Family Photo Outfit Ideas for the Beach, the City and the Mountains
More and more families are booking a photographer while on vacation. It makes sense. You are all together, relaxed and surrounded by a beautiful place you may not see again for years. A short session on a beach, in an old town or by a mountain lake can give you photos that mean far more than a hundred phone snapshots. The only catch is that you need to pack for it. That is where a few good family photo outfit ideas come in handy.
Below you will find simple advice for three of the most popular travel settings: the beach, the city and the mountains. You will also find tips on packing outfits so they arrive fresh and ready.
Plan Outfits Before You Pack
The worst time to plan photo outfits is the morning of the session, in a hotel room, with whatever is left clean in the suitcase. Decide on the outfits at home, try them on and pack them as a set. Some families put each person's photo outfit in its own bag or packing cube, so nobody wears it on the plane or spills ice cream on it on day one.
Choose fabrics that travel well. Knits, jersey, soft denim and wrinkle-resistant blends handle a suitcase better than crisp cotton. If you love a fabric that creases easily, plan time to steam it at the hotel.
Beach Photo Outfits
The beach is the most popular vacation photo spot, and it is also one of the easiest to dress for. Sand, sea and sky give you a soft, natural background, so keep outfits light and airy.
- Colors: white, cream, sand, light blue, soft coral and sage. Pastels look lovely in beach light.
- Fabrics:linen, cotton gauze and light cotton. They move nicely in the breeze and keep everyone cool.
- Styles: flowy dresses, rolled linen pants, short-sleeve button shirts and simple rompers for kids.
- Shoes: none at all. Bare feet look natural on sand and make it easy to run into the waves.
Skip neon colors, which can cast odd color onto skin in bright light, and heavy fabrics that get stuck to wet legs. Bring a light layer in case the wind picks up at sunset.
City Photo Outfits
An old town square, a colorful street or a famous bridge makes a striking backdrop. Cities are busy places, though, with lots of signs, shop windows and people. Your outfits should help your family stand out from all that noise.
- Colors: solid colors work best. Navy, cream, camel, black and white, with one pop of color such as red, mustard or emerald.
- Styles: a slightly dressier look suits city streets. Think fitted jeans or chinos, a nice blouse, a simple dress, a blazer or a light trench coat.
- Shoes: clean sneakers, loafers or ankle boots. You may walk a lot between spots, so comfort is important.
Look at photos of the location before you go. If the buildings are bright yellow or pink, choose colors that sit well next to them rather than clash.
Mountain and Lake Photo Outfits
Mountains, forests and lakes give you big, dramatic views. The weather can be cool even in summer, so layers are key.
- Colors: rich tones that stand out from green trees and gray rock: deep red, mustard, navy, rust and cream. Be careful with forest green, which can blend into the trees.
- Fabrics: knits, flannel and soft wool. A thin merino wool layer is warm without bulk and does not wrinkle in a backpack.
- Styles: sweaters, flannel shirts, vests, jeans and simple jackets.
- Shoes: hiking boots or sturdy ankle boots. Trails can be rocky and wet.
If you plan to hike to the photo spot, wear practical clothes on the way and change at the top. Your photographer will be happy to wait a few minutes.
A Word About Kids on Vacation
Travel changes children's routines, and that can show up in photos. Jet lag, late dinners and long days in the sun make little ones cranky. Choose soft, loose outfits they can play in, and avoid anything brand new that might rub or itch. Schedule the session at a time when they are usually rested, bring water and a snack, and give them a little job, like holding a shell or a map. Happy kids make happy travel photos.
Keeping Clothes Fresh on the Road
- Roll knits and fold crisp shirts with tissue paper to reduce creases.
- Hang outfits in the bathroom during a hot shower. The steam relaxes wrinkles.
- Pack a small travel steamer if your outfits are cotton or linen.
- Bring a stain pen, since vacations mean sunscreen, sauces and sticky fingers.
When to Schedule a Vacation Session
Book your session early in the trip. You will have fresh outfits, no sunburn and plenty of energy. It also gives you a backup day if the weather turns. Most photographers suggest the hour after sunrise or the hour before sunset, when the light is soft and warm. Early morning has the bonus of quiet beaches and empty streets.
If you are still deciding what to bring, this guide with more family photo outfit ideas covers color coordination, layers, patterns and comfort, and it works well as a pre-trip checklist.
Bring Home More Than a Tan
Vacation photos capture your family in a place that meant something to you. With a little planning, they can be the best photos you ever take together. Match your outfits to the setting, pack them as sets, choose fabrics that travel well and book the session early in the trip. Then relax and enjoy the moment, because that is what the camera will remember most.