It's not easy to pick clothing for the entire family for a photo shoot. I get it. I've attempted that before with my family of five. I've taken pictures of families at large as 7-8 people. They all looked wonderful, no matter the clothes. But it is very important to think through this before the session. Truthfully, choosing attire for your family session is complicated, but giving advice on it is also very hard. Only you know your family style, preferences of your teenage children, grandma's selection of holiday-themed sweaters and how it all ties into the scenery or studio background of your choice. Here's a short list of what I can say confidently. Whether you use some or all of it is up to you!

1. As always, think match, NOT coordinate. Clearly, if you are wearing all the same solid color clothes, nothing will stand out, there is nothing to grab your attention, and pictures will come out visually boring and unnatural. SO, my advice is – start with Mom and Dad and choose something you feel absolutely comfortable in, something that makes you feel beautiful. Honestly, even if it’s your favorite jeans and t-shirt, you have to wear what makes you feel good, because, trust me, it will show. Well, maybe not necessarily your favorite t-shirt, but something … more in style this season, but you know what I am talking about. THEN, pick clothes for the rest of the family members that complement what you are wearing. If you are wearing a blue shirt, pick a blue skirt for your daughter, or blue plaid shirt for your son, or blue tie for your teenager. Put a blue ribbon on your baby-girl’s head or a blue hat on your baby boy. Or pick a blue vest for your darling 2-year old. You get the idea. OK, my only exception is while shirts (provided you are wearing a black or blue bottom for contrast). I know, it’s sooooo 90’s, but I still love that look!
2. Wear something seasonal. Reds and greens in winter, yellows, oranges, browns and reds in fall, bright vivid colors in summer and pastels and floral patterns in spring. This will definitely add to the story-telling effect of a family photo session.
3. Use layers. Layers always add texture and visual interest to the pictures. Layers also create different looks in one photo session. Layers also help you match and not necessarily coordinate your  clothes.
4. Rich colors and patterns always come out good. Be careful with patterns, though. Only one or two family member should wear patterns, otherwise the picture will look too busy.
5. Absolutely, positively no logos or messages on your clothes. It just creates a lot of visual noise that is destructing and unattractive.

And remember, it’s not what you wear, it’s how you feel in it. If you feel happy, it will show, and that’s all that matters!