What Not to Wear for Your Charleston Family Photo Session
My Top Tips from Years as a Family Photographer
After photographing many Charleston families, I've seen how the right outfit choices can have a huge impact on the overall look and feel of your photos. From downtown cobblestone streets to Hampton Park's live oaks to Isle of Palms sunsets, I photograph Charleston families in all kinds of settings. And I've learned that while many clothing choices look fine in everyday life, better choices can make a big impact in photos.
Most photographers will tell you what to wear, but here I'm laying out a simple yet comprehensive list of what not to wear to your family photo session. These tips will guide you when selecting outfits for your upcoming session—whether it's a family beach session, portraits at the park, or photos in the comfort of home.
And here's something worth noting—while everyone thinks about what to wear, these tips are just as important for the men in the family. It's not always about coordinating the women and kids; dad's outfit choices matter just as much for creating those perfect family photos.
My Top Don'ts: Clothing & Patterns
When everyone wears the same bottoms, the photo may fall flat. Mixing shades of denim or adding skirts, khakis, or textures keeps the look natural and connected.
Don’t: Wear tiny checks, pinstripes, or micro-patterns — they create moiré.
Do: Choose solids, larger plaids, or bold prints that the camera can read cleanly.
Moiré is that weird wavy, rainbow-like effect that happens when tight patterns interact with camera sensors—it makes shirts look like they're vibrating! This Micro-checked pattern is so fine you can barely see it up close, but camera sensors turn it into a rainbow light show.
Don’t: Have everyone in bare legs — too much skin, not enough contrast.
Do: Mix it up with pants, dresses, and shorts for balance.
DON’T DRESS TOO CASUALLY
What feels “everyday comfortable” in person often looks underwhelming in photos. A T-shirt and sneakers that seem fine at home can read as sloppy once captured on camera. You're investing in images that may hang on your walls and be shared for years, and polished doesn’t mean stiff—it means intentional.
Consider: Clothing that feels special but still comfortable, like casual dresses, button-downs, or well-fitted tops with jeans. Think “Sunday best with a relaxed twist.”
DON’T WEAR MATCHY-MATCHY BOTTOMS
All denim or all khaki can look flat, almost like coordinated uniforms. Even if everyone wears different tops, too much sameness on the bottom drags the whole image down.
Consider: Mixing denim washes—light, medium, and dark—and adding skirts, khakis, or textured fabrics for variety. This instantly adds depth and makes the photo feel more natural, relaxed, and visually interesting.
DON’T HAVE EVERYONE WITH BARE LEGS
In Charleston’s summer heat, shorts sound tempting. But when everyone’s legs are bare, there’s too much skin and not enough contrast. It can also draw attention away from faces, which should be the focus of your photos.
Consider: A mix—some shorts, some pants, some dresses. The variation adds balance, texture, and visual interest.
DON’T GO OVERBOARD WITH PATTERNS
Large prints and bold patterns can dominate photos and clash when more than one person wears them. Too many, and the photo feels chaotic.
Consider: Limiting bold prints to one or two statement pieces. Surround them with solids that tie into the palette so the overall look feels cohesive. The boldest outfit will draw the most attention when viewing the photo.
DON’T WEAR TINY STRIPES OR CHECKS
Small repeating patterns can cause moiré—a weird wavy distortion the camera picks up. Golf shirts, tight pinstripes, and mini-checks are the worst offenders.
Consider: Solids. These look polished without distracting from your face.
DON’T WEAR LOGOS OR GRAPHICS
Logos and graphics pull attention away from people. Your face should be the star—not the giant brand across your chest. I still remember my son’s favorite dinosaur t-shirt. In real life? Adorable. In photos? You saw the T-rex first, his smile second.
Consider: Solids and textures.
DON’T WEAR TOPS THAT REVEAL STRAPS OR TAN LINES
Visible undergarments and tan lines don’t look good in photos and extra editing later can be costly.
Consider: Clothing that hides and covers tan lines and undergarments.
