What to Wear for Family Photos in Southwest Washington
A simple, stress-free style guide
(yes, flannel is welcome)
If you’re planning a family photo session in Southwest Washington, you already know the vibe: green backdrops most of the year, unpredictable weather, and a whole lot of flannel. The good news? Your family’s everyday style can photograph beautifully here, as long as it’s coordinated with intention.
As a family photographer in Southwest WA, the #1 thing I help families with is outfits. This guide makes it simple, current, and realistic for our weather and locations.
The easiest way to plan outfits: Start with dad’s favorite flannel (or one “anchor” piece)
Instead of overthinking everyone’s outfit from scratch, choose one inspiration piece first—often Dad’s favorite flannel or plaid button-up (because… Washington 😄).
From there, pull 2–4 colors from that shirt and build everyone else’s outfits around those tones.
This approach works because:
It gives you an instant color palette
It looks coordinated without “matching”
It feels natural for your family (not like a styled shoot)
Pro tip: If the flannel or inspiration outfit has a stronger color (like navy, rust, or forest green), balance it with softer neutrals on everyone else.
Color palettes that look amazing in SW Washington greenery
When everything behind you is mostly green, the best outfits are usually warm neutrals, earthy tones, and muted colors that don’t clash with the landscape.
Great options for our fields, tree lines, and forest-y locations:
Cream, camel, tan, and soft denim
Rust, mustard, warm brown, and oatmeal
Navy, gray, and beige
Sage, olive, and off-white (yes, green can work - just vary the tones)
What to avoid (especially for outdoor sessions):
Neon / super bright saturated colors (they reflect onto skin)
Loud logos or big graphics
Too many bold patterns competing at once
Layers make your photos look better (and save you when temps drop)
In Southwest WA, evenings can cool off fast, even if the day felt mild. Layers aren’t just practical… they photograph beautifully.
Layer ideas that look great on camera:
Denim jackets, vests, or structured coats
Cardigans, sweaters, henleys
Flannels worn open over a solid tee
Texture pieces like knits or corduroy
Layers add depth and movement, and they help everyone feel comfortable (which matters more than people realize).
Match the outfit style to the location
I photograph families both in natural settings (fields, trails, tree lines) and urban areas like downtown Centralia or Chehalis—so here’s how to think about it:
For fields + tree lines:
Go for soft + earthy + natural textures.
Think: knits, denim, boots, warm neutrals, cozy layers.
For downtown urban locations:
Slightly more polished works well. Still relaxed, just a touch more “finished.”
Think: clean jackets, simple boots, neutral sneakers, structured layers.
Both styles can work in both places - this just helps your outfits feel like they belong in the scene.
Keep it current: The “Rules” that actually matter
You don’t need to follow strict fashion rules. Here’s what looks modern and timeless right now:
Coordinated > matching
Muted + earthy > bright + bold
Texture > lots of patterns
Simple accessories > statement everything
Comfortable + confident > stiff + perfect
Also: you do not need everyone in skinny jeans and matching white shirts. (Please no.)
Comfort = Better Photos
(especially for kids)
If kids are uncomfortable, it shows.
Make sure clothes fit well
Avoid itchy fabrics or stiff collars
Let kids move and play
Comfortable kids = natural smiles and authentic moments.
Shoes: The detail that can quietly ruin the look
Shoes show up more than you think - especially with kids running, walking, or being carried.
Best shoe choices:
Neutral boots, simple sneakers, or clean casual shoes
Browns, tans, black, cream, or muted tones
Try to avoid:
Bright athletic shoes with neon accents
Shoes that don’t match the overall vibe (like flashy running shoes with cozy outfits)
A quick checklist to prepare for your session
✔ Try everything on a few days before (including shoes)
✔ Make sure everyone can move comfortably (especially kids)
✔ Steam/iron if needed (wrinkles show up more than you’d think)
✔ Pack a backup outfit for little ones (because you never know!)
✔ Bring layers (even if you think you won’t need them)
✔ Remove phones & keys from pockets, and hair ties or watches on wrists (unless you really want them showing in all your photos)
Want help choosing outfits? I’ve got you.
If you’re booked with me, I’m happy to help you coordinate outfits using the “anchor piece” method (flannel included). Send me a quick photo of the inspiration shirt and I can help you build a simple, cohesive look for the rest of the family.
Ready to plan your family session?
👉 Contact me here to book (or ask outfit questions).
