Start with something comfortable

I'm a dad too, so I understand wanting to keep this simple. You don't need a completely new outfit for family photos. Start with something you feel comfortable wearing, then check the fit, color, and how it works with everyone else's clothes.

Large logos, busy patterns, and very loose fabric can pull attention away from your face. A simple shirt that fits comfortably gives us more room to focus on you and your family.

None of this needs a shopping trip. It's mostly about choosing from what you already own with a little more intention.

Father in a plain navy hoodie with his son at Tule Springs.
A plain navy layer keeps this father-and-son portrait simple.

Fit, color, and a little coordination

Look at your outfit in daylight and try sitting, walking, and lifting your child in it. If you have to keep adjusting it, choose something easier to move in.

Choose a comfortable fit

  • A fitted or lightly tailored layer, like a button-down, a henley, or a quarter-zip, photographs cleaner than a loose t-shirt or an oversized flannel.
  • Roll the sleeves or leave the top button open if it's warm. Leave enough room to move comfortably.
  • Skip anything with a large front logo or graphic. It competes with your face for attention in every frame.

Keep the colors simple

Solid, earthy tones like olive, rust, warm brown, navy, and charcoal sit well against outdoor Las Vegas backdrops such as Red Rock or Tule Springs, and they play nicely with almost any color the rest of the family is wearing. You can see how that comes together across the portfolio, or check session details before you plan outfits.

Choose clothes you can move in, then give yourself permission to stop thinking about them.

Father wearing a black velour tuxedo beside his child during a formal family portrait in Henderson.
A velour tuxedo makes this a formal family portrait. If dressing up is part of your plan, choose outfits that feel equally dressy across the family.

Coordinate with the rest of the family

You don't need to match your partner or the kids exactly. Lay everyone's outfits together and look for a few colors that work well as a group. Cream, denim, olive, and warm neutrals are an easy starting point. A bright shirt or strong pattern will stand out more, so decide whether that's where you want the attention.

Dad's wardrobe checklist

  • Fitted button-down, henley, or quarter-zip in a solid color
  • Earthy or neutral tone: olive, rust, navy, charcoal, or warm brown
  • No large logos, graphics, or busy patterns
  • Clean shoes that suit the season and the location

If you want a second opinion before the shoot, send me a quick photo of the layer you're thinking about. I'd rather answer that over a text than have you guessing. You can reach me through the contact page.

Dad's outfit questions, answered

Can Dad just wear a plain t-shirt?

Yes, as long as it's fitted and a solid color. A plain fitted tee in navy or charcoal photographs fine. It's the graphic tees and the boxy fits that cause problems.

Does Dad have to match everyone else?

No. Landing in the same general palette, like earth tones or neutrals, looks more natural than an exact match, which can read as staged.

What if Dad only owns graphic tees?

Try a plain layer over the tee, or choose the smallest, least distracting graphic you own. You can also send me an outfit photo before the session and we can work with what you have.

How much is a family session?

Las Vegas family sessions start at $295 and include wardrobe guidance. See the family photography page for current session details.

Dressed simply, photographed well

Bring your wardrobe questions to the booking. I'm happy to help plan the whole family's outfits, not just Dad's.

Plan Your Family Session