Choosing what to wear for your Vancouver studio family photos is one of the most common concerns families have — and it makes sense. Your wardrobe influences the overall feel of your portraits, how cohesive your gallery looks, and how confident you’ll feel in front of the camera.

The good news is that dressing for indoor studio sessions is far easier than most families expect. Studio light is soft and flattering, the environment is neutral, and there are no weather elements or busy backgrounds to compete with. That means your clothing has the freedom to shine while still keeping the focus exactly where it belongs: on your connection as a family.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to create a beautifully coordinated wardrobe that feels timeless, comfortable, and true to your personal style.

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1. Start With Soft Neutrals and Muted Tones

Neutral, gentle colour palettes are the foundation of beautiful Vancouver studio family photos. These tones photograph well, complement every skin tone, and create a calm, cohesive look.

Colours that work beautifully in studio:

• warm creams and ivory

• linen, oatmeal, and sand

• soft browns and camel

• sage, olive, or muted greens

• dusty rose or muted mauve

• soft navy or denim

• charcoal, stone, or heather grey

These tones blend effortlessly with most Vancouver photo studios, which typically offer warm white or soft neutral backdrops. They also ensure your portraits age well over time—the last thing you want is to look back on your gallery and be distracted by a bold trend from 2025.

Colours to avoid:

• bright red (reflects onto skin)

• neon or highly saturated tones

• stark black paired with stark white (too much contrast)

• bright yellow or vibrant green

Soft tones will always give you a clean, natural, and elevated look.

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2. Choose Texture Over Bold Patterns

Textures add depth and dimension to your images without being distracting. Because studio lighting is even and gentle, textures photograph beautifully and bring warmth into your portraits.

Textures that photograph well:

• chunky or soft knits

• ribbed sweaters

• linen or cotton pieces

• waffle textures

• subtle embroidery

• wool or fleece cardigans

• flowy fabrics with movement

Patterns can work if they’re minimal, but they should never steal attention from faces.

Patterns you can use sparingly:

• tiny florals

• small checks

• soft, thin stripes

Patterns to avoid:

• bold florals

• large plaids

• geometric prints

• logos, graphics, or text

When in doubt, choose something simple. The most timeless portraits come from understated wardrobe pieces.

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3. Build a Coordinated Palette (Not Matching Outfits)

A cohesive family wardrobe doesn’t mean everyone wears the same colour. Instead, choose a palette of 3–4 tones and mix them across different pieces.

Example palettes:

Warm neutrals:
cream + tan + soft brown + muted sage

Soft, cool tones:
grey + charcoal + soft white + denim blue

Earthy + cozy:
oatmeal + warm brown + ivory + muted rose

Choose one person’s outfit first—often mom’s—and let the rest flow from there.

Pro tip:

Lay all clothing options on the bed together. If the colours feel balanced and calm, they will photograph beautifully.

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4. Prioritize Comfort for Everyone (Especially Kids)

Studio sessions involve moving, snuggling, sitting, standing, lifting kids, and playing together. Everyone should feel as comfortable as possible.

Choose pieces that:

• move easily

• don’t need constant adjusting

• aren’t too tight or too scratchy

• allow kids to be themselves

For kids:

Avoid stiff dresses or pants, collars that fold awkwardly, or anything with sequins or glitter (they catch the studio lights in strange ways).

Children look happiest when they feel happy. Comfort always wins.

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5. Barefoot Is Beautiful for Studio Family Photos

Bare feet create a relaxed, natural look that works perfectly indoors. It’s warm, timeless, and visually cohesive—especially for younger kids.

If you prefer shoes:

• choose clean, neutral footwear

• avoid bulky soles

• skip bright runners

Simple is best.

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6. Outfit Tips for Moms: Soft Fabrics & Movement

Mothers often set the visual tone of the session, and soft, flowing fabrics are incredibly flattering.

Lovely options include:

• midi or maxi dresses (solid or textured)

• oversized sweaters

• linen tops

• cardigans layered over simple basics

• skirts that move with a gentle breeze

• neutral jumpsuits

Avoid:

• stiff denim jackets

• bodycon dresses (can feel restrictive)

• shiny fabrics that reflect light

Pieces that move create beautiful lines and add softness to your portraits.

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7. Outfit Tips for Dads: Clean, Simple, Timeless

Studio photography calls for minimal, classic looks.

Strong choices:

• henley shirts

• fitted crewneck sweaters

• long sleeve tees

• linen or cotton button-ups

• dark or medium-wash jeans

• chinos in sand or grey

Avoid:

• polo shirts (tend to look collapsed on camera)

• logo-heavy tops

• neon athletic wear

Men look best in pieces that fit well, feel natural, and are free of distraction.

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8. Babies & Toddlers: Keep It Soft and Minimal

Little ones always photograph best in simple, soft clothing.

Great choices:

• knit rompers

• neutral onesies

• footless leggings

• simple dresses

• soft cardigans

• textured sweaters

Avoid:

• tulle

• stiff collars

• glitter or sequins

• characters or logos

This makes it easier to capture snuggly, close-up moments without visual clutter.

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9. Layering Adds Depth and Variety

Even in a studio, layering creates dimension and visual interest.

Ideas include:

• cardigans

• soft jackets

• shawls

• vests for men

• wraps for moms

• scarves (lightweight only)

Layers also give you “mini outfit changes” without needing to switch clothing entirely.

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10. Keep Hair, Makeup, and Accessories Natural

Studio sessions highlight your facial expressions — not heavy styling.

Hair:

Natural texture, light curls, soft buns, or brushed waves all work beautifully. Avoid styles that fall in front of your face.

Makeup:

Opt for a polished but natural look.
Soft blush, simple eyes, and neutral lips photograph best. But of course, I provide hair and makeup to all my clients, so if you’re booking a session with me, you won’t need to worry about this at all!

Accessories:

Minimal earrings, delicate necklaces, and simple hair bows for kids keep the look timeless.

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11. Bring Backup Options if You’re Unsure

If you’re debating between two sweaters or two dresses, bring both. Since studios are controlled environments, quick swaps are easy and stress-free.

A backup outfit can also be helpful for toddlers (just in case of spills, snacks, or last-minute preferences).

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12. Final Tip: Your Clothing Should Feel Like You

Your wardrobe shouldn’t feel like a costume.

Choose pieces that:

• feel natural

• reflect your personal style

• allow you to breathe and move

• support the mood you want your portraits to have

When you feel good in your clothing, it shows in every image.

Putting together outfits for your family session doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With soft tones, simple textures, comfortable clothing, and a cohesive palette, you’ll feel confident and completely at ease during your session. Thoughtful wardrobe choices help your Vancouver studio family photos feel warm, connected, and timeless — a beautiful reflection of the season your family is in.

About Kelly

Kelly Warkentin is a Vancouver portrait photographer specializing in timeless family imagery, modern headshots, and connection-led storytelling. With a warm, editorial-inspired style and a gentle, guided approach, Kelly creates portraits that feel effortless, authentic, and beautifully refined. She photographs families and professionals throughout Vancouver and the Fraser Valley.