Extended families can be difficult to wrangle. Between grandparents, siblings, cousins, and little ones, it can be tempting to try to plan every single outfit down to the last button.
Instead of one person deciding exactly what every cousin and grandkid wears, choose a color palette for the entire group and let each family unit work within those guidelines. Encourage a mix of solids and patterns within the color scheme, and you'll end up with photos that feel beautifully coordinated.
Start with a Color Scheme
A simple color palette gives everyone direction while still allowing for individual style and personality.
I typically recommend choosing three main colors for everyone to aim for, with an optional fourth accent color if you'd like a little extra variety. For example:
-Light blue
-Brown
-White
-Occasional pink
This creates a cohesive look across the entire group while giving everyone enough flexibility to wear something they already own and feel comfortable in.
Avoid Primary Colors
Aim for colors that aren’t the basic red, blue and yellow. Moving slightly away from that triad on the color wheel will help your photos look a little more natural.
Mix Solids and Patterns
Once you've selected your colors, encourage each family unit to include a mix of solids and patterns.
Patterns add visual interest and help break up large groups. If everyone shows up in identical solid-colored shirts, the photos can start to feel flat and repetitive. A striped dress here, a floral blouse there, or a thin-lined plaid shirt can add texture and variety while still fitting within the overall color scheme.
The goal is coordination, instead of matching.
Going Monochromatic? Add Variety
If you're into a more monochromatic look, that's also a lovely option!
The key is to include different shades and patterns within that color family. What we want to avoid is a sea of identical solid blue shirts.
Instead, consider mixing:
-Light blues
-Navy blues
-Blue patterns
-White accents
This approach keeps the overall look cohesive while adding enough variation to make the photos visually interesting.
Plan Ahead - Especially for the Kids
The same wardrobe advice I give for immediate family sessions applies to extended family photoshoots: plan your outfits in advance.
This is especially important when kids are involved. Try outfits on before the day of the session, make sure everything fits comfortably, and give children a chance to voice any concerns ahead of time.
Remember: happy, comfortable kids in your second-choice outfit will always photograph better than grumpy kids in the sweater you love.
Keep it Simple
At the end of the day, the goal isn't perfect outfit coordination, but rather creating beautiful photographs that capture your family together.
Choose a color palette, mix solids and patterns, plan ahead, and focus on comfort. With those basics covered, everyone can spend less time worrying about what they're wearing and more time enjoying the experience together. I promise, this is going to be fun!!
Sample Style Boards
Here are two examples of outfits that were picked out according to a color scheme, for a two-family photoshoot:
