How to plan clothes for family photos | Houston Family Photographer

Tara Flannery is a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) based in The Woodlands and Conroe, TX.  Tara Flannery Photography specializes in family portraits and can help with how to plan clothes for family photos.  See more family photos in the gallery.  Contact me to book your family portrait today!

How to plan clothes for family photos

As a Mom and a photographer, I know that the hardest part of preparing for family photos is getting everyone dressed.  I stress out over my own family’s wardrobe, so I get it!  But if you plan ahead, it’ll be easier.  First, think about where in your home the photos will hang.  Do you need a family photo over the fireplace, on the staircase, or perhaps another wall in the living space that needs a personal touch?  Consider the colors in this space – are there neutrals or is there a bold color?  If there is a bold color, you’ll want to be sure that your wardrobe coordinates.  Next, pick two or three coordinating colors and remember that jeans, black, and khakis are free because they go with just about everything.  Finally, start with the person with the fewest clothing options and then build the family outfits from there.  Usually, my daughter and I start the plan and then my husband and son can usually find a button down or polo shirt to coordinate.  Remember to set everything out down to the shoes so that there are no surprises on photo day!

The Barajas Family

The Barajas family was on-point with their Fall family wardrobe!  I absolutely love the colors and the coordination!  No one has on exactly the same outfit but the mustard and navy colors coordinate beautifully.  Even the jean jacket on the little one helps to pull the dark blue color and the jeans together for the family.  Layers and texture are always a great thing for pulling together an entire look!

How to plan clothes for family photosHow to plan clothes for family photosHow to plan clothes for family photosHow to plan clothes for family photos

Tara Flannery is a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) based in The Woodlands and Conroe, TX.  Tara Flannery Photography specializes in family portraits and can help with how to plan clothes for family photos.  See more family photos in the gallery.  Contact me to book your family portrait today!

- INSTAGRAM -

@taraflanneryphotography

Shooting outdoors doesn’t always mean “perfect lighting.” 👇🏻

One of the biggest challenges with natural light is inconsistency—
skin tones can shift depending on shade, surroundings, and even reflections (hello green grass 👀).

That’s why I use off-camera flash, even outside.

It helps create:
✅ consistent skin tones
✅ balanced lighting
✅ a cleaner, more polished final image

So instead of guessing what the light is doing…
I’m controlling it.

📥 If you’re a photographer trying to figure out lighting + gear, I’ve put together a guide with the setups I actually use—link in bio.
What it looks like behind the camera… vs. what you get 👇🏻

Different sessions, different people, different goals—
but always the same focus: helping you feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera.

Headshots, branding, families, seniors, and more… it all comes back to capturing people in a way that actually feels like them.

✨ If you’re ready to start planning your session, you can click the link in my bio.
You don’t need the most expensive gear to be a good photographer.

When I first started, I thought I needed everything—top-tier camera, expensive lighting, all of it.

The reality?

A solid camera and a good lens will take you a long way.

If you’re just starting out, keep it simple:
✨ A versatile zoom lens (24–70mm or 70–200mm)
✨ Gear you can rely on and learn inside and out

And when it comes to lighting—especially outdoors—don’t overinvest too early.

Wind happens. Gear gets knocked over. Things break.

Light is light.

Focus on learning how to use what you have before worrying about upgrading everything.

📥 I’ve put together resources for new photographers covering gear, lighting, posing, and more—click the link in my bio!
Most men think they don’t know how to pose for a headshot…

but it’s not about knowing poses.

It’s about a few simple adjustments that make you look confident and natural on camera.

A couple go-to options (like the classic “GQ” stance, arms crossed, or a relaxed lean) can completely change how you show up.

And the rest? That’s what I guide you through.

📥 If you’re also not sure what to wear, I’ve got you covered—grab my Men’s Style Guide for Headshots through the link in my bio.

📩 Ready for updated headshots? You can book through the link as well.
If you’re just getting started in photography… don’t worry about finding your niche right away.

When I first started, I photographed everything—weddings, babies, families, headshots, corporate… if someone needed photos, I was there.

And that’s how you figure it out.

You don’t find your niche by waiting—you find it by doing the work, learning what you like, and getting better with every session.

Every type of shoot teaches you something different.
Every client builds your experience.

Over time, you start to see what actually fits you—and that’s where your expertise comes from.

📥 If you’re in that phase right now, I’ve put together resources to help—covering lighting, gear, posing, and more.

✨ Grab them through the link in my bio!

- STAY IN TOUCH -

Serving the Greater Houston, Texas Area

tara@taraflannery.com

713-412-5437

Facebook logo
Instagram logo
Pinterest logo
Linked In logo

FloDesk FREE STYLE GUIDE

Tara is a member of the Professional Photographers of America PPA.
Tara is a Certified Professional Photographer.
Tara is a member of TPPA Texas Professional Photographer's Association.
Tara has earned her Master of Photography degree.
Tara has earned her Photographic Craftsman certification.
Tara is a member of the Professional Photographers Guild of Houston PPGH.