So, you booked the family photos. Excellent.


Now comes the question that somehow causes more stress than getting everyone out the door:


“WHAT ARE WE SUPPOSED TO WEAR?”


Good news: you do not need matching white shirts, khakis, and a child who is willing to cooperate.


For natural family photography in Campbell River, I’m a big fan of outfits that look like you— just slightly more intentional.

Coordinate, Don't Match


Your family does not need to look like a very fashionable sports team.


Instead, choose colours that work together without being identical:


  • Earthy greens
  • Creams and neutrals
  • Denim
  • Soft blues
  • Warm browns
  • Rust, mustard or muted reds

Start With One Outfit


Trying to coordinate five people at once is a recipe for disaster.


Pick one outfit you love first, then build everyone else around it.


A patterned dress, favourite sweater or cute little kid outfit can become the starting point for the whole family.

Location, Location, Location


Campbell River gives us everything from beaches to forests, so your outfits can work with the environment.


For a beach session, soft neutrals look beautiful.

For forest sessions, earthy tones and warm colours photograph especially well (NOT camo- LOL).


And if your kid shows up wearing dinosaur rain boots?

Honestly, I'm probably photographing that too.

Things I'd Skip


You don't need to follow a million rules, but I'd generally avoid:


  • Huge logos
  • Neon colours
  • Everyone wearing the exact same colour
  • Extremely busy patterns
  • Anything you can't comfortably move in

The Most Important Rule


Don't dress like someone else's family. Dress like yours.


Your favourite sweater. Your kid's slightly ridiculous boots. The dress you always feel good in. The jeans you actually wear.


I'll take care of the camera. You just have to show up and be yourselves. Family photography isn't about creating a picture-perfect version of your life. It's about remembering what it actually felt like.


A little less posing. A little more living.


📍 Campbell River & beyond


Understory Photography