DON’T WEAR SHEER FABRICS
Thin fabrics are see-through.
Consider: Adding a camisole or choosing fabrics with more weight.
DON’T WEAR SHINY OR CLINGY FABRICS OUTDOORS
Satin reflects light, and clingy fabrics highlight every little detail. At the beach, wind only makes this worse.
Consider: Structured or textured fabrics that skim and flatter, like linen, cotton blends, or knits. They photograph beautifully and hold up better in Charleston breezes.
DON’T ASSUME CLOTHES FIT
Especially with kids, clothes can shrink or be outgrown overnight. Ill-fitting clothes are hard to pose around and nearly impossible to edit.
Consider: Having everyone try on outfits a few days before the session. Check comfort and fit while sitting, moving, and walking.
DON’T WEAR SHORT SHIRTS
Sessions include movement—picking up kids, reaching, laughing. If shirts ride up, it’s not flattering and creates distractions.
Consider: Testing at home. Raise your arms, stretch, and play around.
DON’T WEAR TOO-SHORT BOTTOMS
Your session will include sitting poses, and shorts or skirts that ride up create awkward angles and can make you feel self-conscious. If you’re tugging and adjusting, it distracts from enjoying the experience.
Consider: Trying everything on while sitting before the session. Make sure coverage feels comfortable and confident—because when you feel good, it shows.
Don’t be afraid of color. Do use color deliberately. Thoughtful palettes bring life, energy, and personality to your photos, while still keeping the group connected.
My Top Don'ts: Colors & Palette
Do: Coordinate with contrast. These two outfits balance bold and neutral perfectly—the orange dress pops, while the denim jacket grounds the look. Notice how the earrings echo the orange, tying everything together for harmony.
DON’T DRESS MATCHY-MATCHY
Dressing everyone in the exact same color may sound simple, but in photos it looks dated and flat. Instead of highlighting each person, it makes the group blend into a single block. Your family isn’t meant to look like a uniformed team—the beauty is in showing both connection and individuality.
Consider: Choosing 2–3 coordinating colors with neutrals layered in. Use a mix of tones and textures—lace, linen, denim, knits—so outfits flow together naturally while still letting each person stand out.
DON’T WEAR ALL BLACK OR ALL WHITE
Both extremes lose detail in natural light. Bright sun and shadows flatten a full black or white outfit, washing out details or making people disappear into a dark mass.
Consider: A palette with three colors plus neutrals. If you love black, go for grays or charcoal. If you love white, use ivory, cream, or off-white. Save a true monochrome outfit for a formal or editorial look.
Tip: Black and white are neutrals, not colors. Aim for three colors total: one or two primaries and one accent, with neutrals layered in.
DON’T WEAR NEON COLORS
Fluorescents bounce unnatural tones onto skin and dominate the image, making them distracting rather than flattering.
Consider: Jewel tones, earthy colors, or pastels. Emerald, sapphire, rust, lavender, or blush add vibrancy without overwhelming the photo.
DON’T WEAR STARK “PRINTER PAPER” WHITE
Bright, stark white reflects light so strongly it can look harsh on skin and even pick up color casts from greenery, making it dull or tinted.
Consider: Softer shades of white—ivory, cream, or oyster—or textured neutrals like linen or knit that photograph more naturally.
DON’T WEAR STRONG, OPPOSING COLOR COMBOS
Pairings like black + white, red + green, or teal + coral are so opposite they clash, feel seasonal, and distract from faces.
Consider: Colors closer in tone (like navy with emerald or camel with ivory). If you love opposites, balance them with a third color and neutrals. Muted pastels or rich jewel tones also photograph beautifully.
DON’T PUT ONE PERSON IN A SINGLE BOLD COLOR
When just one person wears a very strong color, they become the only thing you see in the photo.
Consider: Repeating bold tones across the group in subtle ways so no one person steals the whole frame.
