Last Updated on 13/06/2025 by Armands Sprogis
Black and white family photos – What to wear guide
I’ve been photographing families for over 15 years, and today I’d love to share some tips on what to wear for black and white studio family portraits. We’ll explore how different skin tones appear in both colour and black and white, and I’ll offer practical ideas to help you choose outfits that work beautifully in a studio setting.
The Return of Traditional Black and White Family Portraits
Traditional black and white family portraits are definitely making a comeback. I have seen this shift happening in my studio over the past few years. After speaking with many of my past clients, I was a bit surprised by their feedback. The reason, they said, is quite simple. People are growing tired of the white background look. While it is clean and modern, it has also become very common. School photos, corporate portraits, and many family sessions are all photographed on white backgrounds, and sometimes it can feel a bit too clinical.
That is why I always include a few black and white portraits in each family session. These are simple and timeless, and even if a family asks mainly for white background photos, I still take a couple of black and white options. They offer a completely different mood, something more emotional and classic.
What is interesting is that around 90% of my clients choose one of the black and white portraits for their wall display instead of the bright white background version. I believe the more traditional style of posed family portraits is beginning to return in popularity. I have also noticed a growing interest in painted portraits, especially in the United States. While not as common here in the UK just yet, it is a trend worth keeping an eye on.
What to wear for family photos.
My recommendation for beautiful family portraits is to dress as if you are going out to a nice restaurant. Short sleeves are perfectly fine, but I do suggest wearing long sleeves when possible, as they tend to be more flattering. I have noticed that many women, in particular, prefer to cover their arms in photos. Long-sleeved tops or dresses often work very well and help create a more polished look for your portraits.
Aim for a cohesive palette, but allow for some variation in tone. Dressing in a single colour, such as all black, can be elegant. However, adding different textures like linen or wool helps each person stand out in the image. If someone is planning to wear a tie or jacket, be sure to bring the full outfit. The camera captures even the smallest details.
TIP: I don’t advocate this, but I have noticed that sometimes families head to one of the luxury boutique clothing shops and pick a simple set of clothes. Leave the tags on and after the photoshoot, return them.
What colour looks best in black and white photos?
When planning outfits for a black and white session, simple and timeless choices work best. Stick to darker, solid-colour tones such as black, navy, burgundy, or hunter green. These create rich contrast in monochrome images. Earthy tones can also look beautiful. Try to avoid busy patterns, stripes, logos, or anything shiny like sequins, as these can distract the eye and may not age well in photos.
A great approach is to choose a colour scheme and keep it consistent across all family members. Black on black is always a classic and timeless choice. If someone plans to wear a tie, it is best to bring a jacket as well, since it photographs much better and completes the look.
What should you not wear for family pictures?
Avoid busy patterns, stripes, and mixing very dark and very light clothing within the group. I also recommend staying away from outfits with shiny or reflective details such as beads or sequins, as these can be distracting in photos.
Think about your family portraits in the long term. You want them to feel timeless, not tied to passing trends. That is why simple and classic choices are always the better option.
Personally, I think T-shirts are fine for individual portraits of men, but they are not the best choice for formal family group photos in the studio. If you do choose to wear a T-shirt, I highly recommend making sure it fits well. Baggy styles can make the body appear larger than it actually is, especially under studio lighting.
One of the most important things to remember is to avoid wearing clothes with visible creases. These can be very distracting and are often difficult to remove, even during post-production.
Darker skin tone studio family photos.
For families with darker skin tones, mid to dark-toned backdrops usually work better than bright white. Lighting is especially important. Flat lighting can wash out the skin, so we aim to use soft, directional lighting that adds depth. A little matte toner or primer can help reduce shine and make editing easier later.
I completely disagree with the idea that white backgrounds are best for all skin tones. In my experience, photographing on a white background actually makes it more difficult to achieve beautiful, natural-looking skin tones. I prefer to use medium to dark-toned backgrounds, which provide a much richer and more balanced result. Families often love the outcome and are genuinely surprised by how flattering these tones can be.
It is important to speak with your photographer about lighting. When photographing darker skin tones, special care must be taken with how the light is shaped and placed. The goal is never to overlight or create shine. Instead, lighting should enhance the natural tones and textures of the skin, bringing out warmth and depth in a way that feels authentic and respectful.
TIP: I recommend using a little toner to conceal shiny skin. Sometimes primer works well, too. It just makes it a bit easier in post-production to edit highlights on the faces.
General tips for family portraits.
Dark colour outfits tend to be more flattering and can help create a slimmer appearance in portraits. If you decide to go barefoot for the session, make sure your toenails are trimmed and clean. Ladies should also take a final look at their fingernails, as chipped nail polish can show in the photos if hands are visible.
If you are bringing young children or wearing formal clothing, consider arriving a bit early and changing at the studio to keep your outfits looking fresh.
If anyone in the family is getting a haircut, try to schedule it about a week before the session so the style has time to settle. Hair should not be covering the eyes, so it is helpful to bring a clip to keep any loose strands in place.
To reduce stress on the day of the shoot, lay out all outfits the night before. Make sure everyone has enough time to shower and get ready without rushing. Men should shave at least an hour before the session to avoid any redness.
Clothing should be neatly pressed with no visible creases. Use garment bags or hangers instead of folding clothes to keep everything looking its best.
If pets are joining the session, be sure to bring a sticky roller for your clothes. Pet hair can be difficult to edit out later, especially on darker fabrics.
Make-up for family photos
Eye shadow should be applied lightly and with care, as the eyes are the main point of focus in a portrait. Apply two coats of mascara to both the upper and lower lashes to help define them. Wear your usual makeup, but bring it along with you in case any touch-ups are needed during the session. It is also a good idea to bring some powder to reduce any shine, especially under studio lighting.
What to wear for Men
Men look great in dark shirts or a shirt paired with a dark jacket. Open-neck shirts or turtlenecks also work well. Dark jeans are perfectly acceptable too. Keep in mind that the exact colour of your clothing is not as important if the photos will be in black and white. What matters more is that the overall tone of your outfit is not too bright and that it complements what the rest of the family is wearing.
What to wear for a woman.
Women can wear long-sleeved tops or blouses paired with long trousers. Jeans are also fine, as long as they are not white. A simple, plain-coloured dress is another great option. It is best to avoid horizontal stripes, as they can be distracting in photos and tend to make the body appear wider.
If you are not comfortable showing your arms, long sleeves are a great choice. Ultimately, wear what makes you feel confident and at ease.
What kids wear.
For kids, simple clothing works best. It can sometimes be tricky to find plain options, as many children’s clothes feature patterns or logos, so a bit of shopping around might be needed. Girls can wear a nice dress, as long as it does not have glitter or shiny details. Boys usually look great in a plain shirt or a long-sleeved top with jeans.
What matters most is that their outfits coordinate well with the rest of the family. Feel free to bring a few extra clothing options, just in case something needs to be changed or adjusted on the day.
Clothing colour ideas for family photos.
I hope this what to wear guide helped you to plan your family photo session. Enjoy the photoshoot.
Check out my other guides.
