What to Wear for an Indoor Family Photoshoot: A Photographer’s Guide

When it comes to your indoor family photoshoot, clothing plays a bigger role than you might think. The right outfits don’t just flatter, they help create timeless, emotive portraits that feel timeless. As a family photographer, I’ve learned that thoughtful wardrobe choices are one of the easiest ways to elevate your entire session.

Whether your photos are taking place in the comfort of your home or outdoors, here are some tips for choosing outfits that look effortless on camera and complement your unique family story.

Start with a Simple Color Palette

Begin by selecting one or two main colors that work well together—think soft earth tones, warm jewel hues, or dusty pastels. Then layer in neutrals like cream,beige, gray, or muted taupe to balance the look. Coordinated colors create harmony in the images without feeling overly matched.

Add Texture for Depth and Interest

Indoor lighting often highlights texture beautifully. Think cozy knits, linen, lace, corduroy, denim, or gauzy cottons—fabrics that add softness and subtle dimension to your images. A mix of textures can make your photos feel layered and rich, even in a simple setting.

Keep Patterns Subtle and Thoughtful

While bold or busy prints can distract the eye, subtle patterns can add personality when used sparingly. Florals, plaids, or delicate polka dots often work well—especially if only one or two family members wear them. Just avoid graphics, brand logos, cartoon characters, and pinstripes, which can pull focus from your faces and the emotion of the moment.

Embrace Movement with Dresses and Accessories

Flowy skirts and dresses are a timeless choice for women and girls. Not only are they flattering, but they also add natural movement and softness to your images. Want a little extra flair? Accessories like wide-brimmed hats, soft scarves, or textured hair pieces can introduce interest without overwhelming your look.

Avoid Being Too “Matchy-Matchy”

Instead of dressing everyone in identical outfits or all in black or white, aim for visual balance. Think: different tones of the same color family, or complementary colors that look beautiful together without being exact. The goal is to create a look that feels cohesive and relaxed, not uniform.

When in Doubt, I’m Here to Help

Wardrobe choices can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone! I’m always happy to offer personalized feedback or help you source items online that match your vision and the look of your session. My goal is to help you feel confident, comfortable, and truly yourself in front of the camera.

Final Thoughts

Your outfits don’t need to be perfect, they just need to reflect your style and support the story we’re telling together. When you feel good in what you’re wearing, it shows. And that, more than anything, helps us create portraits you’ll treasure for years to come.

Need more help planning your indoor family session?
Reach out any time, I’m here to guide you every step of the way, from wardrobe planning to gallery delivery.

Here are some of my favorite baby and toddler outfits from big chain local and online stores.