Central Oregon is simply stunning in the summer, and choosing to take summer family photos is a great idea. If your kids can handle a late bedtime, a summer family photoshoot during sunset gets you those dreamy golden hour family pictures in Bend. If you’ve still got a baby in the family, an early morning summer family photoshoot fits perfectly before their nap schedule and the heat of the day sets in.

Where to Wear Your Outfits: Central Oregon Summer Photo Locations

The backdrop you choose in Bend dictates your summer family photo color schemes. Central Oregon summers offer everything from the towering walls of Smith Rock State Park to the shaded aspen groves of Shevlin Park Because our rugged terrain requires active movement, your choice of outdoor summer family outfits needs to match your location's vibe—whether that’s a scenic alpine lake or a low-key documentary family session along the Deschutes River.

If you want a relaxed vibe, consider capitalizing on Central Oregon summer activities to give your session a unique flair. Think popsicles on a picnic blanket, a high desert trail hike, or a documentary-style session at a local playground. To help you pick the perfect spot for your family, check out my guide on five parks for families in Bend .

Pro tip: Camera-shy dads love sessions based on play and activities.

Summer is less busy for a family photoshoot

Extra bonus of scheduling a summer family photoshoot instead of the traditional autumn season? Skip the rush of getting back to school and the upcoming holidays. The ‘ber’ months are busy, busy, busy! Instead, think about capitalizing on checking this off your list in the summer when you’re trying to fill your time. Then when the busy fall months roll around, you’re ready to pick out your holiday card and get those printed early.

Best Summer Family Photo Color Schemes for Bend, Oregon

Color palettes really do have seasonality to them, and summer is no exception. Since there is a lot of greenery around in the summer, you want to select outfits that separate you from the setting background. Consider your location when choosing your color palette because you don’t want to blend into the background. If you’re planning for photos by a lake, don’t put everyone into a shade of blue.

**The best colors for outdoor family photos in summer feel sun-soaked and alive to match the energy of summer days.** Think contrasting palettes with oranges and blues, pops of bright colors like reds or pinks to evoke nostalgia (popsicles and ice cream trucks, anyone?), evoking sunshine with yellows and peaches, or choosing vibrant purples and corals to look like wildflowers in a wide, open field.

Blue denim looks amazing with brightly colored summer outfits, so you’ve likely already got pieces you can use in your closets already - just use denim sparingly. One person in a denim jacket and another in a pair of jeans balances a palette without making the family look like they are wearing a matching uniform.

See my photography Pinterest boards for more color palette inspiration.

Colors to avoid for summer family photos

Avoid green clothing. Central Oregon summers are full of lush river greenery and ponderosa pines; wearing green ensures you will visually blend right into the background. Choosing an all-neutral palette doesn’t fit the energy of summer (I call it the “sad beige trend” because lack of color doesn’t convey joy well).

I always suggest avoiding straight white and straight black because there’s very little flexibility with those colors in photo editing. Also avoid colors that fit better in other seasons - like pastels (which belong in the spring) or bold tones (which fit better in the fall). Summer is popping and lively - so match your colors accordingly.

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Outdoor Summer Family Outfits: How to Dress the Whole Family

When thinking about what to wear for family photos in summer, an important factor to consider is avoiding wardrobe malfunctions. I’ve been photographing families for over seven years now, and can instantly look at a family’s outfits and predict what wardrobe hazards might happen.

When you’re in front of my camera lens, I encourage you to truly be part of the moment and let yourself enjoy it. This results in pictures full of movement, emotion, and genuine moments that you’ll treasure forever. The easiest way to ruin this vibe is to have wardrobe malfunctions that keep you thinking about the camera. (Let’s avoid those, shall we?)

What to wear for babies and toddlers

The number one regret parents have with babies in photos is a visible disposable diaper. Diapers ruin a carefully selected outfit on camera the second dad tosses the baby in the air or mom lifts them up. To avoid constant wardrobe adjustments, look for functional pieces built for movement:

Bloomer & Dress Sets: If your little one is wearing a dress, ensure it includes a matching diaper cover or coordinating bloomers to keep the focus on their smile, not their diaper.

One-Piece Rompers & Shortalls: These are ideal for toddlers who are constantly on the move. They stay in place, don't ride up, and look incredibly timeless on camera.

My go-to baby & toddler brands for littles have sets that come with coordinating shorts or bloomers and have fun colors and patterns (which photograph beautifully). Try shopping Hanna Anderson or Carter’s Little Planet Organic for sets and pieces that hold up during active outdoor sessions.

What should mom wear for family pictures?

Mom should wear what makes her feel beautiful and what won’t cause constant wardrobe adjustments. If mom is going to wear a dress, do yourself a favor and make it tea length or longer. Many moms opt for mini dresses, but think about it this way: you’re not walking around a farmer’s market, you’re moving around with your family.