DON’T FORGET TO TEST OUTFITS TOGETHER
Clothes that look fine alone can clash in a group photo.
Consider: Laying everything out side by side—or snapping a quick phone photo—before your session to make sure the palette feels cohesive.
DON’T USE AN ACCENT COLOR JUST ONCE
When an accent only appears in one spot, the eye jumps to it, making the photo feel unbalanced.
Consider: Repeating accent colors 2–3 times across the group through accessories, shoes, or small details.
DON’T OVERLOOK HOW LOCATION AFFECTS COLOR
Your backdrop does more than frame your portraits—it shapes how colors read on camera. In Charleston’s parks, deep greens and the shadows of live oaks can swallow dark colors like navy or black, causing people to blend into the background.
Consider: Choosing colors that both complement your surroundings and help you stand out.
Parks: Pinks, jewel tones, or soft pastels pop beautifully against lush greenery.
Downtown Charleston: Neutral tones, soft blues, and earth tones pair well with pastel homes and historic brick, while a bold accent color adds interest without clashing.
The Beach: Soft whites, light blues, sandy neutrals, and flowy pastels echo the natural palette and photograph effortlessly against sand and sea. Shades of burgundy add a beautiful contrast and are a great place to start—especially for fall or winter beach sessions.
Pro Tip: Think harmony first, contrast second. Your outfits should feel part of the setting but never disappear into it.
Do: Hair accessories are a great way to add color and keep hair out of eyes. Ensure that it will stay in place.
My Top Don'ts: Finishing Touches (Shoes, Accessories & Hair)
DON’T WEAR SLIDES OR FLIP-FLOPS
Feet slip out and look awkward in walking shots.
Consider: Sandals with straps—or going barefoot at the beach.
DON’T WEAR OVERLY CASUAL SHOES OR SNEAKERS
Shoes affect posture and presence. Too casual, and they pull the whole outfit down.
Consider: Slightly dressier pairs—wedges, loafers, ballet flats, or clean, casual sneakers.
DON’T WEAR APPLE WATCHES OR FITNESS TRACKERS
Tech on your wrist pulls focus in photos and dates the image.
Consider: A simple bracelet, a classic watch, or nothing at all.
DON’T OVERLOOK EYEGLASSES
Smudges and glare can ruin an otherwise perfect shot.
Consider: Cleaning lenses thoroughly before your session (or bringing a backup pair without glare).
DON’T FORGET DIAPER COVERS
Diapers peeking out under toddler dresses are distracting.
Consider: Bloomers or simple covers to keep the look polished.
DON’T LET HAIR COVER THE EYES
Eyes are the first place we connect in a photo. Loose hair falling forward can block that onnection, especially during movement.
Consider: Styles that frame the face while keeping eyes visible.
DON’T USE OVERSIZED BOWS OR HEADBANDS THAT SLIP
It’s not about size—it’s about staying put. Constantly fixing slipping accessories takes away from the moment.
Consider: Bows or headbands that are secure and comfortable enough to last the whole session.
DON’T MIX FORMAL AND CASUAL LOOKS
Cocktail dresses paired with jeans in the same group feel uneven and unbalanced.
Consider: Keeping everyone at a similar level of dressiness so the group looks unified.
My Top Don'ts: Beach Sessions in Charleston
DON’T WEAR RUFFLED-SHOULDER DRESSES
The wind will toss ruffles everywhere, covering faces and stealing attention.
Consider: Simpler straps or sleeveless silhouettes that stay in place and let your face shine.
DON’T CHOOSE LOOSE, UNSTRUCTURED DRESSES
The beach breeze can make them billow, hiding shape and overwhelming the frame.
Consider: Wrap dresses, maxi dresses with a defined waistline, or flowy skirts paired with fitted tops.
DON’T WEAR CLOTHING YOU CAN’T GET WET
Beach sessions often end at the shoreline, where hems or pants catch the tide.
Consider: Shorter hemlines, rolled pants, or light fabrics that dry quickly and move well.
