Summer family photos should be about capturing precious memories, not stressing about what everyone should wear. But between finding outfits that photograph well, coordinating colors for multiple family members, and dealing with the summer heat, outfit planning can feel overwhelming.
The good news? With the right approach, you can have your family looking effortlessly coordinated and comfortable in no time!
Over the years as a Columbus, GA family photographer—and a mama of three busy boys—I’ve picked up a few tried-and-true tips to take the stress out of outfit planning. I’ve learned that with a little guidance and heart, your session can feel joyful, relaxed, and full of connection... which is exactly what we want your photos to reflect.
The Foundation: Choosing Your Color Palette for Summer Photos
One of the best ways to begin outfit planning is to start with one person’s outfit—almost always mom’s. When mom feels confident and beautiful, everything else seems to fall into place. I like to use mom’s outfit as the starting point for the color palette, picking two to three main colors and then adding one or two soft accent tones.
A little personal example—recently, we went to the beach, and I wore a light pink dress with dainty floral details. The dress had these subtle touches of green that I absolutely loved, so I decided to play off of that. My husband and boys wore soft green tones, creams, and a hint of blush to pull it all together, and the photos turned out better than I could have imagined.
In the summer, I love working with soft neutrals paired with pops of color, or even pastels with creamy tones. These combinations feel light, airy, and timeless—perfect for golden summer evenings or soft morning light. I typically suggest avoiding neon colors, as they can be a little harsh on camera, and steering clear of solid black, which not only absorbs heat but can feel a bit too heavy for summer portraits. Also, try not to mix too many bold patterns that might distract from the emotion and connection in your photos.
It’s also helpful to think about where your session will take place. If we’re shooting at the beach, we’ll want breezier tones and lighter fabrics. If we’re in a park surrounded by trees, earthy tones and muted pastels often photograph beautifully.
Styling Mom: Comfortable Elegance That Photographs Beautifully
If you’re anything like me, you probably spend most of your days thinking about everyone else—what they need, what they’ll wear, whether they’ll be happy. But when it comes to family photos, I always remind moms to choose something for themselves first. It truly sets the tone.
My favorite suggestion for summer is a flowy midi or maxi dress. They photograph like a dream, move beautifully with the breeze, and often help moms feel effortlessly elegant while still being comfortable. If you prefer pants or skirts, a pretty blouse paired with tailored pants or a simple skirt can be a lovely polished option too. Just try to avoid clingy materials—light cottons, linen blends, and soft textures will keep you cool and comfy.
When it comes to accessories, I love keeping things simple. Delicate jewelry, a pair of stud earrings, or a dainty bracelet add just enough sparkle without distracting from your natural beauty. For shoes, think comfort first—especially if we’ll be in a grassy field or walking through sand. Honestly, one of my favorite things about summer sessions is when we ditch the shoes altogether and go barefoot. There’s something so sweet and relaxed about feeling the soft grass under your feet, and it adds such a playful, carefree vibe to your photos.
Dad’s Summer Photo Style: Looking Sharp Without the Sweat
Dads usually want something that looks nice but doesn’t make them feel overdressed or uncomfortable. I always suggest something that feels like him—but just a bit more polished. A simple button-down shirt in a soft color or subtle pattern photographs beautifully, and if it’s hot (which, let’s face it, in Columbus it usually is!), a nice Henley top can work just as well.
Pair it with lightweight chinos or clean shorts depending on the location and time of day. Some dads love the comfort of boat shoes or loafers, while others go for clean sneakers. Whatever feels most like him—just a bit dressed up—is perfect.
Dressing the Kids: Age-Appropriate Styles That Stay Put
Dressing kids for summer photos can feel a little overwhelming, but it truly doesn’t have to be. The biggest thing I’ve learned as a mama of three is that comfort is everything. If they’re itchy, restricted, or unhappy in what they’re wearing, that energy shows up in the photos. And we want those joyful, carefree smiles!
For older kids, especially tweens or teens, I recommend involving them in the process a little bit. Let them choose from a few parent-approved options so they feel included and confident. For younger kids, sundresses, rompers, and sweet matching sets are always adorable. Keep things simple, soft, and easy to move in—this helps them stay comfortable and relaxed, which makes for better photos.
Toddlers do best in outfits that are easy to change if needed—overalls, soft little dresses, or two-piece sets are all wonderful. And for babies, I love solid-colored onesies or soft rompers in breathable fabrics. These little ones can be unpredictable, so having a backup or two tucked into your bag is always a good idea!
One tip I love is giving your kids a little choice. I’ll pick out two or three outfits and let each of my boys choose which one they want to wear. It helps them feel like they’re part of the process, and it usually cuts down on complaints when it’s time to get dressed.
Pro Styling Tips That Make All the Difference
There are a few little things I’ve learned over the years that make a big difference on photo day. I always suggest having everyone dressed and ready at least 15 minutes before it’s time to head out the door. That little buffer helps keep things calm and gives you space to adjust if needed.
I also recommend having everyone try on their outfits at least once before the session. If something’s too tight or scratchy, it’s better to find that out at home than at the session. Hanging outfits the night before, steaming out wrinkles, and packing an extra outfit or two for little ones can save so much stress.
One thing many families don’t realize is that your photographer might offer a client closet! For my sessions, I bring a curated collection of over 50 dresses for moms, a selection of shirts for dads, and adorable outfits for little ones up to size 5T. I carefully steam everything and even bring a changing tent so getting dressed at the location is easy and stress-free. So many of my clients tell me how much they love this option—it saves them from having to buy something new that may only be worn once, and everything photographs beautifully together in a timeless, cohesive way.
Creating Picture-Perfect Summer Family Photos Starts With the Right Outfits
At the end of the day, what you wear matters—but not nearly as much as how you feel. The most stunning images come from families who feel comfortable, connected, and ready to soak up the moment together.
So whether you're picking outfits from your own closet, shopping for something new, or taking advantage of the client wardrobe I offer, the goal is the same: helping you feel good so that your love and connection can shine through in every photo.
Styling may seem like a small piece of the puzzle, but it plays such a big role in how you experience your session. I’m passionate about helping families not only look their best but feel their best—because when you do, the magic just happens naturally.
If you have any questions or you're stuck trying to coordinate your family’s look, I’m always here to help. And if you’ve found a favorite family outfit combo that worked beautifully in photos, I’d love to hear about it! Feel free to leave a comment below and share what worked for you.
Need more guidance? Check out my blog post on How to Prepare for Your Family Photo Session—it’s filled with even more tips to help you feel calm and confident on photo day.
Can’t wait to see what your family wears—and even more, to capture all the love and laughter you share this summer.