What to Wear for Family Photos in South Dakota
 Photographer’s Guide to Choosing Outfits That Photograph Beautifully

One of the most common questions families ask before their session is:

“What should we wear for family photos?”

The answer isn’t about strict rules. Style is personal, and clothing should always reflect who you are as a family.

But there are a few simple guidelines that help clothing photograph beautifully — especially in the natural landscapes we have here in South Dakota.  Pregnant mother standing in tall green grass nuzzling her three children during a maternity family portrait session by a Sioux Falls family photographer.Pregnant mother with three children in a tall grassy field during a maternity family photography session near Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Choose Colors That Complement the Landscape

Because many of my sessions take place outdoors, I love colors that feel natural and warm.

Some beautiful options include:

• rust
• pumpkin tones
• olive greens
• dusty blues and denim
• ivory and soft creams
• warm tans

These muted, earthy colors tend to complement skin tones beautifully and photograph especially well in sunset light.

Bright neon colors or large logos can sometimes pull attention away from the people in the photo — and the goal is always to make you the focus. A mother and her three young children cling together in a tall grassy field in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. A motherhood session in Sioux Falls, SD. Wardrobe coordinated by AE Imagery photography. A vivid sky and muted earth tones may make this image timeless.

Coordinate Instead of Matching

Matching outfits were popular years ago, but today coordinated clothing tends to create a more timeless look.

Instead of everyone wearing the same color, try choosing a color palette of two or three complementary tones.

For example:

• denim and cream
• olive green and rust
• tan and soft blue

This creates visual interest while still keeping the overall look cohesive.

Balance Patterns and Textures

Patterns and textures can add beautiful dimension to photos.

A simple guideline I often share:

• For three people, one person can wear a pattern.
• For five people, two people can include a pattern or texture.

Textures like linen, knits, lace, or denim can add interest without overpowering the image. 

Start With One Inspiration Piece

If choosing outfits feels overwhelming, start with one piece.

Often, that piece is Mom’s dress.

When moms feel confident and beautiful, it shows in the photos — and that confidence sets the tone for the entire session.

From there, build the rest of the family’s outfits around that color palette.

You can also draw inspiration from your home décor. Think about where the photo will hang and what colors would look beautiful in that space.

The Most Important Thing

Clothing should never feel stressful.

The most important thing is that you feel comfortable, confident, and like yourselves.

Because when families relax and enjoy the experience together, that joy is what truly shines through in the photographs.

✨ Ready to Start Planning Your Session?

If you’re beginning to think about your own session, the next step is simple.

I’ve created a detailed experience and pricing guide that walks you through:
• what to expect
• how sessions are designed
• and how we create images that feel natural, meaningful, and truly you

👉 [View the AE Imagery Experience & Pricing Guide] [View Newborns & Childhood Sessions]

If you have questions or want help deciding what’s right for your family or senior, I’m always happy to help.