Tips for clothing with a family of five – San Jose Family Photographer
Family photo sessions are a wonderful way to capture memories but sometimes when it comes to choosing outfits for a family of five, it can feel overwhelming. With a little planning and using online resources for inspiration like Pinterest, this can help you navigate wardrobe tips without feeling stressed.
Here’s some wardrobe tips to create a stylish look for your San Jose family photo session.
1. Coordinate, Don’t Match
Think coordinated, not matching when looking for outfits that complement each other. A good way to think about this is to choose a color palette of 2-3 main colors (or even 1 that is the pop with the other colors to complement) and then let each family member incorporate these tones in different ways.
- Neutral Palette: Cream, beige, and soft blues.
- Earthy Tones: Olive green, rust, and mustard yellow.
- Seasonal Colors: Burgundy and navy for fall or pastels for spring.
This keeps your family looking polished without feeling staged.
2. Consider The Session Location
San Jose offers a variety of stunning backdrops, from lush parks to urban murals. Your wardrobe should reflect and complement the setting:
- Natural settings like this park in South San Jose or Stanford Cactus Garden: Go for soft, earthy tones and flowing fabrics.
- Cityscapes like Downtown San Jose: Incorporate more structured pieces, bold colors, or fun accessories.
- At-home sessions: Keep it casual and cozy, and yes, comfy pajamas are perfect!
3. Think Layers and Textures
Layers and textures add depth to your photos and make your outfits more visually interesting.
- Layers: Cardigans, scarves, and vests are great options for mild San Jose weather.
- Textures/Patterns: Incorporate knits or patterns to create variety.
These elements also make it easier to adapt to changing weather or location vibes.
4. Plan for Comfort and Confidence
The most important rule is that everyone feels good in what they’re wearing.
- For kids: Opt for clothes they can move in easily because they will move and will not enjoy wearing clothes that they did not have an opinion on
- For parents: Choose outfits make you feel confident and comfortable
- Shoes: Make sure everyone wears comfortable and appropriate shoes for the setting—think boots for a rustic vibe or sneakers for a more casual look and if you never wear heels, don’t try them for your session.
When everyone feels at ease, it will show in the photos.
5. Test Outfits Ahead of Time
Lay out all five outfits together and see how they look as a group. Take a quick photo to ensure everything looks cohesive and balanced and then email them off to me, I can help you narrow down your outfits. Plus, if you feel that something feels off, trust your instincts and adjust colors or patterns until you feel that it flows.
Choosing the right outfits doesn’t have to be stressful. With these wardrobe tips for your family of five will look coordinated and feel confident during your San Jose photo session. Remember, the goal is to create photographs that reflect your family’s love and connection—not just your outfits!
At Photos by Kim E, I encourage families to have fun and let their personalities shine—it’s those authentic moments that create the best images!
Ready to book your session? Let’s work together to create a personalized experience filled with laughter, love, and unforgettable memories.
Kim Ebbets of Photos by Kim E is a Bay Area | San Jose photographer and specializes in authentic and fun sessions for families and businesses.
Located in the Silicon Valley | Bay Area | East Bay | San Jose | Morgan Hill | and is available for travel.
