As a Bay Area Family Photographer and parent, my goal is always to capture authentic family photos. As a parent, I know firsthand the challenge of getting kids ready to go. Adding in suggestions of what to wear can sometimes go south…quickly. Who wants this, especially before a family photo session? This is why I suggest you let your kids dress themselves.

Family photos are meant to be positive experiences that provide timeless treasures, capturing moments you’ll hold dear for years to come. Why not remove this stress and let your kids choose their outfits? Family photos are not about looking picture-perfect; they’re about capturing memories, your relationships, and telling your family’s story.

When you allow your kids to dress themselves, you’re creating a snapshot of their personal style at a particular age. Years down the road, as you look back, you’ll smile at the ingenious fashion statements and you’ll have fostered a sense of independence and self-expression for your kids. This helps to create unique and memorable photos that truly represent who they are, which is ultimately what you’ll want to remember.

Here are a few reasons why you should embrace the chaos and let your little fashionistas dress themselves for your family photo session:

1. Encourages Independence & Builds Confidence:

Allowing your children to choose their outfits empowers them to make decisions and develop independence. Kids feel more confident when they have control over their appearance, which can translate into more relaxed and authentic smiles in photos. It’s also a small way to give them a sense of control and autonomy over their choices. This empowerment can translate into confidence, which will be apparent in the photos.

2. Fosters Creativity & Is Uniquely them:

Dressing themselves allows children to express their creativity and individuality, resulting in unique and authentic photos. Kids have a knack for matching colors and patterns in ways adults might not think of or dare to try! Their choices reflect their personalities, interests, and individuality. By letting them dress themselves, you capture a genuine representation of who they are at that moment in time.

3. Creates Fun Memories & Laughter:

The process of choosing outfits and getting ready can be a fun and memorable bonding experience for your family. Letting kids dress themselves can lead to some hilarious and heartwarming moments. From wearing shoes on the wrong feet to layering clothes in creative ways, the process can be filled with laughter and joy. These candid moments often result in some of the most cherished photos.

4. Teaches Responsibility & Provides teachable moments:

Dressing themselves is a learning opportunity – something I’m always thinking about as a family photographer and experienced special educator. From selecting weather-appropriate attire to understanding color coordination, letting kids dress themselves provides valuable lessons in decision-making and self-expression.

It encourages kids to take responsibility for their choices, learn from any mishaps and helps them develop important life skills. It also is a great way to work on fine motor and self-help skills. This includes skills such as fastening buttons and figuring out how to take clothes on and off.

5. Avoids Power Struggles:

Eliminating the battle over what to wear can reduce stress and potential arguments on the day of the family session. This helps you all stay relaxed and focused on simply enjoying your time together as a family.

6. Captures Their Growth:

Children grow, and interests and styles change. Your photos will serve as a visual diary of your child’s evolving style and personality, providing a unique keepsake.

7. Promotes Individuality & Creativity:

Who says socks have to match, that you can’t wear a tutu with rain boots, or your favorite superhero costume? Allowing kids to dress themselves encourages creativity and thinking outside the box. It’s a chance for them to experiment with different combinations and express their imagination through fashion. It reinforces the idea that it’s okay to be different and have your own style, helping children embrace their uniqueness.

8. Results in Authentic Moments:

Life is messy, and families are beautifully imperfect. There’s something special about mismatched socks or layering a cape over a princess costume. Embracing the chaos of kids dressing themselves adds a touch of realness to your family photos and your kids are more likely to feel comfortable and authentic during the session, resulting in more candid and natural photos.

In the end, family photos are about capturing the love, connection, and spirit of your family. So, the next time you’re planning a photo shoot, consider letting your little ones raid their closets and costume bins to dress themselves. Embrace the chaos, cherish the memories, and celebrate the unique personalities that make your family truly special. After all, life’s most precious memories are often found in the unexpected and unscripted.