Let’s be real, prepping for family photos can feel like organizing a tiny wedding — but with snacks, dirt, and toddlers who probably couldn’t care less about your outfit color palette. 😂

I know that feeling where you’re trying to match the vibe of your favorite Pinterest photo but also just praying your kid keeps their shoes on for longer than 10 minutes. Deep breath, friend. I’ve got you.

As a Chicago suburbs family photographer, I work with laidback, real-life families who care more about capturing the messy magic of their lives than getting everyone to grin at the same time. But good preparation? It absolutely makes your gallery shine.

So whether you’re planning a session in Palatine, Arlington Heights, or that dreamy golden field in Barrington, here’s exactly what to wear and what to bring to make the most of your outdoor family portraits.

It’s Not About Perfection – It’s About Preparation

Look, you don’t have to show up in matching monogrammed outfits or have your hair professionally styled (unless you want to…and in that case, go off👏). But taking a little time to prep your outfits, think about the location, and pack a few helpful things in your bag can make your session go from “mild chaos” to “magical memories with a hint of mischief.”

One of my favorite sessions ever was with a mama who showed up in a patterned maxi dress that caught the light just right. Her boys wore the same textured shirt in different shades – genius, honestly – with shorts in different colors so it didn’t look too matchy. The whole thing was soft, coordinated, and effortless in the photos. Major heart eyes.

That level of thoughtfulness really pays off.

Your Session Toolkit: What to Wear & Bring Along

Here’s my tried-and-true guide to wardrobe and essentials that make our time together relaxed, smooth, and beautiful.

1. Start With Your Outfit, Mama 💃

Let’s be honest: these are just as much for you as they are for the family.

• Choose your outfit first. Pick something that makes you feel like you. I always tell moms to start with their dress or skirt (bonus points for flowy fabrics that look dreamy catching the wind) and then coordinate the rest of the family around it.
• Stick to soft, earthy tones or muted colors. Cream, dusty blue, sienna, olive – these photograph beautifully and won’t distract from your faces.
• Avoid graphics or logos. We’re telling your story, not advertising for Target 😉

2. Think Textures, Not Twins

I love it when families coordinate rather than match. It gives the photos personality and depth, without feeling rigid.

• Add texture with knits, linen, gauze cotton, or simple patterns like subtle plaids or florals.
• For siblings, repeating a piece (like the same shirt) in different colors works beautifully and keeps things easy.
• Keep shoes weather and location-appropriate – if we’re heading into a field or forest preserve, heels might not be your best friend.

3. Toss These in Your Session Bag 🎒

A little bag of “just in case” essentials can be a sanity-saver. Here are a few things I always recommend bringing:

• Wipes or tissues for kiddo faces (and snotty moments of real life)
• A favorite (not-too-colorful or noisy) snack for a mid-session boost
• Hairbrush or comb for flyaways
• A change of clothes for the kids just in case

And the secret weapons…

• Remove your Apple Watch (yes, it shows in photos way more than we wish)
• Check for hair ties on wrists and phones or keys in your pockets

You’d be amazed how many times I’ve had to Photoshop out a forgotten phone in a pocket or a client says they wished they would’ve taken their watch off!

4. Mind the Weather and Lighting

Here in Chicagoland, our sunshine is beautiful when it shows up – but it’s also moody. Outdoor sessions mean unpredictable lighting, breezy evenings, and sometimes dewy grass. That’s part of the charm, honestly.

A few tips to keep in mind:

• Layers are your friend. A knit sweater over a dress or a henley under a jacket adds style and warmth if needed.
• Don’t stress about perfection. Windblown hair? Cozy cuddles under a blanket? These little things often make the most heartfelt images.

Why Prep Matters (Even If You Don’t Care About “Perfect” Photos)

What I love most is photographing families as they really are: shoes half-off, kids giggling, everyone piled into one big hug. No stiff poses, no forced “smile and say cheese” energy.

But giving just a little thought to your outfits and what to bring can level-up your images from sweet snapshots to wall-worthy art. It creates harmony in the photos, eases minor stress during the session, and lets us focus on what really matters… your love, your laughter, your beautiful, wild selves.

Ready to Make Some Real Magic?

Whether we’re meeting in Palatine, exploring the peaceful trails in Barrington, or grabbing golden hour light in Arlington Heights, I’m here to help make your session feel like a joyful little adventure with your favorite people.

Need help choosing your outfits? If you’re ever in doubt, text me a photo! That’s half the fun.

Let’s create something real, messy, and beautiful – just like family life.

Explore family sessions & book today