What to Wear for Your Family Photo Session: Tips for Preteens & Teens | Birmingham, Alabama
What to Wear for Your Family Photo Session: Tips for Preteens & Teens
Family photos are just as important when your kids are older as they were when they were little. But as any parent of a preteen or teen knows, outfit coordination gets trickier when your kids start having their own strong opinions about what they wear! You want everyone to look great together while also feeling comfortable and confident. Here’s how to strike that perfect balance for a stylish and cohesive family photo session.
1. Choose a Color Palette, Not Matching Outfits
Gone are the days of everyone wearing identical white shirts and jeans. Instead, opt for a color palette of 3-4 complementary colors. Neutrals like navy, beige, and soft gray work beautifully with richer accent colors like deep green, mustard, or burgundy. Let each family member pick an outfit within that palette that reflects their personality.
2. Keep Comfort in Mind
If your teen isn’t comfortable in what they’re wearing, it will show in the photos. Encourage them to choose an outfit they love within the agreed-upon color scheme. Flowy dresses, well-fitted jeans, stylish layers, and comfortable shoes all help create a polished yet natural look.
3. Avoid Large Logos & Distracting Patterns
Clothing with big brand logos, neon colors, or overly busy patterns can take attention away from your faces in the photos. Stick to subtle patterns like plaid, florals, or textures that add visual interest without overwhelming the image.
4. Layer for a Polished Look
Layers add depth and dimension to your photos. A denim jacket, a stylish cardigan, or a scarf can bring texture and personality to an outfit. Plus, layers are great for adjusting to unpredictable weather!
5. Coordinate, But Let Personal Style Shine
Preteens and teens love expressing themselves through fashion. Give them some freedom to choose an outfit that makes them feel confident while still complementing the overall look of the family. A well-chosen accessory, like a hat, necklace, or cool sneakers, can add personality without clashing with the group.
6. Plan Ahead & Do a Try-On Session
Don’t wait until the day of the session to finalize outfits. Lay everything out together to make sure the colors and styles work well. Have everyone try on their outfits in advance to avoid last-minute surprises like uncomfortable fits or missing pieces.
7. Consider the Location & Season
Your backdrop should complement your outfits, not compete with them. Earthy tones work well for outdoor sessions, while urban settings allow for a bit more boldness in color choices. Also, make sure outfits suit the season—light fabrics for summer, cozy textures for fall and winter.
8. Shoes Matter!
Shoes can make or break an outfit. Skip the old sneakers and flip-flops in favor of stylish yet comfortable options like boots, dress shoes, or clean, classic sneakers. Make sure everyone’s shoes are in good condition to complete the look.
9. Keep Hair & Grooming Simple
Natural, well-groomed hairstyles always photograph best. Encourage your teens to style their hair in a way they feel comfortable with—nothing too forced or unnatural. If someone needs a haircut, aim to do it at least a week before the session so it looks natural.
10. Most Importantly—Relax & Have Fun!
A stress-free family session makes for the best photos. If everyone feels good in what they’re wearing and isn’t worried about uncomfortable outfits or forced smiles, the genuine connections and love between you will shine through.
Capturing this stage of your family’s journey is just as important as when your kids were toddlers. With a little planning and these simple tips, you’ll have a beautiful, timeless collection of photos that reflect your family’s unique style and connection.
Ready to book your family photo session? Let’s create something special together!