The best summer dresses for family photos are the ones that allow for lots of movement and changing positions without worrying about flashing underwear. Dresses aren’t the only option, though. Moms also look great in casual jeans, a maxi skirt, short overalls, or shorts (depending on your activity).

Pro tip: When you try on your outfit, sit, squat, bend over, and move around in it to see if it stays in place appropriately.

Best summer dress for mom family photos in Central Oregon

Summer family photoshoots outfit ideas for kids

Coordinating children’s clothes leans into functionality and comfort. If a kid can’t move comfortably, they’re going to be grumpy. Kids outfits for family pictures shouldn’t be stiff or frilly. A good rule of thumb: if you have to fix an item multiple times just to get it to sit right—like resetting a bow or constantly re-tucking a shirt—skip it for your summer family photoshoot.

Choose Play-Ready Basics: Shortalls, rompers, and shorts are comfortable and look natural in an outdoor setting. If you choose a dress, pair it with coordinating bloomers or undershorts to cover up undergarments. I highly recommend Primary's under shorts because they are short enough to stay hidden and come in colors that actually match the dress (avoid plain black, which sticks out like a sore thumb).

Shop High-Quality Brands: For a national brand, I love Mini Boden because their clothes are designed for active kids and look great.

Support Local Bend Businesses: If you want a local Central Oregon vendor, Tate and Adele is a boutique based right here in Bend. Run by a local mom, they offer heirloom-quality pieces that look beautiful on camera and are durable enough to be handed down.

bright and comfortable kids summer outfits for family photos in Central Oregon

What to wear for family pictures: men's summer outfits

Skip the golf outfits, stiff polo shirts, stiff button down shirts, or automatically opting for khaki pants (really, don’t default to khaki pants). This is a family photoshoot - not a business meeting. In my experience, one of the things that dads hate about taking family photos is the outfits they are put into by their spouses.

Instead, lean into what’s comfortable for dad to wear and compliments the rest of the family’s outfits nicely.

Mens style ideas for family photos in summer Bend, Oregon — Think breathable fabrics like cotton or linen tops.

Dads also like lightweight jeans, and use his outfit as a space for neutral colors to support the rest of the family’s styling. Dads typically love wearing colors like greys, browns, or soft blue hues. **Putting dad in a comfortable shirt with a subtle pattern can compliment the family’s outfits nicely.**

What not to wear to family photos (for the whole family)

After seven years behind the lens, I can tell you that certain clothing choices look great in the mirror but completely fall apart on camera. To keep your gallery looking timeless, cross these off your list:

Neon Colors: Neon pink, bright lime green, and highlighter orange are distracting in photos.
Stretchy Polyester & Jersey Fabrics: These fabrics cling to every undergarment line and show sweat instantly under the high desert sun. Lean into breathable, structured fabrics like cotton, linen, and denim.
Open-Toed Sandals & Flip-Flops: Central Oregon locations are rugged; stick to closed-toe shoes at Smith Rock or Shevlin Park to avoid injuries on the trails.
The All-Neutral Trap: Neutral tones are great for balancing a palette, but putting the entire family in matching beige or cream drains the lively energy of summer.
Perfectly Matching: it’s best to coordinate so you look like a cohesive group, not have everyone wear exactly the same color or pattern.

How to dress for a Central Oregon summer family photoshoot

There are a lot of variables to be mindful of when it comes to Central Oregon weather, including wind picking up, a cold snap, and clouds rolling in. I personally only reschedule a session for 1) unhealthy levels of smoke, 2) gale force winds, or 3) a snowstorm that makes roads unsafe. For all other possibilities, it’s important to be prepared for whatever weather might strike.

A good rule of thumb is to hope for the best but prepare for chilly or windy weather. When you’re choosing outfits, make sure you pick an extra layer for everyone that coordinates with your selected outfits. The last thing you want is to bring along an ugly, black hoodie that you’re not actually planning on wearing - and then you need that hoodie.

Pro Tip: Have an extra layer handy at the session for everyone that coordinates with outfits.

These tips will help you dial in your summer family photoshoots outfit ideas so you can cross "wardrobe stress" off your to-do list. But remember: at the end of the day, a perfectly styled outfit isn't what makes a portrait breathtaking—your connection is. Once you step out of the car at the location, let go of the clothes, ignore the wind, and just focus on laughing with your kids.

If you’re ready to capture those authentic, sun-soaked memories without the awkward posing, check out my tips for joyful family photos in Bend. Let’s get you on the summer calendar before the fall rush takes over! Book your Central Oregon family photography session and let yourself truly enjoy the experience.

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