Tips for making your big crew look good—and feel like themselves

Let’s be real: coordinating outfits for one family is hard enough. Doing it for the whole extended fam? That’s next-level chaos. But don’t panic—I’ve got your back (and your in-laws’ backs too).

Here’s the game plan for getting everyone camera-ready without sacrificing personality, comfort, or your will to live.

1. Pick a Color Palette, Not a Uniform

We’re not going for the denim-and-white-shirt 1998 Sears Portrait vibe. Instead, choose a handful of coordinating tones—think soft earth tones, muted pastels, or moody neutrals—and let everyone build from there. A mix of solids and subtle patterns keeps it interesting without turning the whole group into a walking optical illusion.

Pro tip: Aim for 3–4 colors that vibe well together, and let your family members choose shades of that color. Toss in a pop (like rust, sage, or dusty rose) and differing textures (things like linen, denim, fringe, or lace) to break things up.

2. Start with the Matriarch (or Whoever Cares the Most)

Someone in the group will care a lot about what everyone wears (and it might be you—hi!). Start with their outfit and work outward. If Nana’s wearing her favorite floral maxi dress, pull your palette from that. If she’s rocking a navy sweater, build on those rich, cool tones.

This isn’t just a style tip—it’s a diplomacy move. Trust me.

3. Texture is Your Friend

Knits, linens, gauze, denim, corduroy, leather. Mixing textures adds depth to your photos and keeps things from feeling flat. Plus, they photograph like a dream. Movable fabrics, like linen, flowy cotton, and fringe add movement to your photos that tight, stiff fabrics just don’t. And we’re giving a big no to shiny fabrics and logos.

4. Comfort Over Costume

If your toddler hates suspenders, don’t make him wear suspenders. If your brother-in-law only wears boots, don’t force him into loafers. Photos are about connection—not matching. The more comfortable everyone is, the better they’ll feel, and the more relaxed they will look (and the less bribery we’ll need).

5. Avoid Bright Whites and Neons

Crisp whites can throw off the lighting and pull focus, they also are more susceptible to sweat and dirt stains. Neons reflect weird color onto skin and distract from faces. Soft creams, warm tones, and natural hues play nicest with the camera.

6. Let Personalities Shine (Within Reason)

Does Aunt Linda always wear leopard print? Cool. Let her work a toned-down version into her look. Is your niece into tulle skirts and glitter boots? Let her sparkle, kiddo. Just keep everyone loosely tethered to the main vibe so the gallery feels cohesive—not like a cast photo from five different Broadway shows.

7. Final Touches: Keep It Simple

Barefoot? Great. Sandals? Cute. Hats? Maybe. Avoid overly trendy accessories that’ll scream “2020s Pinterest board” in a few years. And keep phones, hair ties, and wristbands out of pockets and off wrists. You’ll thank me later.

TL;DR:
Choose a color palette, not a uniform
Let one outfit lead the way
Mix textures and keep things comfortable
Avoid logos, neons, and anything too matchy-matchy
Let real personalities peek through—just don’t let Cousin Greg wear a graphic tee

Text me outfit pics if you’re panicking. Seriously.

Bonus: If anyone’s stuck, don’t forget I offer wardrobe support and access to my Client Closet for all of my sessions. I’m here to make this easier (and prettier) for everyone, even Uncle Bob, who doesn’t want to do this in the first place (but will be glad he did).

Let’s turn family chaos into frame-worthy magic.
You bring the people—I’ll bring the calm and the camera. 💛