Spring Family Photo Outfits That Actually Photograph Well (Michigan Edition)

Spring in Southeast Michigan is a little unpredictable - in the best way. One day it's golden sunshine, the next it's a breeze rolling through tall grass, and sometimes it ends with ice cream by a fountain downtown!

(If we're lucky!!)

When you're choosing outfits for your family session, the goal isn't perfection- it's comfort, movement and feeling like yourself. Let these memories unfold naturally.

Because the best photos? They happen in between the poses - when your kids are running, laughing, or being lifted into the air on a "1, 2, 3... LIFT!"

Start Here: Comfort Over Everything

Before colors, before style - ask yourself:

• Can you walk easily in this?
• Can your kids play in it?
• Can you sit, kneel, twirl, and move without adjusting every five seconds?

We'll likely be:

• Walking through tall grass
• Wandering around a downtown spot
• Possibly ending the session with ice cream (yes, really)

Your outfit should move with you through all of it. If something feels stiff, itchy, or restrictive - it will show. I want to capture you enjoying your family, not worrying about adjustments for yourself or the little ones. Because the moment we start to fuss, they do too.

This is why we sometimes say not to purchase new clothes, and instead have something on hand that has worked for a casual holiday and is tested, tried and true.

Blend, Don't Match

Gone are the days of everyone in identical white shirts and jeans.

Instead, think of your family like a color palette:

• Soft neutrals (cream, tan, light denim)
• Muted pastels (sage, dusty blue, blush)
• Earth tones (warm browns, soft greens)

The goal is cohesion, not uniformity.

A Good Rule:

Pick 2-3 main tones, then mix textures and layers around them.

Do's & Don'ts

DO:

• Choose soft, breathable fabrics (linen, cotton, knits)
• Add layers (cardigans, light jackets, flowy dresses)
• Let kids wear or bring something they like (within reason- but this matters more than you think!)
• Stick to timeless over trendy

DON'T:

• Dress everyone in the exact same color
• Choose stiff or overly formal outfits
• Go heavy on bold patterns or logos
• Buy something brand new that hasn't been tried on (or broken in)

Think About the Full Experience

Your session isn't just one backdrop.

We might go from

• A field with tall, moving grass
• To a downtown fountain
• To sticky, giggly ice cream moments

Ask yourself:

Does this outfit still work in all three places?

Flowy dresses move beautifully in a field. Neutral sneakers work everywhere. A polished-but-relaxed outfit transitions effortlessly.

Where to Shop (Easy, Reliable Favorites)

You don't need to overthink this. Some consistently great options:

• H&M - affordable basics and soft tones
• Old Navy - great for families and coordinating pieces
• Target - easy, accessible, surprisingly good neutrals
• Zara - slightly elevated, great textures
• Free People - beautiful movement pieces for moms
• Abercrombie & Fitch - clean, modern staples

Like I said, you likely already have pieces at home that work well - start there first.

For Moms

You get to set the tone for the whole look. Build around your comfort, style and colors.

A few gentle tips:

• Flowy dresses photograph beautifully and move with you
• Choose something you feel good in - not just something that "looks good" standing in one spot
• Soft textures (linen, gauze, knits) add depth without distraction
• Consider movement: how does it look when you walk, sit, or hold your child?

And most importantly - comfort matters more than perfection.

For Dads

Keep it simple and clean:

• Neutral pants or well- fitted jeans
• A henley, button-up, or simple tee layered with a jacket
• Avoid loud patterns or athletic logos

Think: relaxed, put-together, and easy to move in.

Why This Actually Matters

It's not about the clothes.

It's about what the clothes allow.

When your family is comfortable:

• Kids play freely
• Parents relax
• Moments unfold naturally

And that's where the magic lives.

Your outfits should support the moment - not distract from it.

Because years from now, you won't remember what everyone wore.

You'll get to remember:

• The weight of your child in your arms when you could still pick them up and swing them
• Gratitude that you captured that season of your lives (even if it felt like a chore at the time🤪)
• Lost memories, once forgotten but suddenly you can tell the grandkids about the silly things their parents used to do at this age!
• And my favorite- proving to my kids, they look like me!😂

The right outfit helps make space for all of that, and more.🌿