What to Wear for Graduation & Spring Family Photos

You booked the session. You picked the date. The location is set.

And now you are standing in front of your closet wondering what on earth everyone should wear.

If this is you, take a breath. You are not alone. Outfit planning is the number one question I get from families before a session. And honestly? It is one of the parts I love helping with most.

Because here is the thing, what you wear matters. Not in a fussy, everything-has-to-be-perfect kind of way. But in the way that the right outfit makes you feel like yourself. Comfortable. Confident. Put-together without trying too hard. And when you feel good, it shows in your photos.

So whether you are planning a graduation session, a spring family portrait, or just want to capture this season with the people you love, here is everything I have learned about choosing outfits that photograph beautifully.

Start With a Colour Palette — Not a Matching Outfit

Let me say this gently: matching outfits are a thing of the past.

You do not need everyone in white shirts and jeans. You do not need identical colours. What you want is coordination — a palette that flows. Think of it like decorating a room. You would not paint every wall the same colour, but you would choose tones that work together.

For spring sessions in Port Coquitlam and the Tri-Cities, I love these palettes:

Soft and Romantic — blush, cream, sage, dusty blue

Warm and Earthy — mustard, terracotta, olive, tan

Classic and Clean — navy, white, denim, soft grey

Bold and Modern — burgundy, forest green, camel, black

Pick two or three colours from one palette and spread them across the group. Mom in the sage dress. Dad in navy. Kids in cream and dusty blue. See how that works? Everyone looks connected without being matchy.

Pro tip for grad sessions: if you are wearing a cap and gown for part of the shoot, think about what you are wearing underneath. A classic outfit that works on its own means we can do gown-on and gown-off looks in the same session.

Think About Texture and Layers

Flat colours photograph fine. But texture? Texture photographs beautifully.

A chunky knit cardigan. A linen dress. A denim jacket thrown over the shoulders. A flowy skirt that catches the breeze. These details add dimension to your photos and make everything feel more natural and editorial.

Layers are also your best friend for spring sessions. May weather in the Lower Mainland can be unpredictable, warm sun one minute, cool breeze the next. A light jacket, a scarf, or a wrap gives you options and adds visual interest.

Plus, layers let us create different looks within the same session. Jacket on for some, off for others. Rolled sleeves. Hair down, then up. Small changes, big impact.

What to Avoid

I will keep this simple:

Large logos or bold graphics — they pull focus from faces

Neon colours — they cast colour onto skin and are hard to edit naturally

All black everything — it can look heavy in spring light and loses detail

Brand new shoes that have never been worn — comfort matters, blisters do not photograph well

Anything you have to constantly adjust — if you are pulling at a neckline or tugging at a hem the whole session, it will show

The goal is to wear something you already love. Something that makes you feel like you. If you bought something new, wear it around the house first. Sit in it. Move in it. Make sure it feels right.

A Note for Grads

This is your moment. Whether you are finishing high school, college, or university, you worked hard to get here and these photos should feel like you.

Some grads want classic and polished. Some want casual and real. Some want both. All of that is perfect.

If you are doing a session with your family, coordinate loosely but do not stress about everyone matching. The focus is on you, and your family is there to celebrate. That energy is what makes grad-and-family sessions some of my absolute favourites.

And if you want to include friends? Even better. Those friendships deserve to be documented.

What About the Kids?

Comfort is king.

If your toddler hates buttons, do not put them in a button-up shirt. If your teenager only feels good in jeans, let them wear jeans. Happy kids make the best photos — and no outfit is worth a meltdown before we even start.

That said, a few tips:

Soft fabrics that allow movement work best

Avoid stiff, formal clothing unless that is genuinely their style

Bare feet are always welcome — especially in grassy spring fields

Coordinating with the family palette still applies — just keep it relaxed

Accessories and Final Touches

Small details make a big difference:

A hat can add personality and dimension

Flowers — a simple bouquet or floral crown — work beautifully for spring

Blankets or throws for sitting portraits add warmth and texture

Jewellery should be meaningful, not distracting

And if you are doing a multi-generation session — grandma, mom, daughter — consider a thread of colour that connects everyone. A shared shade of blue. Matching florals. Something subtle that ties the story together.

When in Doubt — Send Me a Photo

Seriously. I mean it.

If you are stuck, take a photo of your outfit options and send them my way. I do this with my clients all the time and I am happy to help you narrow it down. It takes five minutes and saves so much stress.

You can reach me anytime through my website or by replying to your booking confirmation.

To start the conversation, reach out here (https://photosbycheryl.com/contact).

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Thinking about a spring session?

Let’s choose the setting that fits your story best.