Family Photos

A professional photographer expects this and will use gentle techniques, distractions (like bubbles, songs, or toys), or adjust the shots to capture candid moments, often working quickly before a child gets stressed or overstimulated.

Coordinate colors and textures rather than wearing matching outfits. Opt for classic festive palettes like rich reds, deep greens, cream, grey, or tartan patterns. Avoid clothing with large logos or busy, distracting prints.

While the photographer often provides a festive set, you can bring simple, meaningful items like a favorite teddy bear, a small family ornament, or coordinating hot cocoa mugs to add a personal touch.

Plan around their nap and feeding schedules to ensure they are well-rested and happy. Make the session sound like a fun, special adventure, and arrive 5-10 minutes early so they can relax and settle in.

Coordinate, don’t match. The goal is a cohesive look, not everyone wearing the same shirt. Choose 2-4 coordinating colors and let each family member incorporate them through solids, layers, and subtle patterns.

Find one key outfit (often the mother’s) that sets the color and tone, and then build everyone else’s wardrobe around it using complementary hues from that key piece.

Use patterns like plaid, buffalo check, or subtle herringbone for only one or two people (like a child or dad’s shirt) and balance them with solid colors for the rest of the family to avoid a busy or distracting photo.

Play with texture and layers. Textures like velvet, chunky knits, wool, corduroy, and faux fur add richness and depth to the photo without relying on bold colors or prints. Layers like scarves, vests, and cardigans are also stylish and practical for winter.

Especially for children, choose fabrics that allow for movement (like soft knits) and ensure the clothes are not too tight or itchy. A comfortable family will have genuine smiles, which makes for the best photo.

Use deep Burgundy/Cranberry, Forest/Emerald Green, and balance with Cream or Navy Blue. Using deeper, richer tones (like wine red instead of fire-engine red) keeps the look festive and elegant without being overly cliche.