What to Wear for Family Photos in San Jose: Seasonal Style Guide
Ozlem Bal Herdem
One of the most common questions I get from families preparing for a photo session is: "What should we wear?" And it’s a great question—because your outfits truly set the tone and feel of your portraits. As a San Jose-based family photographer, I know how much the time of year, location, and lighting all play a role in what photographs best.
Whether you’re planning a golden hour session in the hills or a cozy studio shoot, here’s a seasonal guide to help you choose outfits that feel natural, timeless, and beautiful.
Spring
Think soft pastels, creams, light blues, blush, and sage green.
Flowing dresses for moms, button-ups or light knits for dads.
Neutral or tan shoes (avoid bright sneakers).
Add texture with knits, lace, or light layers.
Perfect for garden sessions (like Gamble Garden or cactus blooms at Stanford).
Summer
Light fabrics (linen, cotton) to stay cool and look effortless.
Colors: white, light beige, soft blues, dusty rose.
Barefoot is okay for grassy sessions!
Flowy maxi dresses, shorts for kids, rolled sleeves for dads.
Great for beachy or lake settings like Vasona Lake Park.
Fall
Warm tones: rust, mustard, olive, deep burgundy, navy.
Layers like cardigans, denim jackets, or boots.
Earthy textures: corduroy, wool, knits.
Works beautifully at golden hour in parks like Santa Teresa County Park.
Winter
Deep, cozy tones: forest green, cranberry, charcoal, cream.
Layer up: scarves, long coats, knit hats (especially for kids).
Velvet, thick knits, and faux fur photograph well.
Neutral, coordinated layers keep the look timeless.
Bonus Tips for Every Season:
Avoid large logos, neon colors, or super busy patterns.
Coordinate colors, but don’t match exactly.
Think in "color families" instead of identical tones.
Dress comfortably—kids move a lot, and you want to feel relaxed!
Lay your outfits out together before the session to see how they photograph as a group.
Need extra help choosing what to wear? I provide a complete Clothing Style Guide PDF. Whether you want light and airy or rich and cozy, I’ll help you style the session perfectly.