Family Photo Outfit Ideas

Family Photo Guide · Outfit Ideas

Coordinate, do not match. Pick two or three colors the whole family shares, keep patterns small, skip large logos, and dress children in something they can move in.

Advice from the ThisPix photographers, who photograph New York families in the studio and on location.

2–3 colorsShared by everyone
SmallPatterns, if any
No big logosOr busy prints
ComfortableKids can move

Coordinate, do not match

Identical outfits make a family look like a team in uniform, and a mix of busy prints, logos and bright colors makes everyone compete for attention. The photos that last are the ones where each person looks like themselves, and the colors quietly tie the group together.

Color palette ideas

Choose one palette and give each person one or two of its colors. These combinations are starting points, not rules.

Navy and denimNavy, chambray blue and cream. Easy to put together from what most families already own.

Earth tonesOlive, rust and cream. Warm and natural, especially outdoors in autumn.

Soft neutralsOatmeal, camel and ivory. Calm and timeless, a good choice for newborn and home sessions.

Muted pastelsDusty blue, blush and sage. Light and fresh for spring.

Jewel tonesEmerald, burgundy and navy. Rich colors for holiday card photos.

Classic monochromeBlack, charcoal and white. Clean and graphic, in the studio or on New York streets.

Palette ideas are styling suggestions from our studio, not requirements.

ThisPix · Midtown Manhattan

Family sessions from $149

In our Midtown studio, or on location in Manhattan for an additional $150. On-location sessions can be booked on weekends by appointment, and every image we take is yours to keep.

Book a family session212-753-4671

Outfit ideas by setting

Setting What works
In the studio Simple solids from one palette. With nothing else in the frame, color and fit do all the work
Central Park Earth tones or muted pastels that sit naturally with trees, stone and grass. Popular spots include Bethesda Terrace, Bow Bridge and the Mall
At home Soft neutrals and comfortable knits that feel like your everyday life
Holiday cards Jewel tones, or one festive color for everyone with the rest in neutrals

Dressing children and babies

  • Comfort first. Dress children in something they are comfortable moving in. A child who can sit, run and hug looks happier in every frame.
  • Plan around naps and meals. Babies and young children photograph best when they are rested and fed.
  • Bring something familiar. A favorite toy or a snack helps a child settle in.
  • Keep patterns small. A tiny print on one child is fine. Large logos and busy patterns pull the eye away from faces.

Before your session

  • Lay the outfits out together the night before, to check that the colors work as a group.
  • Arrive a few minutes early so no one starts the session rushed.
  • On location, your session time starts when we meet at the location, and if it rains we reschedule your outdoor session at no charge.

Our family packages

Mini$14920 to 25 minute studio session, about 10 images, 3 edited images. Digital only
Classic$300Up to 1 hour, about 30 images, 6 edited images. Two 5x7 prints and one 8x10 print
Heirloom$599Up to 90 minutes, about 60 images, 10 edited images. Four 5x7 prints and two 8x10 prints

All images are yours to keep. Classic and Heirloom sessions can be photographed on location in Manhattan for an additional $150.

Questions, answered

What should we wear for family photos?

Coordinate rather than match. Pick two or three colors that the whole family shares, keep patterns small, and avoid large logos. Dress children in something they are comfortable moving in.

Should our family wear matching outfits?

We recommend coordinating instead. Identical outfits look like a uniform, while a shared palette ties the family together and still lets each person look like themselves.

How many colors should we use?

Two or three, shared across the family. Give each person one or two colors from the same palette.

Are patterns OK in family photos?

Small patterns are fine, ideally on one or two people. Avoid busy patterns and large logos, which pull attention away from faces.

What should children wear?

Something they are comfortable moving in, in your family's colors. Plan the session around naps and meals, and bring a favorite toy or a snack.

Can you take our family photos in Central Park?

Yes. Classic and Heirloom sessions can be photographed in Central Park or anywhere else in Manhattan for an additional $150. Popular spots include Bethesda Terrace, Bow Bridge and the Mall.

How much does a family photo session cost in NYC?

At ThisPix, family sessions are $149, $300 and $599 in our Midtown Manhattan studio. On-location sessions in Manhattan are an additional $150.

This guide is based on the experience of the ThisPix photographers. Use it as styling advice, not a set of rules.