Central Oregon is simply stunning in the summer time. Honestly, I’m not sure why a lot of families still push for autumn family sessions, because summer in Central Oregon is truly beautiful. If your kids can handle a late bedtime (it works best for kiddos four and older, though some toddlers do great with a strategically timed afternoon nap), a summer sunset session can get those golden hour family pictures in Bend that are dreamy. If you’ve still got a baby in the family, a morning summer family photoshoot fits perfectly before their nap schedule and the heat of the day sets in.

Why summer is the perfect time for Central Oregon family photos

Landscapes are stunning in Central Oregon year-round, and summer is no exception. The long days mean everything is alive and growing, which creates images full of life for a summer family photoshoot. Pair this with the endless energy your kids seem to have and get those action-filled candid photos that will make your heart soar. Between the long hours of sunshine and the days filled with quality family time, summer is the perfect time to take family photos together.

Locations and activity options for summer photos

You can pick from a wider range of locations in the summer time. Since most snow melt is gone and passes are open, you have more options to choose from - like if you want a scenic lake setting or the iconic Smith Rock State Park as your backdrop. If you want something closer to Bend, Shevlin Park offers lots of shaded areas and the patch of iconic aspen trees that it’s known for, or you could choose to have a low-key documentary family photo play session along the Deschutes River.

Take advantage of Central Oregon summer activities to give your session a fun, unique flair. Popsicles on a picnic blanket, a summer trail hike, or playing at a park during golden hour - these are just a few ideas that could turn your session from a “have to do it” to an “excited for it” event in your family. Check out five parks for families in Bend for the scoop on documentary-style sessions at a park.

Pro tip: Camera-shy (and grumpy) 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.

What colors to wear for photos in Bend, Oregon in summer

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.

Coordinating family outfits vs. matching family outfits

There’s a little bit of confusion over coordinating versus matching when it comes to family photos, so I’ll clear that up here. Coordinating means picking outfits that go well together, but each individual wears a different color or pattern. Matching means everyone is in the same blue plaid shirt.

On behalf of photographers everywhere, please do not match everyone exactly. Even though boutiques love to sell the idea of having the same pattern for the entire family (i.e. a dress, kids outfit, and dad’s outfit from the same exact fabric), it’s actually not a good idea for family photos.

Matching everyone exactly means that the eye mixes bodies together and it’s not visually interesting; coordinating, however, means that the eye can distinguish each individual and looks throughout the photo because there are different details to absorb.

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How to dress the whole family for summer pictures (and avoid styling fails)

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

Not having a disposable diaper covered by clothing is the number one regret parents have with babies in photos. I’ve seen it so many times: dad is tossing baby in the air, baby is giggling adorably, and mom is in the background cringing over the visible diaper. Let’s face it, disposable diapers are really just not cute and can ruin a carefully selected outfit in an instant.

If you do want to pick a dress for your little one, look for a set that comes with coordinating shorts or bloomers, like these colorful outfits from Hanna Anderson. Fun colors and patterns photograph beautifully, and having an outfit with coordinating bottoms means you won’t be constantly worrying about a diaper showing.

Toddlers are usually on the go, go, go during sessions - and I encourage this movement. One piece rompers and short overalls are a great idea for active little bodies. A place I love to look for one piece outfits that are comfortable for little ones and look great on camera is Carter’s Little Planet Organic line of clothing.

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

Kids outfits for family pictures

Coordinating children’s clothes for photos leans into functionality and comfort. If a kid can’t comfortably move around in it, then they’re going to be grumpy for the pictures.

Kids outfits for family pictures shouldn’t be overly stiff or frilly - rather, think about selecting something that allows them to feel like themselves. A good rule of thumb is if you’ll have to fix something on it multiple times to get it to sit right (like lace trim, a bow, tucking in a shirt), then it’s not a good fit for summer family photos.

I love shopping for kids at Hanna Anderson or Mini Boden because the clothes are meant to move, feel comfortable, and look cute.

If you want a local vendor to Central Oregon, Tate and Adele is a boutique based out of Bend with heirloom-quality pieces - all run by a local mom. Bonus: these are pieces that are meant to be handed down to another child, whether in your family or in the community.

Shortalls and shorts are comfortable and look great on kids in family photos. Lots of families opt to put girls in dresses (and I know many little girls that love twirly dresses) - but remember to plan for movement and put bloomers or undershorts over underwear. I personally love Primary’s under shorts because they are short enough to not stick out (unlike bike shorts, which tend to be too long) and come in lots of colors to match outfits (please try to match your kid’s dress, don’t just pick black - it sticks out like a sore thumb).

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

Men's family photo outfits for summer

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 so distracting in photos and will look like your kid is glowing. Stick to sun-soaked tones, not radioactive ones.
Stretchy Polyester & Jersey Fabrics: These fabrics cling to every undergarment line, pull tightly across the chest, 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 gorgeous but rugged. If you are shooting at Smith Rock or trekking through the brush at Shevlin Park, open-toed shoes mean stubbed toes, zero traction on dirt trails, and shoes constantly filling with cheatgrass, thorns, and pebbles. Opt for stylish boots, clean sneakers, or structured flats.
The "Sad Beige" or 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. It also makes your family visually blend right into the dry summer grass and dirt trails of Bend.
Matchy-Matchy Ensembles: If everyone is wearing the exact same blue plaid shirt or white tee, your bodies will visually merge together in family hugs. You want to look like a cohesive family unit, not a company uniform.

How to Dress for Central Oregon's Unpredictable Summer Weather

Summer days can be warm and glorious - or a cold front can move in quickly. It can be sunny and beautiful - or clouds can roll in. It can be a calm day - or winds can pick up. There are a lot of variables to be mindful of when it comes to Central Oregon weather. 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. Layering options that look great on camera are thick, neutral flannel shirts, denim jackets, and chunky knit sweaters.

To prepare for wind, girls and moms should have hair ties handy - or better yet, plan for a hairstyle that is half-up, coralled by a headband, or partially braided. Having someone constantly tucking their hair behind their ears or half a face covered in windblown hair for the entire session kills the “sink into the moment” energy fairly quickly.

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 photoshoot outfits 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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