Five Outfits For Summer Family Photos

Now that summer is fast approaching, taking family photos might be on your to do list. If you are having any type of family celebration, milestone event or vacation- this is the perfect opportunity to capture the moment on film. Planning outfits for this is a fun bonding experience for the whole family. Coordinating your outfits can be an interesting way to prepare for your photoshoot. We have both taken family photos and find coordinating the outfits is a fun experience. Today we are sharing a round-up of outfit ideas that are great for a summer family photoshoot.

Five Outfits For Summer Family Photos

Summer is the perfect time to have family photos taken. The lighting is better, you can take advantage of beautiful outdoor locations and schedules are more flexible. We hope this post will encourage you to plan this summer’s family photo session. Scheduling an appointment with your family photographer is the first step. Then decide on what to wear for your family session- pick out a color scheme and coordinate colors.

Why Take Family Photos In Summer

Natural Lighting

We all know how wonderful it is to take photos outside in the summer- the beautiful flowers, the colors and the “Golden Hour” in the morning or evening. Natural lighting is the best.

Flexible Schedules

Everyone’s schedule is more flexible in the summer, especially kids that are in school. Scheduling a family photo is so much easier.

Unique Outdoor Settings

Unique outdoor settings like beaches, parks and gardens offer appealing backdrops for your special photos.

Great Weather

The great weather of summer allows you to choose casual and comfortable attire- not sloppy mind you but a bit more relaxed. Capturing these spontaneous smiles is easier too.

What To Wear For Summer Family Photos

There are many color combinations that look great for summer photos. We decided to showcase five color combinations with either a photo or a collage to recreate for your own photos. If you want to choose the exact items, we have linked the items that are currently available. Remember to just click on any bolded and italicized words or photos that are linked.

White – Blue – Floral – Striped – Gauze – Eyelet

This photo was taken for a Mother’s Day Shoot indoors, however, it would work great for outdoors as well. The boys pants- find similar here at Gap, white polo shirts- J Crew polo, the blue and white rugby striped shirts- J Crew shirt. Similar toddler girl’s and baby dresses are here and here.

Women’s blue print dress is The Anthropologie Somerset maxi dress and the women’s white maxi dress is the Tuckernuck Dainty Eyelet Holley Dress. Dress the guys in Banana Republic Italian Stretch Chino and Relaxed Fit Washed Cotton Shirt.

Scroll through the photos below for more details and information.

Best Summer Dresses For Women

Red – White – Blue

Shirt | Girl’s Dress | Women’s Dress | Belt | Shorts | Boy’s Shorts | Tee Shirt

Red, white and blue is a great color combination for family photos taken on Memorial Day or Fourth of July celebration. Wouldn’t this look great against a shoreline with everyone barefoot or in flip flops?

Click through the photos below for more information.

All White

Dress | Dress | Dress | Tulle Skirt- similar | T-shirt-similar | Shorts | Shirt- similar

The all-white color palette is a classic and elegant color combination for summer family photos. The clothes look stunning against nature’s backdrop and reflect light, making skin tones look luminous. Also, when wearing white, the shades and textures don’t have to match perfectly, creating visual interest. Click on any photo below for more information.

Navy – Coral Pink – White – Hot Pink

Pink Dress| Navy Dress| Boy’s Shirts | Boy’s Pants | Baby’s Dress | Toddler Dress | Dress-Similar

Bev’s family had family photos taken with this color palette. Navy is a great base color to pair with coral, white and hot pink. The classic navy and white gets a bit of energy when you bring in coral and hot pink.

Click on the photos below for more information and details.

Denim – White

Shirt | Belt | Jeans | Shirt | Skirt | Dress | Rash Guard | Denim

Denim and white is a perfect color choice if your family wants a casual, comfortable look. To add interest, choose clothing in different textures. Dressing the kids in comfortable clothing is another plus, when they are happy they smile! Click on any photo below for more information and details.

Additional Items To Remember

Remember, if you are taking family photos outside in the summer, there are a few additional items to remeber that will help make the photo session go seamlessly.

Water and Snacks for the kids. Choose snacks that are easy to carry and won’t melt in the heat. Think animal crackers, popcorn or apple slices.

Apply sunscreen before getting dressed- this applies to everyone. You don’t want to ruin your outfit with smudges of sunscreen on the fabric.

Bring a blanket or beach towel in case someone needs to sit and no chairs are in sight.

Pack a tote that has sunglasses, comb, brush, lint roller, hairspray and any item that you think of that will make the session run smoothly.

Consider the appropriate footwear for where you are taking the photos.

Remember your smile is your best accessory. Show it off!

We hope this post has helpful information for you if you are planning on taking a family photo this summer. Please let us know- we love hearing from you. Thank you for joining us here.

Bev and Val

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Photography by Shannon Leigh Photography

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