A Dozen Top Tips for Dressing for a Children's Portrait

Your photo session is around the corner. Now go dig in your child(ren)'s closet for some of your favorite outfits.

Need color inspiration for your clothes? Check out our backgrounds. We've included sample color combinations in front of each and every one. If this shoot is devoted solely to your kid(s) then make sure the clothes have a similar feeling and color cohesion for each background + clothing change.

Here are some great tips to get you started.

A young girl wearing a dress and purple tights, smiling joyfully in a bright outdoor setting.

Embrace Textures

Light loves texture and cameras love light. So be good to your photographer and bring some textured pieces.

Two children pose side by side in front of a dark black backdrop.

Black & White Tips

Medium tones + texture are great against black. Best tonal values will be colors darker than skin tones.

Three children standing on a wooden stool, joyfully reaching for a star above them in a bright, cheerful setting.

Coordinate 'Em

More than one kiddo? Don't match their clothes. Instead, coordinate them for a cohesive look. Pick three to four colors and spread them through everyone's clothes.

A young girl with a bright smile, featuring a flower in her hair, captured in a lively and colorful outdoor scene.

Put a Flower On It

Fun headbands, flowers and hats can all add a little sparkle to your kid's session.

A boy leaps into the air, arms wide open, expressing joy and freedom in a moment of exuberance.

Be Playful

Have fun with clothes and make sure they reflect your child(ren)'s unique little style. We can dress them up and have them play.

A young girl in a blue dress sits gracefully on a chair, exuding innocence and charm.

Make Sure it Fits

Make sure the kid's haven't outgrown their pant or shirt sleeves. Put matching diaper covers with short dresses.

A young girl wearing a red top and a floral skirt, smiling joyfully in a bright outdoor setting.

Play with Patterns

They're fun! Consider sprinkling them in—especially on kids—for a little pizazz. Mixing patterns with solids works great. Avoid having two kids in the same pattern.

A cheerful young girl dressed in a black and white outfit, playing in a vibrant outdoor scene.

Bust Out the Iron

We know—it's a pain—but it makes a big difference in making your portraits perfect.

Stay Seasonal

Keep everyone's clothes in the same season. In other words, don't mix sundresses and sweaters. If it's cold out dress kids appropriately.

A boy wearing shorts and a shirt performs a dance, expressing joy and movement in a vibrant atmosphere.

Go Classic

Oxfords, blue jeans, khakis. Those all stand the test of time and will work great in a picture.

A young girl seated on a chair, looking thoughtfully into the distance with a gentle smile on her face.

Don't Forget Feet

If you're not planning bare tootsies (which we love) then make sure you've brought coordinated shoes for your family's feet. Avoid white sneakers.

Special Things

Bring significant toys or clothes that you'd like to remember for always and forever.