Planning your family photos can be exciting, but deciding what to wear often raises a few questions! If you’ve booked a session with a light and airy photographer, you’re probably envisioning soft, dreamy images that focus on your family’s connection with a timeless feel. In this post, I’ll share wardrobe tips for creating that beautiful, light and airy look, using some of my recent family sessions in Austin, TX.

Light and Airy Family Photos in Austin, TX

Light and airy photography captures the beauty of natural light, focusing on soft, pastel tones and a sense of openness. This style often results in photos that feel warm, romantic, and timeless—perfect for preserving memories in a way that highlights your family and the setting without distractions. Achieving this look involves not only photography techniques but also coordinating your outfits to match the style. With the right wardrobe, you can help bring the magic of light and airy photography to life in your own session.

The Wardrobe: A Key to Achieving Light and Airy Family Photos

Choosing the right clothing is key to achieving the light and airy look. A recent family I worked with serves as the perfect example! This family of four went with a soft blue and crisp white color palette, which created a gentle, cohesive look that complemented the natural light beautifully. Soft tones like these allow the focus to remain on your expressions and interactions rather than on bold colors or busy patterns that might stand out.

For a light and airy photo session, aim for neutral or pastel colors, such as ivory, blush, sage green, soft blues, or beige. These shades work wonderfully with natural light and keep the overall look calm and harmonious.

Wardrobe Suggestions for Light and Airy Photos

When selecting outfits for the whole family, aim for a coordinated yet varied look. This doesn’t mean you all have to match exactly, but choosing colors in a similar palette can create a unified feel. You can mix in subtle variations of your chosen colors to add texture without overpowering the frame. Avoid busy patterns, bright colors, or large logos, as they can detract from the light, soft feel of the photos.

Colors and Patterns to Avoid

For a light and airy look, avoid colors that are too dark or intense, like black, navy, or vibrant reds, as they can feel too heavy and distracting. Patterns such as bold stripes, checks, or very large prints can also create visual noise that takes away from the simplicity and elegance of a light and airy session. Instead, think of soft, muted patterns like a delicate floral or a subtle stripe if you’d like a little extra texture.

Family Photo Outfits Tips for Each Season in Austin, TX

As an Austin Family Photographer, I know that we don’t always see the drastic seasonal shifts common in other places, so it’s often best to adapt subtle seasonal hints in your wardrobe. Here are a few tips to evoke seasonal vibes while keeping the look light and airy:

Spring and Summer: During these warm months, lean into light fabrics like cotton, linen, or chambray, which are breathable and perfect for the heat. Soft pastels—like blush pink, sky blue, or gentle mint green—are ideal for a spring-inspired look, while whites and creams keep it timeless in summer. Floral prints in soft tones can also work beautifully in spring, adding a fresh touch without overwhelming the photos.

Fall and Winter: Winters in Austin, TX tend to be mild, so it’s more about layering lighter pieces rather than heavy coats. Consider using soft earth tones like sage green, dusty mauve, or light gray for a subtle nod to fall. For winter sessions, warm neutrals—such as cream, beige, or caramel—are wonderful choices and keep the overall look light. You can add texture with accessories like a light scarf or a cozy cardigan to create warmth and depth in the photos without making the outfits too heavy.

By selecting the right fabrics and soft seasonal colors, you can achieve a light and airy look that aligns with the Texas landscape, giving each session a seasonal touch that feels natural to the setting.

Where to Shop for Your Light and Airy Wardrobe in Austin, TX

If you’re looking to shop for a light and airy photo session, stores like Zara, H&M, Gap, J.Crew, and even local boutiques often have a selection of neutral or pastel-colored options for the whole family. Many online shops also specialize in minimalistic, neutral-toned clothing that complements this photography style beautifully. For mamas specifically, some of my favorite online shops include Baltic Born, Morning Lavender, Worth Collective, PinkBlush Maternity, Ivy City Co (perfect for mommy and me matching outfits), or even Amazon!

The main tip here is to look for soft fabrics and light colors that will let your personalities shine through without overpowering the photos.

Complimentary Style Guide to Prepare for Your Family Photos

As your Austin Family Photographer, I strive to make the process even smoother by providing all my clients with a complimentary style guide. This guide offers tips on coordinating outfits, picking the right colors, and choosing flattering cuts and fabrics. For the families that want an even more personalized approach, I also offer an optional one-on-one style consultation to help plan the perfect outfits. Together, we can ensure that everyone feels comfortable and camera-ready.

Light and airy family photos are a beautiful way to capture memories with a sense of elegance and ease. With these wardrobe tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating stunning, timeless photos that truly reflect your family. Ready to bring your vision to life? I can’t wait to capture these moments with you!

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