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Hi, I’m Isabel! If you have a family event on the calendar, I promise that planning the clothes is the fun part, not the stressful part. I know looking in a fitting room to figure out what four (or six, or eight) people should wear can feel overwhelming, so I’m putting together this process to make it easy. My goal is always the same: I want you to feel comforted, relaxed, and in love with yourself in every photo.
Below are my tips for dressing your family A portrait of a Boston family session, whether we shoot in the comfort of your home or outside at one of my favorite spots around the city.
Why Your Clothes Matter More Than You Think
What you wear sets the tone for your entire image. A well-coordinated wardrobe helps your family to blend in well with your background, whether it’s your living room or the Public Garden at its core. When everyone feels good about what they are wearing, it shows on their faces. That confidence translates directly into a natural smile and genuine connection, which is what I strive for when I’m behind the camera.
Start With Mother’s Clothing First
This is the single most important tip I give to every client. Choose Mom’s clothes first. Once you have a piece that feels right, everything else falls into place. Picking out the rest of the family’s clothes in one wardrobe is super easy, and it keeps the whole process from feeling like a maid hunt through everyone’s closets at once.
Match, Not Match
Please, no matching turtlenecks for the whole family. Instead, choose a small palette of similar colors, usually three or four tones that work together, and have everyone wear their own palette. Think soft neutrals paired with muted blues, or creams and vibrant tones with a touch of greenery. This creates a cohesive, polished look to the photos without anyone feeling like they’re wearing a uniform.
Easy steps to create your palette:
- Select one piece, then drag solid colors from it to everyone else
- Stay within a color family such as neutrals, pastels, or warm jewel tones
- Keep prints simple and avoid putting multiple busy patterns in one frame
- Avoid logos, large graphics, and neon colors, as they tend to distract from the face and don’t draw as well.
Think Where We Shoot
Since I offer sessions in the comfort of your home and your favorite Boston area, what you wear may vary slightly depending on the situation. If we’re going to places like Beacon Hill, the Public Garden, the Boston Seaport, or the Arnold Arboretum, think about how your colors will play in the background. Warm, earthy tones shine in the greenery of the Arboretum, while soft neutrals and classic pieces feel great against the brick and stone charm of Beacon Hill.
If we are shooting in your home, you have more freedom to bring in colors and textures since your home already has its own personality and light. Either way, dressing for New England weather is a must. Boston’s seasons can mean layering up for hot weather during the day or choosing breathable fabrics for hot summer evenings, so keep the weather in mind as you plan.
Dress Up Everyone in the Family
This is how I guide my clients when it comes to family members.
For Mom: Dresses and skirts are beautifully drawn and can add a fun movement to your photos. If dresses aren’t your thing, a fitted top with a flowy skirt or a sheer blouse with skinny jeans are great options too.
For Dads: A button-down collared shirt, whether short or long, is a good choice. Pair with colored denim or chinos instead of shorts or work pants for a cool, timeless look.
For Children: Choose clothes in which your children can move, sit, and play comfortably. Trying to dress in time can help everyone feel better and prepare for the session.
Few Things to Avoid
- Logos, quotes, or busy graphic tees
- Neon or bright colors that draw the face
- Head to toe matching clothes
- Clothes that are too tight, loose, or uncomfortable to move around in
Let Me Help You Prepare
Here is my favorite part. You don’t have to figure this out on your own. As a full-time photographer for a Boston family, styling support is a staple of my sessions. I have studio dresses available for you to rent, so if you’re not sure what to wear, I’ve got you covered. Once you start pulling ideas together, feel free to email me a few pictures of what you have in mind, and I’ll help you put the whole family together so everyone looks and feels great.
You can also browse my entire collection style guide for lots of inspiration before you start your session.
What to Expect on Your Boston Family Vacation
Family sessions can be held in the comfort of your own home or at your favorite Boston location, whichever feels right for you. If you need help choosing a location, I’m happy to give you some suggestions. You can also email me outfit options, and I’ll help you coordinate your family’s outfits to look great in your photos. You can read more about how the sessions work or reach out to start planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do our family clothes have to match exactly?
No, matching outfits often look tight in photos. Coordinating within a shared color palette and allowing everyone to wear their own style creates a natural, integrated look.
What colors paint best in Boston’s family room?
Neutrals, pastels, and jewels are easy to coordinate color families with. Avoid neon colors, logos, and words, as they can be distracting and unattractive.
Do you provide clothing for this session?
Yes. I offer a selection of dresses as part of my styling service, so you’re welcome to use mine if you don’t want to buy something new.
What should moms wear for a family photo session?
Dresses and skirts are beautifully drawn and can add a fun movement to your photos. If dresses aren’t your thing, a fitted top with a flowy skirt or a sheer blouse with skinny jeans are great options too.
Can I send you our ideas on clothing before the session?
Absolutely. Email me a few photos of everyone’s ideas and I’ll help you coordinate colors and styles so the whole family looks cohesive and bold.
Does what we wear change if we shoot outside and at home?
It’s over. Boston’s outdoor spaces such as the Public Garden or the Arnold Arboretum are two beautiful places with earthy or neutral tones, while indoor spaces give you more freedom to bring in rich colors that fit your space.
What should we avoid wearing?
Avoid logos, words, cartoons, and neon colors. This can be distracting and may draw your family’s attention to the photos.