What to Wear for Your Family Photoshoot in Northern Colorado

Matthew 6:25 states “…Take no thought…for your body, what ye shall put on..”

Well, this verse is obviously not a mom before her family’s photo shoot. As a Northern Colorado family photographer, this is a question I hear a lot. And as a mom, this is a question I’ve spent many a brain cell on. What do we wear?

Planning a family photoshoot is incredibly exciting, but deciding what everyone should wear can easily feel like the most overwhelming part of the process. You want your family to look cohesive, feel comfortable, and wear outfits that stand test of time. 

Matching is…a thing. 😅 But seriously, coordinating is a much better option. Each person is free to express their personality, while choosing a color palette that compliments you and the location you’ve chosen.

Because our beautiful Northern Colorado landscape has its own unique color palette—and notoriously unpredictable weather—styling for a session here requires a slightly tailored approach. 

Whether we are shooting against the golden grasses of an open prairie, the rustic textures of an old barn, or the dramatic backdrop of the foothills, here is your ultimate guide to styling your family for stunning, timeless images. 

1. Coordinate, Don’t Match

Gone are the days of everyone wearing identical white shirts and denim jeans. Instead, aim for a look that is cohesive but full of individual personality. 

• Pick a 3-color palette: Start by choosing two main complementary colors and one soft neutral accent.
  
  

• Distribute the colors: Instead of putting everyone in the same color, spread your palette across the family. If mom is in a sage green dress, dad might wear an oatmeal linen shirt, and the kids can wear neutral cream tops with subtle green accents.
  
  

• Mix up the silhouettes: Avoid having everyone wear pants or everyone wear dresses. Mixing jumpsuits, dresses, and structured trousers creates a much more visually interesting frame.
  
  2. Lean Into Earth Tones and Soft Neutrals

  Northern Colorado's scenery is spectacular, and your outfits should harmonize with nature rather than fight against it.

  • Colors that shine: Sage, olive, terracotta, rust, warm taupe, and mustard look absolutely beautiful against our local backdrops. Soft neutrals like cream, beige, and soft slate gray reflect light beautifully onto your skin.
    
    

  • Colors to skip: Avoid neon shades, which cast harsh color reflections onto faces. Heavy black can feel weighted in light, airy outdoor settings, and bold primary colors can easily distract the eye from what matters most: your family's expressions.
    
    

  3. Think About Movement and Texture

  The best family photographs capture real, unposed moments—kids running, parents spinning them around, and warm embraces. Your clothing should be ready to move with you. 

  • Embrace flowy fabrics: Maxi or midi dresses and long skirts made of lightweight cotton gauze or linen catch the mountain breeze beautifully, adding a dynamic, romantic element to your images.
    
    

  • Layer with texture: Instead of using busy patterns to create interest, use touchable textures. Combining a chunky knit sweater, a linen blouse, and a denim jacket adds incredible depth and sophistication to your photos.
    
    

  • Keep patterns subtle: If you want to include a pattern, limit it to just one person. A soft floral or a muted watercolor print works wonderfully as a base to pull solid colors for the rest of the family.
    
    

  4. Footwear Matters (More Than You Think)

  We will likely be exploring open trails, stepping through tall grasses, or walking on uneven dirt terrain to get to the perfect spot. 

  • What works best: Leather boots, low wedges, clean leather sneakers, or classic flats are perfect. They look stylish while keeping you safe and comfortable.
    
    

  • What to avoid: Skip the stilettos, flip-flops, and bright athletic shoes. If you love a certain pair of heels, bring them in a bag and wear comfortable slip-ons to walk between photo spots!
    
    

  5. Prepare for the Colorado Shift

  If you've lived here for more than five minutes, you know the weather can change in a heartbeat—especially as the sun begins to drop behind the mountains during golden hour. 

  • Bring stylish layers: Don't let a sudden drop in temperature ruin your shoot with shivering smiles. Bring denim jackets, cozy cardigans, or tailored light coats that complement your color palette. They look completely intentional if we need to loop them into the wardrobe mid-session.
    

Ready to book your family's story?

Every family is beautifully unique, and I am always here to help you fine-tune your wardrobe selections ahead of our session. If you are ready to update your family portraits against our gorgeous Northern Colorado views, reach out via my contact page and let's start planning your perfect day!