LA Family Photos Style Guide: What to Wear for Lifestyle Shoots

Here are some best practices I've found help for camera readiness. Think neutral colors, mix and match, and a few tips on staying cohesive and Intentional.

LA Family Photos Style Guide

Let go of any pressure to match the whole family like a catalog. Instead, pick an outfit that feels like you—then build the rest of the looks around that. Feeling like yourself in photos helps everything look and feel more authentic and naturally you.

*Some photos pulled from Pinterest. Please see Alt Text or the family photography inspiration board for credits.

Think LA Mood & Location

Whether we are shooting in an LA sun-drenched park, at Santa Monica beach, or on a moody downtown rooftop, stay comfortable and plan for the setting.

• Beaches: Soft neutrals, linen textures, barefoot or sandals

• Parks & fields: Earth tones, flowy silhouettes, boots or flats

• Urban spots: Layers, sneakers or boots

If you're unsure, you can always bring changes of shoes etc. to navigate LA landscapes; I always help families prep for photos by sending a PDF style guide to help — it can include Pinterest boards, links, and even last-minute props, like hats or scarfs.

Color Palettes That Always Work

Go for complementary, over explicitly matching. A few tried-and-true combos:

• Cream, rust, and sage

• Navy, denim, and tan

• Warm neutrals with soft patterns

• Monochrome base with a pop of (earth-toned) color (like mustard or deep green)
  

Avoid logos, bright neons, or anything too busy—they can distract from the backgrounds, connection, and storytelling.

Less is More

• Stick to 2–3 main colors across everyone’s outfits

• Mix textures (like denim, knits, and cottons) to add depth

• Let kids be kids—cute overalls, simple dresses, or soft pants all work

• Layers (cardigans, jackets) can add variety without a full outfit change

Bonus tip: Lay everything out on the bed together beforehand to see if it feels cohesive.

Bring the Backup Bag

Especially with little ones, pack:

• A change of clothes for messes

• Snacks

• A favorite comfort item (if needed)

• Wipes and a hairbrush—I usually have some too, but always nice to have.

*Want to run colors and styles by to make sure they match your vision? I'm always available pre-session to work together on the full list of details...

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