One of the questions I get asked the most after someone books a session is:
“What should we wear?”
If you’re asking yourself that same question, don’t worry—you are definitely not alone.
Choosing outfits doesn’t have to be stressful. The goal isn’t to look like you’re wearing matching uniforms. Instead, it’s about creating a color palette that feels timeless, comfortable, and true to your family.
After photographing dozens of families across Southern Utah, here are my biggest tips for choosing outfits you’ll still love years from now.
Start with Mom’s Outfit First
This might surprise you, but I always recommend choosing Mom’s outfit first.
Why?
Because moms usually have the hardest time finding something they feel confident and comfortable in. Once you’ve picked an outfit you love, it’s much easier to build everyone else’s outfits around it.
Choose something that makes you feel beautiful—not something you think you should wear.
When you feel confident, it shows in every single photo.
Coordinate, Don’t Match
Remember when everyone wore the exact same white shirt and jeans?
Thankfully we’ve moved on from that.
Instead of matching, think about coordinating colors that work well together.
Some of my favorite fall color palettes include:
* Cream
* Ivory
* Warm beige
* Camel
* Rust
* Terracotta
* Sage green
* Olive
* Dusty blue
* Chocolate brown
* Muted mustard
* Soft blush
When everyone wears different shades within the same color palette, your photos feel more natural and have much more depth.
Think About Your Location
Southern Utah gives us so many incredible backdrops, and your outfits should complement the scenery rather than compete with it.
If we’re photographing among golden aspens on Cedar Mountain, warm earth tones, soft neutrals, and muted greens look beautiful.
If we’re shooting in the desert around Cedar City or St. George, creamy neutrals, dusty blues, soft pinks, and warm browns photograph incredibly well against the red rocks and glowing sunsets.
Choosing colors that fit the landscape helps your family stand out while still feeling connected to the environment.
Texture Makes a Huge Difference
One of the easiest ways to elevate your photos is by adding texture.
Instead of bold patterns, try incorporating pieces like:
* Knit sweaters
* Flowy dresses
* Linen shirts
* Denim jackets
* Cardigans
* Corduroy
* Chunky knit blankets
Texture adds interest without distracting from what matters most—your family.
Avoid Large Logos and Busy Patterns
When someone looks at your photos years from now, I want their eyes to go straight to your faces—not a giant logo across someone’s shirt.
Small patterns can work, but I recommend avoiding:
* Neon colors
* Bright athletic clothing
* Large graphics
* Character shirts
* Tiny stripes that can appear distorted in photos
* Outfits where everyone wears a different bold pattern
Simple is almost always timeless.
Dress for the Weather
Southern Utah weather can be unpredictable in the fall.
Mountain locations are usually much cooler than the valley, especially near sunset. Bringing an extra sweater or jacket is never a bad idea.
Layering also adds variety to your gallery. You can start the session with a jacket and remove it later for a completely different look.
Don’t Forget the Shoes
Shoes matter more than people realize!
Try to avoid bright athletic shoes whenever possible. Neutral boots, clean sneakers, loafers, sandals, or simple flats usually photograph much better and complete the overall look.
My Biggest Tip…
Don’t wait until the night before your session to figure everything out.
Try everything on a week or two in advance. Make sure clothes fit comfortably, shoes are clean, and everyone feels good in what they’re wearing.
A little planning goes a long way toward creating a relaxed, enjoyable session.
One of my favorite parts of working with families is helping take the stress out of the planning process.
After you book your session with me, I’m always happy to help you choose outfits. You can send me pictures while you’re shopping, lay everything out on your bed, or even send screenshots from online stores. I’ll happily help you mix and match colors so your family feels confident before photo day.
My goal is for you to show up feeling excited—not stressed.
Because at the end of the day, the best outfit is one that lets you focus on what really matters: spending time together and making memories with the people you love.
If you’re looking for a family photographer in Cedar City, St. George, or anywhere in Southern Utah, I’d love to help you create beautiful photos you’ll treasure for years to come. Let’s make this fall one you’ll never forget.
A Little About Lindsey 🤍
Hi! I’m Lindsey, a Southern Utah photographer, a mom to two energetic boys, and someone who believes photographs are one of the most meaningful gifts we can leave behind.
When I’m not behind the camera, you’ll usually find me hiking Cedar Mountain, exploring the outdoors with my family, listening to music, or editing photos way too late at night with a Beach Babe drink from Swig nearby.
I’ve loved photography for as long as I can remember. In fact, as a kid, I used to take photos of colorful fire hydrants just because I thought they were interesting. Looking back, maybe that should have been my first clue that I’d eventually fall in love with photography.
My goal is simple: to create photographs that help you remember this season of your life long after it has passed.
Because we never get to be this age again.
