What to Wear for Your Queer Family Portrait Session in Seattle
The most important thing to remember when choosing outfits for your family portrait session is that these photos should represent who you truly are. There's no "right way" to look in family photos—only what feels authentic to your family.
As someone who proudly specializes in working with plus size folks, I believe in creating a comfortable space where everyone feels celebrated exactly as they are. Your body deserves to be documented with love and care, regardless of size, shape, or how you express your gender.
My Number One Rule
Clothes are meant to fit you! Not the other way around. Wear clothes that feel good on your body, both sensory-wise and how you look. As much as I believe in this rule, it’s not always helpful. So this blog is to provide some (real) guidance on how to choose the best outfit for your family portrait session.
Seattle-Specific Considerations
Our beautiful Pacific Northwest setting offers unique considerations when planning your wardrobe:
Color recommendations - For the Seattle landscape, mid-tones work beautifully. Consider soft greys, creams, or blues that complement rather than compete with our natural surroundings. I suggest avoiding busy patterns or prints so you—not your clothing—remain the focus of your portraits. While black and stark white can be tempting, they often blend into shadows or create harsh contrasts against our PNW backgrounds. If you're drawn to other colors, solid options generally photograph well, allowing your family's connection to take center stage.
Layer thoughtfully - Seattle's changeable weather means layers are your friend. Depending on the time of year, I recommend light jackets, cardigans, or button-ups over tees give dimension to photos while allowing for comfort as temperatures shift.
Weather readiness - If we're outdoors during our famously drizzly seasons, consider using clear umbrellas (they make for charming props!) or waterproof options for outer layers.
Coordination Without Matching
Gone are the days when families needed to match exactly. Instead, consider these approaches:
Choose a color palette - Select 3-4 complementary colors that work well together, allowing each family member to wear what makes them comfortable within that palette.
Consider your home decor - If these images will hang in your living space, think about colors that will complement your home's aesthetic.
Express individual style - Each person should feel comfortable and confident. If your child insists on their superhero cape or your partner feels most authentic in their leather jacket, let's incorporate these meaningful elements!
Gender-Affirming Choices
For many queer families, clothing choices can be deeply significant:
Wear what affirms your gender identity and makes you feel most like yourself.
Consider items that hold special meaning to your family's journey together.
If you're planning to use these photos for holiday cards, birth announcements, or other significant life events, think about how your clothing choices represent the milestone you're celebrating.
Body-Positive Approaches
As someone committed to body-positive photography:
Wear clothes that fit your current body comfortably. Clothes that pinch, ride up, or feel too tight will show in your expression and posture. No one wants this.
If you have clothing items that make you feel particularly confident, prioritize those pieces.
Remember that my expertise includes posing and lighting that celebrates bodies of all sizes. Trust that we'll work together to create images where you look and feel amazing.
Practical Tips
A few final suggestions to ensure your session goes smoothly:
Bring backup options if you're uncertain about your choices.
Consider the season and location when planning outfits.
Avoid large logos or text that might distract in the final images.
Accessorize thoughtfully—jewelry, hats, and scarves can add personality without overwhelming the frame.
Ready to Book Your Session?
I believe that every family deserves to be photographed with dignity, joy, and authenticity. As a photographer who specializes in working with queer families and plus size clients, I'm committed to creating a session experience where you feel truly seen.
Family portraits aren't just about capturing how you look—they're about preserving how it feels to be together in this particular moment of your family's journey. I'd be honored to help create these memories for your family.
Contact me today to book your Seattle family portrait session, and let's create beautiful images that celebrate your family exactly as you are.
