Best 5 Tips for Hawaii Family Photo Outfits

Alison Bell, Photographer

Hawaii family photo outfits don’t have to be difficult. I have 12 years experience photographing families on the beach and across the globe! (Thank you, USMC!) I tried to avoid the wardrobe topic in the early years, but it matters. I’m here to help. I’ve compiled the cliff notes of my top 5 tips so to make it easy!

Getting family photos done in Hawaii while you’re on vacation is the best souvenir you can give yourself. You can relive your whole vacation any time you want. But what do you wear for Hawaii family photos?

Family photo outfits in Hawaii matter for several reasons. First, they create a cohesive and visually pleasing look for the family, making for better photos. The right outfit choices can also complement the natural beauty of Hawaii, creating a more immersive and aesthetically pleasing experience.

Hawaii family photo outfits can help capture the spirit and essence of a family, reflecting their unique personalities and relationships. They can also serve as a lasting memory and reminder of a special moment in time.

Ultimately, the right outfits can enhance the overall photo experience and help families feel confident and happy with their images.

What You Wear Matters

What to wear for hawaii famil photo outfits

I tried to avoid it for years. But the fact is it matters. 

It may not make or break the anything, but planning out the details of undergarments, colors and movement will go a long way to a great experience and even better photos!

Get every tip, trick, and clothing idea I have from 12 years experience all in one place.

BEACH GUIDE graphic by Alison Bell, Photographer

My Top Tips for Hawaii Family Photo Outfits Ideas

1. Start with Mom

Mom needs to be comfortable, covered, and confident. End of story. If mom is adjusting straps or pulling down a skirt, or pulling up her neckline, she’s preoccupied and not really enjoying her people. Let’s fix that before its an issue!

2. Wear a dress

A long flowing dress provides movement on the beach like you wouldn’t believe. You don’t even need heavy beach wind to fill it out! It needs to be long, free flowing and covers your chest.

3. Avoid all dark colors

Use black in moderation – nothing solidly black in color for anyone. Keep the palette light and cheerful! Navy and charcoal are better options for contrast.

4. Go barefoot

This may seem obvious but I’ve seen penny loafers and pleated khakis on the beach. Just keep it simple and go barefoot.

5. Shop at one store

Many boutiques and major retailers like Gap, Old Navy and H&M have built in color coordination to their wardrobe collections already. Boom – color scheme complete!

There’s nothing easy about family photos

There’s a lot of decision making that can be overwhelming:

  • what to wear
  • where to go
  • what sizes to print

I want to make it as easy as possible for you and that starts well before the session with Wardrobe. . Every client gets access to Style & Select. If Pinterest and Stitch Fix had a baby this would be it. Everything is vetting for colors, patterns & textures that look good in camera by photographers for family photography.

I’ll be your second opinion & sounding board. Send me screenshots of what you’ve got, your ideas and I’ll give you all the direction you need!

At the gallery reveal, everyone is welcome! Its virtual so the only limited is opinions – ha! But I’m sure that will be overflowing too!

In the end, you’ll have more than digital files lost on a hard drive. You’ll have heirloom-quality photographs on your walls or in your hands. That’s my full service approach.

The best part: Everyone in the clan will have access to the matching digital files.

Now for something more serious…

I hate to go morbid on you, but my own experience says I have to share. You may never get the chance to do photos with these people again. There will come a time when you will wish you had more photos. Usually by then its too late.

Oahu-family photograpeher alison Bell,

Have you thought about family photos while you’re in Hawai’i?

Its photo season year-round here in Hawaii and I want you to take advantage of it!

Take home the bright skies, warm air and blue water to relive it over and over because you’ll never experience this place with the kids these ages ever again.

This is your one shot. Take it!

As the ringleader of my own 4 boy circus, I know how hard getting family photos can be. I’m here to change that.

If I could dress your kids and literally hang your family photos on your walls, I would …but I can’t, so I do just about everything else in between. That’s why I take the time to hold your hand from start to finish.

Because what good are family photos if your kids never see them?

I only accept two families a week, so if you have dates, reach out to Alison Bell, Photographer now.

Family 6 Family Photo Outfits

hawaii family photo outfits
hawaii family photo outfits
hawaii family photo outfits
hawaii family photo outfits
hawaii family photo outfits

Hawaii family photo outfits don’t have to be difficult

I’m here to help at every step of the way. When in doubt, reach out!

Color can make or break your final images. It can affect your complexion and your comfort! It can drown you out or be hard on the eyes.

The way you feel in your clothes makes a difference in your demeanor, your comfort, and confidence. All of it shows through your final photographs.

I’m here to help.

From where to start, where to shop, what to avoid, and covering those undergarments, you will be covered and confident!

More resources for traveling to Hawaii with kids

Keep reading about fall family photography with Ashley Behm!

I'm a USMC spouse, South Carolina native, recovering homeschool mama of a 4 boy circus. They've taught me the most important facet of family photography: KEEP IT FUN!

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  1. Ashlie says:

    Such great tips! Love the idea of having a photo session while on vacation – such a beautiful way to remember your family vacation.

  2. Christina says:

    These images are so joyful and beautiful! I love the tip about shopping at one store – I hadn’t thought of that one before!

  3. I love your tip for shopping at one store. It definitely makes things easier to coordinate.

  4. Yes! So true! What you wear really does matter!

    • Alison Bell says:

      I tried to avoid it for years… i’m not a stylist but I’ve learned SO much in 12 years.

  5. These are stunning images and great tips on what to wear! I love going barefoot in sessions, it really creates a nice look.

  6. Christy says:

    This is so helpful! It’s hard to plan for photos in a place you’re traveling to!

    • Alison Bell says:

      It really is! Wanting to keep it compact and versatile for your luggage too. I always do them asap when a family arrives so they don’t have to worry about it the rest of the trip.

I find joy in chaos. The louder, the better!

I'm a USMC spouse, South Carolina native, recovering homeschool mama of a 4 boy circus.

They've taught me the most important facet of family photography: KEEP IT FUN!

hey, I'm Alison!

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