What to Wear for Family Photos in Philadelphia (City vs Park Looks)

Let’s just start here—because this is always the moment it hits:

You book your session… you’re excited… you’re picturing these beautiful, timeless photos…
…and then suddenly it’s like:

“Wait. What are we all wearing?”

Cue mild panic, three Target runs, and at least one child refusing to wear anything you bought.

I promise—you’re not alone.

As a Philadelphia family photographer, this is hands down the biggest stress point for families. And honestly? It doesn’t need to be that complicated.

The biggest thing to understand is this:

👉 Your location changes everything.

What looks amazing in the city can look totally off in a park—and vice versa.

So let’s break it down in a way that actually makes sense (and doesn’t make you want to cancel your session 😅).

City Sessions (Rittenhouse, City Hall, Old City)

City sessions are where you get to feel a little extra. Not prom-level extra… but like… you tried.

Think:

• Rittenhouse Square

• City Hall

• Broad Street

• Old City

This is where I always say: clean, elevated, a little polished.

We’re going for:

• Structured dresses

• Neutrals (cream, black, tan, soft pastels)

• Simple shoes (no neon sneakers please, I’m begging you 😅)

• Minimal, put-together styling

The city already has a lot going on—buildings, textures, movement—so your outfits don’t need to scream for attention.

They just need to look good and not fight the background.

And for the girls? This is where those gorgeous dresses really shine. Soft fabric against hard city lines = chef’s kiss.

Park Sessions (Fairmount Park + Natural Spots)

Now we shift into park mode—and everything softens.

Think:

• Fairmount Park

• Open fields

• Trees, light, movement

This is where I want:

• Flowy dresses

• Light, airy fabrics

• Soft colors (blush, sage, cream, light blue)

• Kids actually able to move without complaining every 3 seconds

This is not the place for stiff outfits.

If your child looks like they can’t sit, run, or breathe… we’re going to have a long 20 minutes 😅

Park sessions are about movement and real moments. The outfits should feel easy, not like a performance.

Coordinating Without Matching (Please Don’t Match 😬)

I’m just going to say it:

👉 Matching outfits are not the move.

We are not doing:

• White shirts + jeans for everyone

• Identical dresses

• “Everyone wear navy!” energy

It flattens everything and makes your photos look dated real quick.

Instead:

• Pick 2–3 colors

• Mix textures (linen, cotton, tulle, knit)

• Keep dad simple (they love this rule 😂)

• Let the kids lead the look

You want it to feel like a family—not a uniform.

What Photographs Beautifully (and What… Doesn’t)

The play on color and textures make this all work!

What works every time:

• Neutrals and soft tones

• Minimal patterns

• Layers and texture

• Anything that moves

What makes me internally spiral (kidding… kind of):

• Neon colors

• Giant logos

• Super busy patterns

• Anything itchy, tight, or meltdown-inducing

If your kid is miserable in their outfit, it will absolutely show.
And no amount of editing fixes a child who is over it.

The Part No One Tells You

What you wear doesn’t just change how your photos look.

It changes how the whole session feels.

When outfits are right:

• Kids move more naturally

• Parents relax

• Nobody is fighting with a zipper mid-session

And suddenly… everything just works.

That’s where the real moments come from.

Planning Your Philadelphia Family Session

If you’re looking for a Philadelphia family photographer (or just trying to survive the outfit planning phase 😅), I help guide all of this—from location to wardrobe to making sure your session actually feels fun.

Because this shouldn’t feel stressful.
It should feel like something you’re actually excited about.

Happy Shooting (and good luck with the outfit chaos 😅),
Dee
Shooting Star Photography