Are you preparing for your upcoming family photography session here in Buffalo? As a Buffalo family photographer focused on documentary-style sessions, I know firsthand that choosing what to wear can sometimes feel overwhelming. I’ve been on both sides of the camera—capturing families in their most genuine moments and standing in front of my own closet wondering what my family should wear for our own photos. What I’ve learned is simple: the most beautiful images happen when you dress in a way that lets your family’s true connection shine through.
The Buffalo Family Photographer Documentary Approach
As a Buffalo family photographer specializing in documentary style, I’m not looking for perfectly coordinated, matching outfits. I’m passionate about capturing something far more valuable—the honest, unscripted story of your Buffalo family exactly as you are. Whether we’re baking cookies in your kitchen, exploring a local Buffalo park, or enjoying your backyard, what matters most is that you feel completely like yourselves.
Comfort Creates Authentic Moments
The most meaningful images happen when you’re fully present with your loved ones—not when you’re adjusting uncomfortable clothes or worried about keeping something pristine. As your Buffalo family photographer, I’ve seen that when families are relaxed and comfortable, they forget about the camera and simply enjoy being together.
For the kids, this means:
- Clothes they can move freely in
- Fabrics that feel good against their skin
- Outfits they won’t mind getting a little messy if adventure calls
For adults, consider:
- Clothing that makes you feel confident and authentic
- Pieces that allow you to lift, hug, and play with your children
- Items that reflect who you truly are in your everyday Buffalo life
Create Harmony Without Matching
Instead of identical outfits, aim for a harmonious look where everyone’s clothing works together. Think complementary colors rather than exact matches. As your Buffalo family photographer, I recommend choosing a general color palette with 3-4 colors that work well together, and let each family member’s personality shine within those parameters.
Some combinations that photograph beautifully in Buffalo settings:
- Neutrals (cream, tan, gray) with soft blues or greens
- Earth tones that reflect Buffalo’s natural environments
- Muted colors that won’t distract from the emotions and connections in your images
What to Avoid
While I believe there are no strict “rules,” there are a few things that can be distracting in your final images:
- Large logos or text on clothing (these draw the eye away from faces and connections)
- Very bright neon colors (these can reflect color onto skin in photos)
- Outfits that feel completely outside your normal Buffalo family life (remember, we’re documenting your authentic story)
Dress for Your Buffalo Environment
Think about where we’ll be shooting around Buffalo. If we’re planning a cozy morning at home, perhaps soft sweaters and comfortable pants make sense. If we’re heading to a Buffalo park or waterfront, layers that can be added or removed as needed might be perfect.
The Buffalo location of your session should influence your clothing choices in the most natural way—just as it would on any other day in your life here.
Trust Your Buffalo Family Photographer
Remember those client questionnaires I mentioned? They’re designed to help me understand what matters most to your Buffalo family right now. The same thoughtfulness applies to your clothing choices.
When you trust the documentary process with your Buffalo family photographer, you’ll see that the most beautiful images aren’t about perfect outfits—they’re about capturing those in-between moments that show how it feels when you’re together.
[Image opportunity: A candid Buffalo family moment showing natural interaction with focus on expressions and connection rather than clothing]
The Personal Details Matter
Sometimes it’s the little things that make photos feel especially authentic:
- Your daughter’s favorite hair ribbon
- Your son’s beloved sneakers
- The watch your partner wears every day
- The necklace that rarely leaves your neck
These personal items tell part of your Buffalo family’s story and deserve to be included rather than set aside for a “perfect” look.
Book Your Buffalo Family Photographer Session
Ready to capture your family’s authentic Buffalo story? As a passionate Buffalo family photographer specializing in documentary-style sessions, I’d love to document those real, raw, and beautiful moments that make your family uniquely yours. Whether in your Buffalo home or exploring somewhere meaningful to you in our community, these sessions create a living memory that both you and your children will treasure for years to come. Contact me to learn more about documentary family sessions in Buffalo and surrounding areas.
Looking for more info on documentary photography? Check out my post on The Art of Unscripted: Buffalo Documentary Family Photography