DON’T WEAR CLINGY FABRICS
At the beach, wind can plaster clingy fabrics against the body in unflattering ways.
Consider: Fabrics with structure or graceful flow—cotton, linen blends, or chiffon photograph beautifully.
DON’T ASSUME YOU’LL KEEP SHOES ON
Almost every beach session ends barefoot, and sandy shoes don’t look great in photos.
Consider: Prepping your feet ahead of time so they’re camera-ready when the shoes come off.
Pro Tip
Select mom's outfit first for your family photo session. Once her look is chosen, it's easy to coordinate everyone else's outfits around her palette.
Outfit Planning Checklist
✓ Shoes & Accessories
Shoes with straps, not slides, flip-flops, or running shoes
Classic watch or jewelry—no fitness trackers
Secure hair accessories that won’t slip
Clean glasses thoroughly
Diaper covers for toddlers in dresses
Hairstyles that keep eyes visible
✓ Beach Session Extras
Avoid ruffled shoulders
Avoid loose, unstructured dresses - (instead flowy dresses with shape like wraps/maxis)
Choose clothes you don’t mind getting wet
Prep feet for going barefoot
Select fabrics with structure: cotton, linen blends, chiffon
✓ Final Test
Lay all outfits together—do they work as a group?
Does the location fit with your outfit colors?
Test fabrics in natural light for sheerness
Everyone feels comfortable and confident?
Formality level matches across the family?
✓ Clothing Check
No logos, graphics, or text on clothing
Avoid tiny stripes, checks, or busy patterns
No neon or overly bright colors
Choose ivory/cream over stark white for outdoor sessions
Avoid all black or all white for outdoor sessions
No satin or overly clingy fabrics
Skip sheer fabrics or add camisole underneath
Mix textures and fits across the family
✓ Coordination
Pick 3 coordinating colors, not identical matches
Add neutrals (cream, tan, gray, denim) for balance
Vary bottoms: mix denim shades, add skirts/khakis
Balance bare legs with covered legs
Avoid high-contrast splits (dark top/light bottom)
Don’t put one bold color on just one person
✓ Fit & Comfort
Try everything on ahead of time, especially kids’ clothes
Test bottoms while sitting → ensures shorts/skirts aren’t too short.
Raise arms in tops → checks that shirts don’t ride up.
Nothing too tight, loose, or see-through
Test tops for undergarment visibility and tan lines
Choose structured fabrics over clingy ones
Don’t: Wear stark white head-to-toe.
Do: Opt for warm shades of white (cream, ivory, oyster) and mix textures like linen, lace, or knits to keep the look soft and dimensional.
Final Thoughts
Your Charleston family photo session is about connection, joy, and personality. Outfits should support that story—not distract from it. These "what not to wear" tips will help you avoid common pitfalls and choose clothing that enhances your experience.
Have fun with it. Shop your closet, mix in new pieces, and wear what makes you feel confident. When you feel good, it shows—and that's what makes the most beautiful images.
I’ll be honest—I’m pretty detail-oriented (maybe even a little obsessive about the small stuff), but that’s exactly why I notice things like moiré patterns and color cast issues that can make or break a photo. It’s also why I created this comprehensive list—because with some planning and attention to details, your family photos will be amazing.
I want to share everything I've learned because when families nail their outfits and feel confident in what they’re wearing, it elevates the entire session and creates that magic in front of the camera—and we both end up thrilled with the results.
nd when in doubt, ask your photographer. When you work with me, I'm always happy to help guide you through wardrobe choices so you feel prepared and excited for your session.
Amy Quinn Hill is a Charleston photographer whose love for people, color, and candid moments shines through in images that feel both vibrant and genuine.
For more inspiration, explore my Prep Guides. They go beyond What to Wear, offering helpful tips on styling, comfort, and making the most of your session:
Family Sessions
Senior Sessions
Personal Branding
Curious about my approach? Learn more about Lifestyle Family Photography here.
