What to Wear for Your Family Photoshoot in Vancouver // Family photos by Lorenza Tessari Photography
Simple, Comfortable, and Beautiful Outfits for Your Family’s Story
Hello! I’m Lorenza, a family, newborn and motherhood photographer based in Vancouver, BC. I specialize in capturing authentic, meaningful moments—moments that celebrate your unique family dynamic. One of the most common questions I get asked is, “What should we wear for our family photoshoot?” And I totally get it—deciding on outfits can feel overwhelming, especially when you want to look your best while staying comfortable and true to your family’s personality.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to create outfits that will complement your family’s story, enhance your photos, and make you feel like your best self. Whether you’re in a cozy indoor session, playing at the park, or exploring Vancouver’s beautiful outdoor locations, I’ve got you covered with tips, examples, and suggestions.
Let’s dive into the perfect family photo outfits!
What to Wear for Your Family Photoshoot in Vancouver // Family photos by Lorenza Tessari Photography
1. Keep It Simple – Less is More
When it comes to family photos, simplicity is key. I always recommend avoiding overly busy patterns or loud logos that might distract from the true essence of your family connection. The focus should be on you—your love, your laughter, your moments together.
Here’s how to keep things simple:
- Stick to Soft, Neutral Tones: Soft neutrals like cream, white, beige, blush, grey, and pastel shades work beautifully for family photos. These tones are timeless and won’t clash with each other or with your chosen location.
- Avoid Bright, Bold Patterns: Patterns like stripes or polka dots can sometimes draw too much attention and take away from the natural flow of the photos. Instead, opt for solid colors or subtle textures (think knit sweaters, denim, or soft florals).
- Less Matching, More Coordinating: You don’t have to match exactly—avoid dressing everyone in the same color. Instead, focus on coordinating outfits with complementary colors or tones. This creates a harmonious look without it feeling too “uniform.”
Tip: If you’re unsure, think about colors that are already present in your home decor or in the spaces where your family spends time. You want the photos to feel like they belong in your home!
2. Be Comfortable and True to Yourself
The most important thing to remember when selecting outfits is comfort. You want to feel relaxed and confident during the session, and your family’s personality should shine through in your clothing choices.
How to embrace comfort:
- Choose Clothes You Feel Good In: If you feel uncomfortable in tight or scratchy clothing, it will show in the photos. Choose fabrics and cuts that allow you to move freely, and outfits that you feel confident and comfortable in. Whether that’s a flowy dress, a cozy sweater, or your favorite pair of jeans, your comfort will translate into relaxed, natural-looking photos.
- Avoid Overly Fancy Outfits (Unless That’s You): If you’re not the type of family that typically dresses up, don’t feel pressured to go for formal wear. The best family photos reflect who you are, not what you think you should wear. Casual looks can be just as elegant when styled well.
- Layers are Your Friend: Layers add depth and texture to your photos. Think cardigans, jackets, scarves, or light sweaters. They can make outfits more interesting and help you stay comfortable if the weather shifts. Plus, layers give you more flexibility to play with during the shoot!
Tip: Choose clothing that reflects the season and your usual style, whether that’s cozy sweaters and scarves for fall, or light dresses and button-down shirts for summer.
3. Consider the Location and Season
Vancouver’s natural beauty provides a range of stunning locations for family photoshoots—whether we’re heading to Stanley Park, exploring the beaches of Kitsilano or at a lavender field in the countryside. Your outfit choices should complement the environment and the season.
Here’s what to consider based on the location and season:
- Outdoor Sessions (e.g., parks, beaches):
- Layer up for fall and winter shoots to stay warm and comfortable. Think jackets, scarves, boots, and sweaters.
- For spring and summer, think breezy dresses, light shirts, and relaxed pants. Soft pastel colors, denim, and airy fabrics like cotton or linen work beautifully in natural settings.
- At Home Sessions:
- Think about the mood of your home. Cozy, comfortable, and stylish outfits (think soft sweaters, blouses, dresses, or even trendy jumpsuits) work great for indoor photoshoots. Remember, these moments are all about capturing the essence of your everyday life.
Tip: If you’re unsure, we can always chat about your location before the shoot to make sure your outfits fit seamlessly into the space.
4. Texture, Not Just Color – Add Depth with Fabrics
Texture is your friend when it comes to family photography. Different textures in your clothing create visual interest and depth in your photos, making them feel rich and dynamic.
Textures to Consider:
- Knits: Sweaters, cardigans, and scarves in knit fabrics create a cozy, homey feel, perfect for family photos.
- Linen and Cotton: Soft and breathable fabrics like linen and cotton look light and relaxed, making them perfect for spring and summer sessions.
- Soft Flows: If you like dresses, go for fabrics that flow or have movement—this will add elegance and softness to the images.
Tip: Accessories like hats, scarves, and blankets also add texture and a personal touch to your family photos.
What to Wear for Your Family Photoshoot in Vancouver // Family photos by Lorenza Tessari Photography
5. What About the Kids?
When it comes to kids’ outfits, it’s all about balance—something that’s both adorable and comfortable enough for them to move around in, play, and be themselves.
Here’s how to dress the kids:
- Go for simple, timeless looks.
- Avoid cartoon characters or bold graphics, as they can be distracting and take away from the natural beauty of the moment.
- Consider their personalities: Let your kids have a say in what they wear. If they love a certain color or style, incorporate that into the photoshoot. Their personality should shine through!
Tip: I recommend bringing a change of clothes for younger kids in case they get dirty or fussy during the session.
6. Final Tips & Considerations
- Wear What Makes You Feel Confident: Confidence shines through in photos. Choose outfits that make you feel your best. The more comfortable and confident you are, the better your photos will turn out.
- Avoid Anything Too Trendy: You want your family photos to stand the test of time. Avoid overly trendy pieces that may not age well. Stick to classic, timeless styles that reflect your family’s personality.
- Plan Ahead: Give yourself plenty of time to plan, try on outfits, and make sure everything fits well. This will help reduce stress on the day of the photoshoot.
What to Wear for Your Family Photoshoot in Vancouver // Family photos by Lorenza Tessari Photography
Edited using The Archetype Process
Ready to Book Your Family Session?
I hope this guide helps you feel more confident about choosing your family’s outfits for your photoshoot! Remember, the goal is to celebrate your family’s unique story in a way that feels true to who you are. I’ll be there every step of the way to guide you, whether you’re choosing the right location, deciding on the perfect time of day, or selecting the outfits that will capture your family’s essence.
I’m Lorenza. I’m a photographer based in Vancouver, BC, where I live with my wife and our one-year old daughter.
I’m obsessed with photographing families and celebrating the legacy that they are building – the one that is more important than anything else they will ever build in this life. I love capturing my clients at their beautiful best, yet never abandoning the raw and real. Neither is better than the other, and a great session is the perfect mix of both.
Say goodbye to stressful family sessions, underwhelming images, and wasted time. Instead, get ready for a seamless experience, plus photos you want to hang all over your walls – because they capture the heart of your family, and the beauty of the legacy that you’re building… and you all look amazing, too.
It’s so much more than taking pictures – it’s a celebration of the biggest treasures that life has to offer: loving, and being loved. Get to know more about me or send me an inquiry. I’d be so honored to create some magic with your family in front of my lens!
You can also find me here: @lorenzatessariphotography
What to Wear for Your Family Photoshoot in Vancouver // Family photos by Lorenza Tessari Photography
