Figuring out what to wear for summer family photos feels simple until you’re standing in your closet the night before, second-guessing everything. Does this top work with what the kids are wearing? Is white too bright? Will these shoes survive a ten-minute walk to the location? I hear these questions all the time, and I want you to go into your session feeling calm and confident. After years of photographing families across the Willamette Valley in Albany, Salem, and the surrounding areas, I’ve learned what works and what doesn’t. The good news? It’s a lot simpler than you think. Read on for tips on what to wear for summer family photos in Oregon.
Why outfits matter more than you’d think
Coordinating what your family wears is one of the most important things you can do to elevate your photos before we even meet up. When a family puts thought into their clothing choices, it shows. The images feel polished, cohesive, and genuinely beautiful. And here’s the thing I always want families to hear: coordinating is not the same as matching. You don’t need everyone in identical outfits. I’d rather see a family wearing colors and styles that feel like them, because your personality should come through in every single image. That said, I’ve spent a lot of time behind the camera watching what photographs well together, and some combinations simply work better than others.
My approach to summer outfits in Oregon
For summer family sessions in the Willamette Valley, the environment plays a big role in what I recommend. If we’re shooting in a green meadow or along the lush Oregon landscape, wearing green can cause you to blend right into the background. I love earth tones and neutrals. Think beige, cream, rust, soft blue, or warm white. Cream photographs more beautifully than stark white, every single time.
Dressing up a little goes a long way. You don’t have to be in formal wear, but putting in a bit of extra effort makes a real difference. For moms, a dress with movement and flow looks gorgeous on camera. If dresses aren’t your thing, a light sweater, a kimono, or a chunky necklace adds visual interest that elevates a simple outfit. Think about your location when you’re choosing, too. If we’re headed to the Oregon Coast, I love when families go barefoot on the beach. It fits the environment perfectly and feels relaxed and natural. If we’re somewhere with more of a hike to the spot, layers become your best friend.
Here’s one of my favorite little reminders: I once had a sweet family show up with their little girls in the most adorable dress shoes. The shoes were perfect for photos, but we had a solid ten-minute walk to the location. Bring tennis shoes to walk in and change into the cute shoes once you arrive. Small thing, big difference. But be sure to put the cute shoes in the car!!
Practical tips for getting your summer family photo outfits ready
Start earlier than you think you need to
With two-day shipping available for so much these days, it’s easy to feel like you have plenty of time. You really want your outfits ready well in advance of your session, not the day before. Everyone needs to try on their outfit at home ahead of time, including shoes, socks, and undergarments. Kids’ clothes especially. Check that everything actually fits, because kids grow fast. You’ll also want time to cut off any hanger tags and make sure everything is comfortable before the big day.
Steam or iron everything the night before
Take everything out, give it a good steam, and lay the whole family’s outfits out together. This is the moment you’ll see how everything looks as a unit. If anything feels off, you still have time to make a small swap.
For siblings, try the same style in different colors
Rather than identical outfits. It keeps that coordinated, intentional look while letting each child’s personality come through a little more. Matching is adorable, but this approach is even better.
A few quick summer-specific reminders
- Layers are your friend for morning or evening sessions when Willamette Valley temperatures can shift
- Avoid large logos or busy graphics. Simple, solid, or subtle patterns photograph best
- Jeans are totally fine. Just make sure they fit well and are in good condition
- Coordinate with your background, but don’t match (Avoid green at the orchard, add mustard or rust if your family is in brown in a field, etc)
Your outfits help tell your story-What to wear for summer family photos in Oregon
My whole approach to summer family photography in the Willamette Valley is built around celebrating who your family actually is, not turning you into someone you’re not. Putting thought into what to wear for your summer family photos in Oregon will help you love the images even more when you get them back. Withe the right outfits, everyone feels more relaxed, and the photos reflect the real, beautiful version of your family. That’s what I’m here for.
If you’re planning a summer family session in Albany, Salem, or along the Oregon Coast, I’d love to help you think through every detail, outfits included. When you’re ready to get something on the calendar (or if you just have questions), reach out here and we’ll start chatting about locations, timing, and everything in between.
Keep reading
- What to wear for your Oregon family photos — the full year-round guide if you want to go even deeper on colors, fit, and style.
- Top locations for Albany, Oregon family photos — once your outfits are sorted, here’s where we can take them.
- Spring flowers in Salem, Oregon — a beautiful backdrop option if you’re open to a floral setting for your session.
