Sunlight streams through classical columns creating dramatic shadows and silhouettes.
People dance and move together in a bright indoor space with white walls.
Family spending quality time together in a modern kitchen while preparing food.

One of the questions I get asked the most is: “What should we wear for our family photo session?”

The answer is simple, wear what feels comfortable, lets you move, and makes you feel like yourself. The more relaxed you are, the more genuine and emotional your photos will be.

1. Comfort First (We’ll Be Moving!)

I love capturing movement. You'll be walking together, twirling your kids, running along the beach or doing a little dance. Choose clothes you can easily move in. Soft fabrics, stretchy materials, loose silhouettes, and outfits that don’t need constant adjusting will always photograph best.

Family members playing and walking together on a reflective beach at sunset.
A family walks together on a tree-lined path during golden hour.

Lands End Trail, San Francisco

Ocean Beach, San Francisco

2. Dress for the Weather—Layers Are Your Best Friend

Bay Area weather can shift quickly, especially during sunset. Layering keeps you comfortable and adds texture to your photos. Think cardigans, denim jackets, light sweaters, or shawls that can easily be added or removed depending on the temperature.

3. Footwear: Stylish but Practical

We may walk, explore, or stand on uneven ground, so skip the heels or slippery soles. Choose flat, secure footwear like boots, sandals with straps, flats, or clean sneakers. If your feet feel good, you’ll look more relaxed.


Pro tip: If shooting at the beach, wear shoes or sandals that can be removed easily in case you want to go barefoot. AND, bring a towel for cleaning up wet, sandy feet.

A family of three walks through a eucalyptus grove trail in the woods at San Francisco Lover's Lane. Bay Area family photographer.
Family walking together on a coastal path during golden hour with trees in background.
Family enjoying a relaxed day together on a sandy beach by the ocean.

Lover's Lane, San Francisco

Ocean Beach, San Francisco

Lands End Trail, San Francisco

4. When in Doubt, Choose Neutrals

Neutrals always win. Shades like cream, beige, taupe, soft gray, olive, denim, or muted blues photograph beautifully and don’t compete with your surroundings.

They also help keep the focus where it matters most, your connection with each other.


Patterns and colors are welcome, but think about your location. Will your outfit enhance the setting or clash with it? A floral dress in a wildflower field looks dreamy, but bright neon next to an earthy forest might distract from the moment.

5. Wear What Makes You Feel Like You

Confidence photographs better than any outfit ever will. Choose clothes you feel good in, not something you’re constantly adjusting or overthinking. Flowy dresses, cozy sweaters, linen sets, denim, or well-loved basics are always a win if they feel like you.

Group posing together on a stone wall surrounded by tall evergreen trees in a park.
Family or three with dog posing under redwood trees at Piedmont Park in Oakland. Bay Area family photographer.
Couple walking together on a wooden boardwalk through golden wheat fields at sunset.

Piedmont Park, Oakland

Coyote Hills Regional Park, Fremont

Piedmont Park, Oakland

6. Don’t Stress About Matching

You don’t need perfectly matching outfits or identical colors. Instead, think about coordinating tones. For example: earthy colors, pastels, muted tones, or jewel tones that work well together. The most important accessory will always be each other, not the clothes.

7. What I Focus On Most

At the end of the day, I’m not documenting outfits, I’m documenting emotion. The way your child rests their head on your shoulder. The laughter between generations. The in-between moments that make your family unique.


So wear what you love, bring your full hearts, and I’ll take care of the rest.

Family lying together in green grass during an outdoor photo session.
Family group hugging and laughing together during an outdoor portrait session.
Family sharing joyful moments together in a coastal forest setting.

 

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