Summer is a gorgeous time of year, especially in the Seattle area, for family photos. The longer and warmer days make it an ideal time to capture your family. Because it will be warmer, planning what to wear for family photos is a little less daunting. Keep reading for my top family photo outfit ideas for summer.
Before diving into these specific ideas for summer outfits, keep in mind the basic what to wear for family photo tips.
Begin selecting summer outfits for your family photos with a lighter color palate.
Embrace the softer and brighter colors of summer. Of course, you can always use a few darker colors to coordinate. However, choosing lighter colors will help your family photos feel more summery.
Find a print or pattern to help you select colors for your clothing.
One of my favorite ways to select the color palate for family photos for my own family of 8 is to find a print or pattern I love. Often this comes from a top for myself, or one of my girls’ dresses.
Once you select a print you love, you can pull colors from the print for everyone’s clothing. By selecting a summery print your color palate will give you those outfit ideas that fit the season.
Dress for the summer season for family photos.
The warmer temperatures mean fewer layers are needed as compared to a fall family photo session. Family photo outfit ideas for summer include shorts, dresses, short rompers, skirts, and short sleeves.
Many of my Seattle area photography sessions are near bodies of water. Having shorts makes it easier to splash those feet in the water for an extra playful ending to your session.
Selecting lighter-weight fabrics, too, will help everyone stay cool and comfortable during your family photos.
With few layers, using textures will add extra depth and interest to your photos.
Speaking of lighter-weight fabrics, mix up the fabrics of everyone’s clothing to add a little depth for your summer family photo outfits. Linen is a favorite fabric with a little texture, while still being cooler to wear.
If anyone is wearing a dress, choose one that has movement to it. When they dance and play during photos, you’ll love the flowing and romantic feel created in your photographs.
Remember everyone’s feet when looking for family photo outfit ideas for summer.
Sandals or even natives work great to keep the summer feel to your photos. Even more, these types of shoes are easily removed for splashing in the water. Avoid bulky shoes and boots to keep that summer family photo vibe.
Bonus, get a fresh pedicure before photos. If you remove your shoes (or if your sandals show your toes), you’ll appreciate not having old or chipped nail polish distracting in your photos. Even more, consider a color nail polish that coordinates with your family photo outfits!
Overall, you can feel confident in your summer family photo outfit ideas by using the above tips.
Start with that summer floral or pattern that calls to you and go from there. Embrace the more casual feel to your summer family photos. For more inspiration head to my portfolio, or even follow me on Instagram.
When you’re ready to book your photos, make sure you contact me to get on my calendar as dates fill early. Visit the What to Wear articles below for even more summer family photo outfit ideas.