Tips from a Frederick Family Photographer

Planning family photos is exciting, but one of the most common questions I hear from clients is:

“What should we wear for our family photos?”

Choosing the right outfits can make a huge difference in how your portraits look and feel. As a family photographer in Frederick, Maryland for over 13 years, I’ve helped hundreds of families plan outfits that photograph beautifully and feel natural.

The goal is to create a look that is timeless, coordinated, and comfortable, while also reflecting your family’s personality.

Here are my best tips for choosing what to wear for your family photos in Frederick, Maryland.

Start With a Color Palette

Instead of everyone wearing the same color, choose 2–4 coordinating colors and build your outfits around them.

Beautiful color palettes for family photos include:

• Soft neutrals (cream, beige, ivory)
• Earth tones (sage, rust, olive, mustard)
• Soft pastels (dusty blue, blush, lavender)
• Classic neutrals (navy, tan, gray)

These colors photograph beautifully in many of the natural outdoor locations around Frederick County, including fields, parks, and riverside settings.

Avoid bright neon colors or large logos, as they tend to distract from the connection between family members.

Coordinate — Don’t Match

Years ago it was popular for families to wear matching white shirts and jeans, but today’s portraits look best when outfits coordinate rather than match exactly.

For example:

• Mom in a soft floral dress
• Dad in a neutral button-down shirt
• Kids wearing colors pulled from mom’s dress

This approach creates visual interest while still looking cohesive.

Choose Outfits That Move Beautifully

Flowy dresses, soft fabrics, and layers photograph especially well.

Movement adds softness and dimension to your portraits, particularly during golden hour sessions at sunset.

Some of my favorite options include:

• Long flowy dresses
• Linen shirts
• Sweaters and cardigans
• Soft cotton fabrics

These styles work perfectly at many popular portrait locations in Frederick, Middletown, and surrounding areas.

Dress for the Location

Your outfits should complement the environment where your session takes place.

For example:

Field or farm locations
Soft neutrals, florals, earthy tones

Downtown Frederick / Carroll Creek
More structured outfits, darker colors, modern styles

Parks or creek locations
Casual but coordinated outfits, natural fabrics

During your consultation I help you choose both the location and wardrobe together, so everything works beautifully.

Avoid These Common Outfit Mistakes

To keep your portraits timeless, try to avoid:

• Large logos
• Neon colors
• Busy patterns on everyone
• Athletic sneakers
• Clothing that doesn’t fit well

The goal is for your family’s connection and emotion to be the focus of the photos — not the clothing.

Plan Mom’s Outfit First

The easiest way to plan family outfits is to start with mom’s dress or outfit.

Once you choose that, you can pull coordinating colors for the rest of the family.

Many of my clients choose:

• soft floral dresses
• neutral maxi dresses
• classic midi dresses

These photograph beautifully and create a natural focal point.

Consider Professional Styling Help

When you book a session with Jennifer Riley Photography, I help guide you through wardrobe planning so you don’t have to stress about it.

During your planning consultation we will:

• Choose the perfect portrait location
• Select coordinating colors
• Discuss outfits for each family member
• Make sure everything photographs beautifully together

My goal is to make the entire experience easy, relaxed, and enjoyable for your family.

Best Seasons for Family Photos in Frederick Maryland

Frederick County is beautiful year-round and each season offers something special.

Spring
Cherry blossoms and fresh greenery

Summer
Wildflowers and golden fields

Fall
Colorful foliage and warm sunset light

Winter
Charming downtown portraits and cozy textures

Your wardrobe choices can reflect the season while still maintaining a timeless look.

Ready to Plan Your Family Photos?

Family portraits capture moments that pass far too quickly. My goal is to create beautiful images that you’ll treasure for decades.

If you’re searching for what to wear for family photos in Frederick Maryland or planning your next portrait session, I would love to help you design a session that feels effortless and meaningful.

We’ll choose the perfect location, coordinate wardrobe, and create portraits that truly reflect your family.