Coordination Without the Chaos: What to Wear for Your Calgary Extended Family Photographer Session
So, you’ve finally coordinated everyone’s schedules and got the whole crew together for an extended family session! Getting grandma, the grandkids, and all the siblings in one place is a feat in itself, so give yourself a pat on the back for making it this far.
As a Calgary extended family photographer, I know the next big hurdle is usually the “What do we wear?” text thread. When you have three generations in one photo, it can feel like a puzzle. You want to look cohesive without looking like a 90s denim ad, and you want everyone from the newborn to grandpa to feel like themselves.
Whether we are heading to a beautiful park in Fish Creek or staying cozy in the studio, here is how to style your big, beautiful family.
The Secret to Large Group Styling: Pick a Palette
With an extended family, the “matchy-matchy” look (everyone in the same color) can feel very heavy and flat in a photo. Instead, I want you to pick a “color story.”
Choose 3 to 4 coordinating colors and let everyone mix and match within that. For example, if you choose navy, cream, mustard, and forest green, some people can wear solid navy, others can have a cream sweater with a subtle mustard pattern, and someone else can wear forest green chinos. This creates visual interest and lets each individual family unit have their own personality while still looking like they belong together.
In-Studio vs. Outdoor: What’s the Difference?
The “where” matters just as much as the “what.”
For the Studio Session
Studio sessions tend to feel a bit more modern, clean, and intimate. Since the background is usually a neutral “blank canvas,” your clothing choices really pop.
- Keep it soft: Light neutrals (whites, creams, soft greys) look incredible against studio backdrops.
- Mind the feet: In the studio, shoes are very noticeable! Make sure everyone’s footwear is clean and coordinated. Or, for a really relaxed “at-home” studio vibe, everyone going barefoot can look surprisingly high-end and timeless.
- Avoid “heavy” outerwear: Since we’re indoors, skip the bulky vests or heavy coats.
For the Outdoor Session
In Calgary, we are blessed with stunning landscapes, but we also have to deal with the elements!
- Dress for the season: If it’s a fall session, embrace those layers. Think scarves, cardigans, and stylish boots. If someone is freezing, it will show on their face!
- Coordinate with nature: If we are shooting in a golden field, soft blues and creams look amazing. If we are in the greenery of a park, warmer tones like rust or tan stand out beautifully.
- Footwear matters: You might be walking on grass or uneven paths. Make sure Grandma and the kids have shoes they can actually move in.
Tips for Every Generation
For the Grandparents
Grandma and Grandpa are the heart of the session!
- Comfort is Queen: For Grandma, a classic blouse or a knit dress with a nice cardigan often works wonders.
- Avoid tiny prints: Very small, busy patterns (like tiny houndstooth) can sometimes “vibrate” on camera. A solid color with a nice texture is usually a safer bet for the seniors.
For the Parents
- Mom, start with you! I always tell moms to find an outfit they feel absolutely amazing in first, then build the rest of the family around that. A long, flowing skirt or dress adds movement and elegance to a large group shot.
- Dads: A well-fitted pair of chinos and a button-down (left untucked for a more casual look) is a classic for a reason.
For the Kids and Cousins
- Let them move: If the kids feel stiff, they’ll act stiff. Avoid itchy tags or stiff collars.
- Coordination over perfection: If you have multiple cousins, try to vary the textures. One in a knit, one in a cotton shirt, one in a little dress. It keeps the photo from looking like a uniform.
For the Newborn or Youngest Addition
- Simple is best: In a big group shot, a tiny baby can get lost in too much fabric. A simple, snug-fitting onesie or a beautiful swaddle in one of your palette colors is perfect. This ensures we see their tiny face and not just a pile of ruffles.
Quick Tips for a Stress-Free Morning
- Lay it all out: The night before, lay every single outfit on the floor or bed. Does one person stand out like a sore thumb? Does it feel balanced? This is the best time to swap a shirt before the chaos starts.
- Iron and Lint Roll: Large groups mean more surface area for pet hair and wrinkles! A quick steam or iron makes a world of difference in the final “polished” look.
- Bring Snacks (The Non-Messy Kind): Especially for the kids (and maybe the dads). Just avoid the orange crackers or chocolate that might end up on those nice cream sweaters!
As your Calgary extended family photographer, my goal is to make this session feel less like a chore and more like a celebration of your family’s legacy. When everyone feels comfortable and confident in what they’re wearing, the real magic happens.
Ready to get the whole crew in front of the lens? I’d love to help you document your family’s story. Reach out today and let’s get your session on the calendar!
If your looking for a Extended Family Photographer and are in the Calgary, Cochrane, Canmore or Banff area get in touch with me at info@paisleyphotos.ca
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