5 Tips for Styling Family Photos

Planning a family photo session is exciting, but choosing what to wear can feel overwhelming. The right outfits can enhance your portraits, creating timeless images that feel cohesive and stylish. If you’re looking for guidance on how to style your family for a portrait session in Franklin, Nolensville, Smyrna, or Brentwood, TN with Magnolia Lens, these five tips will help you achieve a polished look while keeping your family’s personality intact.

1. Coordinate Around a Color Palette

Gone are the days of everyone wearing the exact same outfit! Instead of matching, opt for a coordinated color palette that allows each family member to showcase their style while still creating a unified look. Choose a base color and complement it with 2-3 accent shades. Earthy tones, pastels, or muted jewel tones tend to photograph beautifully and create a harmonious visual effect.

2. Use Your Home’s Color Palette for Display-Worthy Photos

If you plan to hang your family portraits in your home, consider using colors that complement your decor. Pick 2-3 colors from your home’s color scheme to ensure that your photos blend seamlessly with your space. This small but impactful step will help your images feel intentional and styled, making them a natural fit for your walls.

3. Texture Over Patterns to Minimize Distractions

Adding texture through fabrics like chunky knits, lace, or linen can bring depth and interest to your photos without the distraction of bold patterns. Layers, such as a cardigan over a dress or a scarf paired with a sweater, also add warmth and dimension. If you do want to incorporate a pattern, keep it subtle and balanced with solid colors to maintain visual harmony.

4. Avoid Reds and Neons to Prevent Unflattering Skin Tones

Certain colors, especially reds and neon tones, can create a color cast on the skin, making it look unnatural in photos. These bold colors tend to reflect onto faces, which can be difficult to edit out. Instead, opt for softer tones that flatter various skin tones and keep the focus on your family’s expressions rather than distracting hues.

5. If Wearing a Pattern, Keep It Small and Balance with Solids

Patterns can add character to your photos, but they should be used sparingly. If one family member wears a pattern, balance it with solid colors on the rest of the group to maintain a clean and cohesive look. Small, subtle patterns—such as thin stripes or delicate florals—work better than large, bold prints, which can become overwhelming in portraits.

Final Thoughts

Styling your family for a photo session doesn’t have to be stressful! By coordinating colors, incorporating textures, and avoiding distracting tones, you can create timeless and visually stunning portraits. If you’re looking for a family portrait photographer in Franklin, Nolensville, Smyrna, or Brentwood, TN, I’d love to help capture these special moments with a beautifully styled session. Contact me today to start planning your perfect family photos!