.
A family stands together in a wildflower meadow with pink blossoms and misty mountains in the background.
Family standing together in a white studio room decorated with Christmas trees and garland against a light floor.
Family playfully posing together in a sunlit field with tall grass and trees in the background.
Minnesota Best newborn photographer - A family stands together near a white curtained window in soft natural lighting.
A parent and child share a tender moment in a golden autumn field at sunset wearing cozy sweaters. Photography Studio Located in Foreston MN
A group poses outdoors on a fallen log in a golden field at sunset.
A family sits together against a rustic wood paneled wall wearing coordinated blue and burgundy outfits.
A group of people pose together on a golden autumn field, shown in multiple casual outdoor portrait compositions.

 

Let's Set up a gown fitting

 

Is your session a maternity session? Let's meet about a week or 2 ahead of your maternity session to try on gowns so that you can select 1 or 2 to use during your session.

Book a Gown Fitting

 

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