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What to Wear for Your Portrait Session | Orlando Family Photographer

Orlando Family Photographer

Family photoshoot in a park setting in orlando photoshoot
Family walking through beautiful archway at rollins college for their family shoot
orlando family photographer
Family photoshoot in beautiful setting.
Family photoshoot in beautiful garden setting celebration fl
Children posing in a beautiful garden during their photoshoot Altamonte springs

One of the biggest questions I get before a session is:
“What should we wear?”

And honestly — outfits make such a big difference in how your photos look and feel! As an Orlando family photographer, I’ve helped hundreds of families choose the perfect color palette and style for their session. So here’s your all-in-one guide to choosing outfits you’ll love in photos for years to come.


Choose Light, Neutral, or Soft Tones

Colors photograph differently than they look in person, and the camera loves softer tones. Choose:

  • Cream
  • Oatmeal
  • Tan
  • Sage
  • Blush
  • Dusty blue
  • Soft pastels
  • Light navy
  • White or off-white

These colors keep your photos timeless, flattering, and bright. They also help your skin tones look amazing.


Coordinate — Don’t Match

Gone are the days of everyone wearing the exact same white shirt.
Instead, think coordinating tones in the same color family.

For example:

  • Mom in a soft floral dress
  • Dad in a light tan or sage shirt
  • Kids in cream or dusty blue

Everything looks cohesive without being too “uniform.”


Choose One Person’s Outfit First

Start with the person who is trickiest to dress — usually Mom — then build everyone else around that outfit.

Your outfit sets the tone for the shoot.
If you feel beautiful, confident, and comfortable… it shows in the photos!


Say Yes to Textures and Layers

Textures photograph beautifully and add depth to your images:

  • Linen
  • Cotton
  • Knits
  • Flowy fabrics
  • Subtle patterns

Layers like cardigans, jackets, shawls, or hats add personality and variety — especially in cooler months.


Avoid Neon Colors, Harsh Black, or Busy Patterns

These tend to photograph harshly and can cast color onto your skin.
Try to avoid:

  • Hot pink
  • Neon green
  • Bright red (unless it’s for a themed session)
  • Large logos
  • Heavy stripes
  • Large distracting prints

These steal attention from your faces and the overall softness of your photos.


Dress for the Location

Where you shoot matters!

Beach / Lakeside

  • Light neutrals
  • Flowy dresses
  • Barefoot looks great
  • Linen shirts for men

Gardens or Parks

  • Pastels and soft florals
  • Earth tones
  • Dresses and casual-chic outfits

Urban / Downtown

  • More structured pieces
  • Jeans + neutral tops
  • Jumpsuits or tailored dresses

Studio

  • Creams, whites, clean minimal outfits
  • Simple silhouettes
  • Great for timeless portraits

Make Comfort a Priority

If it doesn’t feel good, it won’t look good.

Choose clothes you can:

  • Move in
  • Sit in
  • Hug your kids in
  • Lift your arms in
  • Chase toddlers in (yes, it always happens!)

Kids especially need to be dressed in comfortable outfits that aren’t itchy or restrictive.


Bring a Backup for Kids (and Sometimes Adults!)

Accidents happen.
Snacks spill.
Babies drool.
Florida heat… does what Florida heat does.

Having a simple backup outfit is always a good idea.


My Number-One Styling Tip: Keep It Simple and Coordinated

Your faces, connections, and personalities are the stars of your photos — your outfits should support that, not distract from it.


Need Help Choosing Outfits? I’ve Got You!

I’m always happy to help with:

  • Color palettes
  • Outfit links
  • What photographs best at your specific location
  • Final outfit approval

Just send me photos of your options and I can help you pick the perfect combination!


Ready to Book Your Orlando Portrait Session?

As an Orlando family photographer, I help make every part of the experience easy — including outfit planning! If you’re ready for bright, joyful portraits you’ll love forever:

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