Spring is one of the most beautiful times of the year for family photos in Atlanta! With blooming flowers, lush greenery, and golden light, it’s the perfect season to update your family portraits. One of the most common questions I get as a photographer is: What should we wear for our Atlanta spring family photo session? Here are my top tips and ideas to help you coordinate the perfect outfits for your session!

1. Embrace soft, light, and earthy tones

Spring is all about fresh and airy colors! Pastels, neutrals, and earthy tones photograph beautifully against the natural backdrop of Atlanta’s parks. Consider colors like:

• Soft blues, blush pinks, and warm whites
• Sage green, light beige, and muted yellows
• Subtle floral prints or gingham for a seasonal touch

These shades complement the outdoor scenery without clashing or overwhelming the frame.

2. Coordinate, but don’t totally match

Gone are the days of everyone wearing identical white shirts and jeans! Instead, aim for a coordinated color palette where each family member’s outfit complements the others. You can mix different shades and textures while keeping within the same color family. A good rule of thumb is to pick 2-3 main colors and incorporate them throughout the outfits.

3. Choose comfortable, flattering fabrics

Since most spring sessions take place outdoors in parks, go for fabrics that are comfortable and allow movement. Light cotton, linen, or flowy dresses work beautifully for moms and daughters, while soft button-downs or henleys paired with chinos look great on dads and sons. Layers like cardigans or denim jackets can also add depth to your outfit choices.

4. Consider the setting and season

Most of my family sessions happen in gorgeous parks, usually during golden hour (either 2 hours after sunrise or 2 hours before sunset). Since spring weather can be unpredictable, keep in mind:

• Light layers: A stylish jacket or shawl in case of a breeze
• Comfortable shoes: If we’re walking on trails or grass, avoid stilettos or shoes that sink into the ground
• Minimal but meaningful accessories: Avoid overly large or distracting jewelry, but small sentimental pieces can add a nice personal touch

5. Avoid busy patterns and logos

While subtle florals or classic stripes can be great, try to steer clear of loud patterns, neon colors, or large brand logos. These can be distracting in photos and take away from the timeless, classic feel of your images.

6. Dress for connection & movement

Some of the best family portraits happen when you’re laughing, playing, and naturally interacting with each other. Choose outfits that allow you to move freely, whether it’s twirling with your little one, snuggling up for a candid shot, or running through the grass. Flowy dresses, relaxed-fit pants, and comfortable tops make all the difference.

Bonus Tip: Plan ahead & try everything on!

Don’t wait until the day of the session to figure out what to wear! Lay out outfits in advance and even try them on together to make sure everything looks cohesive. This will help reduce stress and allow you to feel confident and relaxed during your session. If you need help deciding, feel free to send me photos of your outfit options before the session, and I’ll be happy to help select the best ones!

Final thoughts

Spring is such a wonderful time for capturing beautiful family memories, and your outfits can make a big impact on the final look of your portraits. By choosing soft colors, coordinating but not matching, and prioritizing comfort, you’ll create timeless photos that you’ll treasure for years to come!

I hope this blog post will help you select what to wear for your Atlanta spring family photo. At the end of the day, though, the outfits you wear won’t matter nearly as much as the fun we have together and the memories you make. The style choices you make will definitely enhance your photos, but the most important accessory to bring with you is joyfulness – which is the one that makes the biggest difference in your photos anyway.

Are you ready to book your Atlanta spring family session? Let’s create beautiful memories together! Contact me to schedule your session. You can also find other useful tips in my other blogs.