One of the first questions families ask after booking their Portrait Experience is:
“What should we wear?”
The good news?
You don’t need to buy an entirely new wardrobe.
The goal isn’t to wear the trendiest outfit.
The goal is to create artwork you’ll still love twenty years from now.
The clothing should support the story—not become the story.
Dress for the Artwork You’re Creating
When clients choose clothing, I encourage them to think beyond the portrait session.
Instead, imagine the finished artwork hanging in your home.
Will those clothes still feel timeless years from now?
Will they complement your home’s colors?
Will your eyes immediately go to the faces—or to a bright logo across someone’s shirt?
Your family should always be the first thing people notice.
Coordinate—Don’t Match
Remember the days when everyone wore identical white shirts and blue jeans?
We’ve come a long way.
Instead of matching, choose colors that work beautifully together.
Soft neutrals.
Earth tones.
Muted blues.
Warm creams.
Rich greens.
Think of your family as telling one visual story rather than wearing one uniform.
The result feels more natural and allows each person’s personality to shine.
Dress for Your Dog, Too
Your dog’s coat color can influence what photographs best.
If you have a black dog, wearing black from head to toe may cause your dog to blend into the overall image.
If your dog has a very light coat, bright white clothing can compete for attention.
You don’t have to avoid these colors completely.
It’s simply something we consider together when planning your session.
Comfort Creates Better Photographs
This might be the most important advice I can give.
Wear clothing you can comfortably sit in.
Walk in.
Laugh in.
Hug your children in.
Cuddle your dog in.
If you’re constantly adjusting your outfit, pulling on a sleeve or worrying about tight clothing, it becomes harder to relax.
Comfort creates confidence.
Confidence creates authentic expressions.
Keep Patterns Simple
Large graphics.
Bold logos.
Busy patterns.
Neon colors.
These tend to distract from the people—and pets—in the photograph.
Simple clothing keeps the attention exactly where it belongs.
On your relationships.
Shoes Matter More Than You Think
Many portraits include your entire family from head to toe.
Don’t spend hours choosing beautiful outfits only to realize someone is wearing worn athletic shoes that don’t fit the overall look.
Comfortable doesn’t have to mean casual.
A thoughtfully chosen pair of shoes helps complete the portrait.
Should Your Dog Wear a Collar?
Sometimes yes.
Sometimes no.
It depends on your dog, the portrait and the style you’re hoping to create.
Some families love seeing the collar their dog wears every day because it’s part of who they are.
Others prefer a cleaner, more timeless look.
We’ll discuss all of that before your session and decide what works best for your family.
Don’t Worry—We’ll Help You
One of the biggest advantages of a Portrait Experience is that you’re never expected to figure everything out on your own.
Before your session, we’ll talk about clothing, colors, artwork, your home and how you hope to display your portraits.
I’ll happily help you narrow down choices, answer questions and make recommendations.
By the time your session arrives, you’ll feel confident knowing everything works together beautifully.
What I’ve Learned Photographing Families
After years of photographing families, I’ve learned that the clothing clients worry about most is rarely what they remember.
They remember the laughter.
The hugs.
The way their dog rested beside them.
The look on their child’s face.
The connection.
Beautiful clothing supports those memories.
It never replaces them.
Your Portraits Should Feel Timeless
Fashion changes.
Hairstyles change.
Trends come and go.
The love your family shares with your dog doesn’t.
That’s why I encourage simple, timeless clothing that allows your relationships to remain the focus.
Years from now, I want you to look at your portraits and remember exactly how this season of life felt.
Not what happened to be fashionable that year.
The Breed Portrait Series by Candice Cusic
Every portrait begins long before I pick up my camera. Thoughtful planning—from wardrobe choices to creating a relaxed experience—helps ensure your family’s love for one another remains the heart of every photograph. Through Moment-Driven Photography™, we create artwork designed to last a lifetime.
You Might Also Enjoy
- View My Pet Photography Portfolio
- Why Mini Sessions Aren’t the Best Choice for Meaningful Family & Pet Portraits
- Your Dog Photographer Should Photograph You Too
- Chicago Dog Photographer: My Dog Doesn’t Have to Sit Still for Beautiful Portraits
- How to Prepare Your Dog for a Professional Photo Session
