So you've booked your family photo session and you're wondering what to wear to get those amazing family photos you've been dreaming of. Should everyone perfectly match? (Ummm, no!) What colors and patterns look the best? Should everyone wear jeans? Should the girls wear dresses? Long dresses? Short dresses? So many decisions...I know, it can be overwhelming!

Start by thinking about what outfits you and your family feel great wearing and go from there. When you wear something you feel amazing in, it will shine through in your photos. Once you decide on the look you want to achieve, you'll also want to make sure the wardrobe you choose for your family photoshoot will photograph well.

This gorgeous mom/daughter duo chose vivid jewel-tones for their December shoot.

Still overwhelmed? Don't worry! I've got 5 awesome tips to help get you and your family photoshoot ready!

For this family's rustic, fall photoshoot, they knew they would be using their photos for the family Christmas card, but they also wanted to frame prints for their home. They chose a palette that worked great for both.

TIP #1: COORDINATE, DON'T MATCH

For a great family photo shoot, coordinate colors within the group and don't be too matchy-matchy! The trend with everyone in khakis and white shirts on the beach is pretty much over. Solid colors paired with large patterns, textures or stripes will look great together. For a dreamy look, choose warm pastels, off-whites, and soft prints. For a more dramatic look, choose brighter, bolder colors.

This family chose a vivid, coordinating (but not too matchy-matchy) color scheme that was anchored around Mom's marigold maxi dress.

TIP #2: DRESS FOR THE SEASON

For spring photos, choose pastels or coordinating vivid colors, like pinks, blues and greens. In the summer, a light and airy palette works well against a beach or water backdrop. A bold statement piece, like a hat or a pop of color, can bring a bit of drama to an otherwise serene look. In the fall, choose a warm color scheme with a dominant color and a few coordinating colors. Jewel-tones or plaids are great for winter photos. Depending on how holiday-themed you want to go, reds and rich blues and greens are always a great choice.

This mom's pastel yellow dress with subtle pattern cutouts worked well with her son's darker-toned shirt in this woodsy park setting.

TIP #3: SOLIDS AND/OR NEUTRALS ALWAYS LOOK GREAT

Small, tight prints and thin stripes do not photograph well. The camera reads them and creates its own unique pattern called “moiré” and it definitely is not something you want in your photos. Some pattern is ok, just opt for larger shapes or prints that don't overpower or compete.

This family looks great in light neutrals against this serene lake setting, with a bold pop of color on Dad.

TIP #4: DRESS FOR YOUR SHOOT'S LOCATION

Always consider your backdrop! If your photoshoot is happening in a garden setting, you might want to stick to solids so your wardrobe choices don't compete with the flora and fauna. A park or an open field, however, can be a nice setting for larger patterns or prints.

TIP #5: AVOID DISTRACTING ACCESSORIES AND LOGOS ON CLOTHING

Too many accessories and logos on clothing can detract from the subject matter (you!) and can quickly date your photos. More is not always better. Opt not to wear large/distracting accessories or logos on clothing if possible.

The neutral, light and bright palette works beautifully to create a dreamy look and the black hat accessory gives this light and airy summer beach scene a little bit of drama.

BONUS TIP: BRING SOME GREAT ACCESSORIES FOR EASY MULTIPLE LOOKS

Bring out your family's personality with extras you can throw on and off, like awesome jackets (think bomber, moto or field jackets), hats, colorful scarves, or sweaters for multiple looks. It's fun to have options! Just make sure you are keeping your color palette complimentary and coordinating.

Final thoughts: as long as you and your family are wearing clothes that make you feel great, you'll have an awesome experience! Check with your photographer beforehand and go over wardrobe options to see what advice they have for you, and then just relax, get dressed, and have a great shoot!

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WHAT TO WEAR FOR AWESOME FAMILY PHOTOS