Spring is coming! The weather is getting warmer, the trees are starting to bud, and you’re thinking about a family photography session in one of the most beautiful seasons in Vancouver. But, the pressure to have Pinterest-worthy family photos, and the task of choosing outfits for your whole family has you feeling a bit overwhelmed. Don’t sweat it! That’s why I’m here! As a seasoned professional, I’m here to help you figure out what to wear to your spring family session!

We could go into colour theory and all the details on how to style your family well, but the point to this blog post is to help you feel LESS overwhelmed, not more. So, I’m going to give you the basics that will help you choose the best combination of outfits that will help you have those family images of your dream.

If you’d rather not have to think about it and would rather have someone plan it all for you, get in touch and see if we’re a great fit! Helping to style families is just a part of my family photography experience!

There are a few simple principles that will help you figure out exactly what to wear to your spring family session. My favourite advice to give clients are below:

1. Think elegant, but not over-dressed

A long dress, a nice pair of slacks. I tell my clients to think about what they would wear if they were having special guests over for a nice dinner. If these images are going to be adorning your walls for years to come, you want to feel and look your best, but also look like you.

2. The eye is drawn to skin.

What we want, is the eye drawn to your faces. For this reason, I don’t recommend shorts or short dresses. Skin is often one of the lightest parts of the photograph, so our eyes look there first. We don’t want our eyes travelling to legs first. Midi or maxi length dresses and pants are always best.

3. Solid colours, or one simple pattern is best.

If the clothing feels too busy, the eye gets confused. For stunning photos that feel like art in your home, think simple when it comes to colour and pattern.

4. Coordinate colour and style

Pick a colour palette that suits your home (this is something I help all my clients with!) and choose outfits for everyone that draws out those colours. For spring, focus on softer, brighter colours if the style of your home allows it.

Follow these guides, and from there, go wild! I always start with mom’s dress. Some of my favourite spring styles for mom include the Hannah Midi dress from Baltic Born, the Bodrum Midi Dress, the Emily smocked Midi dress, the Antique Lace Dress from Elestory, and the Pippa Dress from the Indie Blue.

Once you’ve chosen an outfit you love and feel confident in, start filling in everyone else’s. For men, I always recommend some nice pants that aren’t jeans. The 5 pocket pant from RW & Co. is always a great option. This can pair with a henley top, sweater or light button-up.

For little girls, choose an outfit with lots of movement. Joyfolie, The IndieBlue, and Elestory are amazing for beautiful, fluid dresses that make little girls feel like princess! This is a fun place to incorporate a subtle floral print for spring if you’d like to.

Little boys are always a bit more challenging. Cardigans, knit sweater, suspender pants, a nice pair of overalls or a cue romper for younger boys are always great options! Wheat Kids always has some cute chino pants options as well as henley tops or button ups. Their thermal bomber jackets are also super cute and are great for adding texture to images. Rylee and Cru is another great option for boys!

If the thought of putting all this together on you own stresses you out and is keeping you from beautiful family images, I recommend finding a photographer who is willing and happy to help you as you plan! I’d love to connect and see if we’re a great fit if you’re looking for a Vancouver family photographer!