If you’re anything like me, figuring out what to wear for your next family photo session is the first thing on your mind—and usually the hardest to decide. That’s why I always recommend starting with your dress. When mom feels confident and comfortable, everything else just sort of falls into place.
For spring and summer sessions, I love dresses that feel soft, flowy, and effortless. Think light fabrics like cotton or linen, earthy colors, and just the right amount of movement in the skirt (it adds such a romantic feel to your photos!). My favorite tones? Sage, soft blue, oatmeal, and blush—timeless neutrals that always shine in natural light.
The right dress not only helps you feel amazing, it brings so much visual interest to your final gallery. When I look back at my favorite family, maternity, and motherhood sessions, these spring and summer dresses that photograph beautifully all have something in common: they’re soft, unfussy, and allow space for natural movement and emotion.
Once your dress is picked, it becomes so much easier to coordinate the rest of your family. I’ll be sharing a post soon with ideas for dad’s outfits that complement without being too matchy—and another one with tried-and-true picks for babies and kids.
Until then, scroll on for some of my favorite spring and summer dresses that photograph beautifully. These are all client-approved styles I’ve personally recommended or seen worn during sessions I’ve photographed. You’ll find direct links to the original shops and boutiques below.
Top row (left to right):
1. Beige Front-Tie Ruffle Sleeve Maternity Midi Dress — PinkBlush
2. Light Blue Deep V-Neck Button Down Maxi Dress — PinkBlush
3. Adalee Light Blue Floral Dress — Baltic Born
Middle row (left to right):
4. Jess Puff Sleeve Floral Midi Dress — Miss Match SD
5. Aurelia Floral Maxi Dress — Ruby Claire Boutique
6. Sweetheart Peasant Dress — Ruby Claire Boutique
Bottom row (left to right):
7. Annabeth Cream & Slate Floral Midi Dress — Baltic Born
8. First of All Polka Dot Midi Dress — Ruby Claire Boutique
9. Covey Button Up Maxi Dress – Baltic Born
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Looking for more help pulling your outfits together? Stay tuned—I’ll be sharing coordinating style guides for dads and kids soon so you can feel photo-ready with ease.
And if you’re planning a spring or summer photo session in Virginia, I’d love to help you find the perfect location, time of day, and outfit inspiration that works beautifully for your family.
Here are a few client favorites to explore next—each full of timeless outfits, soft light, and effortless connection:
#charlottesvillephotographer #springfamilyphotos #outfitinspiration #motherhoodphotography #virginiaphotographer #familyphotosessionstyle
Erica Harrison is a Northern Virginia Photographer, living in Charlottesville while photographing wedding and families in Old Town Alexandria, Washington D.C., Fairfax, & Leesburg.