What to Wear for Family & Pet Photos in Missouri

(Seasonal Outfit Tips Included!)

One of the most common questions I get before a photo session is:
“What should we wear?”

The good news? You don’t need a whole new wardrobe. With a little planning you can create outfits that feel comfortable, coordinated, and timeless for your family and your pets.

Start With the Season (Missouri Style)

Missouri’s seasons are part of what makes photos here so beautiful. Let your outfits work with the season, not against it.

🌸 Spring

Spring photos are perfect for soft, fresh colors.

• Think: sage green, blush, light blue, cream, lavender
• Flowy dresses, light layers, denim, and cardigans photograph beautifully
• Pets look great with simple collars, floral bandanas, or neutral leashes

Avoid heavy fabrics and dark winter tones. They can feel out of place with spring blooms.

☀️ Summer

Summer sessions should feel relaxed and airy.

• Whites, tans, soft blues, and warm neutrals work well
• Linen, cotton, and breathable fabrics help everyone stay comfortable
• Bare feet or simple sandals are great for outdoor sessions

For pets, skip thick accessories and keep it simple. Comfort matters most in the heat.

🍁 Fall

Fall is a favorite for a reason.

• Rich tones like rust, mustard, olive, navy, and burgundy shine
• Layers photograph beautifully: sweaters, scarves, vests, boots
• Texture is your friend: knits, denim, corduroy

Pets look adorable with cozy bandanas or fall-inspired accessories, but keep them subtle.

❄️ Winter & Holiday

Winter photos can feel magical and cozy.

• Creams, greys, deep greens, reds, and classic black & white
• Chunky sweaters, jackets, and scarves add warmth and style
• Holiday sessions work best when outfits coordinate without being overly themed
• Christmas PJ’s

I also offer studio sessions with seasonal backdrops if you want a warm, stress-free option.

Coordinate, Don’t Match

Instead of everyone wearing the exact same outfit, aim for coordinated colors and textures.

A simple formula:

• Choose 2–3 main colors
• Mix in neutrals (cream, denim, tan, grey)
• Let everyone wear something that feels like them

This keeps photos looking natural and timeless and avoids unhappy family members.

What Photographs Best (For People & Pets)

• Soft textures and layers
• Comfortable clothing (especially for kids)
• Simple patterns or solid colors
• Minimal logos and graphics

For pets:

• Well-fitted collars or bandanas. Collars are better for photos than harnesses since harness cover a lot of the dogs body.
• Neutral leashes (or ones I can edit out later)
• A quick brush before the session goes a long way

Studio, In-Home, or On-Location Styling Tips

Whether you’re coming to my Troy, Missouri photo studio, scheduling an in-home session, or heading to your favorite outdoor spot:

• Studio sessions look great with cleaner, more classic outfits
• In-home sessions pair well with soft neutrals and cozy textures
• Outdoor Missouri locations shine with seasonally inspired colors

I also have studio backgrounds and props for holidays like Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Easter, Halloween, back-to-school, and more.

When in Doubt, just Ask!

I help with outfit planning before every session. If you’re unsure, send me photos of outfit options and I’ll happily help you narrow it down.

📸 Family photos should feel joyful, relaxed, and true to you with pets included
Whether we’re photographing your family in your home, on location, or in my Troy, MO studio, the right outfits help tell your story beautifully.

Want more ideas? Take a look at my Pick Your Photography Adventure Guide

Ready to plan your session? Let’s make it fun, stress-free, and perfectly you.