What to Wear to Your Charleston Area Family Photo Session

Family Photography

Jan 6

Getting ready for a family photo shoot or thinking about booking one? Choosing the right outfits can be tricky, but don't worry! This blog gives you Three Key Tips to easily coordinate the perfect looks for your family. By the end, you'll be equipped and inspired to put together great outfits.

*Note: These tips aren’t step-by-step rules — they overlap and work together. For example, coordinating outfits (Tip Two) often happens at the same time you’re choosing your color palette (Tip Three).

TIP ONE: Choosing a Location and a Key Outfit

Selecting the Season and Location
Your location sets the tone for your photos, whether it’s Isle of Palms at sunset, the tree-lined paths of Hampton Park, the lively and charming streets of historic downtown Charleston, or the comfort of home.

Start With One Outfit You Love
When planning for a session, I always suggest beginning with one outfit as your anchor. Many times it’s Mom’s—something she feels confident and beautiful in. Once you’ve chosen that piece, whether it’s a flowing dress in soft tones or a favorite style that makes her shine, the rest of the family’s outfits can fall into place. Pull colors and textures from that look and weave them through everyone else’s clothing so the whole group feels connected without being too “matchy.”

TIP TWO: Building a Cohesive Look for the Whole Family

Once you’ve chosen a key outfit and your location, it’s time to dress the rest of the family. Think about the mood you want your photos to have—relaxed and casual, or more polished and elegant—and let that guide your choices.

Pull colors and textures from your starting outfit and the natural palette of the location. This will tie everything together without making it look too matched. I’ll share more detailed color tips below, but here are a few questions to keep in mind as you plan:

Do the outfits reflect your vision for the session?
Do they feel true to your family’s style?
Are they comfortable, especially for little ones who need room to move?

Essential Tips:

Elevate Your Everyday: Dressing up a bit boosts confidence and makes photos feel special. Try on your outfit before the session to avoid surprises.

Keep Patterns in Check: Limit patterns to one or two that complement your color scheme. Solids always work well.

Skip Logos and Branding: Clean, simple designs keep the focus on faces and connection.

Think About Length: Longer skirts and dresses add comfort and elegance for all the movement and poses.

Complement, Don’t Match: Instead of identical outfits, choose colors that work together and add variety.

Cover Diapers: For little ones in dresses, diaper covers prevent distractions during play and candid shots.

Go Timeless Over Trendy: Classic styles age beautifully in photos.

Use Accessories Wisely: Hats, bows, or jewelry add texture and interest—but keep it simple.

Choose a Good Fit: Clothes should flatter and allow easy movement—neither too tight nor too loose.

Pick Comfortable Shoes: Shoes matter. If you’re uncomfortable, it will show in your expression.

TIP THREE: How Color Shapes the Mood of Your Photos

Color isn’t just about what looks good—it sets the tone of your family portraits. Cool shades like blues and greens create a calm, relaxed feeling. Warm colors such as reds and oranges bring energy and vibrance. Muted tones offer softness and serenity, while brighter hues can add playfulness and excitement. The key is to choose colors that work together without competing.

A Simple Guide to Creating a Cohesive Color Palette

Pick 3–4 Colors to Focus On: Choose a few colors you love to anchor everyone’s outfits. These become the thread that ties the whole look together.

Let the Setting Guide You: At Isle of Palms, soft tones harmonize with sand, sky, and water — think airy blues, warm tans, soft blush, muted greens, or toned-down reds like cranberry and burgundy. In Hampton Park or White Point Garden, jewel tones and earthy hues work beautifully under the live oaks. In historic downtown Charleston, bold colors pop against the lively, charming streets.

Neutrals Are Your Friend: Warm whites, soft grays, taupes, and browns add contrast while balancing stronger colors.

Mix Shades for Interest: Use lighter and deeper versions of your chosen colors so each person stands out while still looking cohesive.

Follow the 60/30/10 Rule: Aim for 60% main color, 30% secondary, 10% accent for balance without overthinking.

Repeat Your Accent: Carry your accent color through more than one outfit — like a bow, scarf, or shoes — to create flow across the group.

Choose Softer Tints and Richer Pastels: Softer tones flatter, while deeper pastels (like dusty rose or deep lavender) add depth without washing anyone out.

Skip Black and Bright White: Bright white (like printer paper) reflects too much light, and black absorbs it. Creamy whites, light grays, and gentle neutrals are softer, more flattering alternatives.

Dressing for the Occasion, Keeping the Memories

Clothing helps set the tone and mood of your family photos, but that doesn’t mean you need to follow strict rules. These tips are meant to work together, giving you flexibility to choose colors, textures, and styles that feel natural to your family. Outfits should enhance and support your story — not distract from it. In the end, what makes the photos meaningful isn’t the clothing itself, but the love, connection, and joy you share in front of the camera.

Looking for even more inspiration on how to style your family for photos? Check out this guide from my friend and colleague Lia.

Lia Jay is the lifestyle family photographer based out of Teaneck, NJ, who makes your crew look fabulous without the stress. She’s all about capturing real moments—joy, chaos, and everything in between. Check out her What to Wear Guide, packed with stylish, no-nonsense tips to help you look effortlessly put together while still feeling like you.