Summer Tips for Family Mini Photography Outfit Styling | Central Indiana Family Photographer

Real Life Families: Real Easy Styling Tips

Family Mini Photography Styling

Styling your family for photos shouldn’t feel like a chore. Whether this is your first mini session or you’re coming back for another round of updated portraits, I’m here to make it easy—and honestly, even fun.

This post breaks down my go-to tips for dressing your crew with comfort, confidence, and timeless summer vibes. These tips pair perfectly with my Summer Family Mini Sessions here in Central Indiana.

And yes—there are styling boards with shoppable links so you can see it all come together visually.

Let’s dive into family mini photography styling... ready?

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Tip #1: Amazon is Your Friend (Really!)

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE locally owned boutiques and would HIGHLY encourage you to shop local for your family's mini photography session. However, I'm also a realist and I scheduling a session into a busy family calendar can be challenging - much less having the time to actually physically go shop some place or wait for it to ship to your home. So, sis if you're working on a short timeline or a chaotic schedule, Amazon is your best bet and here's why:

• Fastest shipping - some even SAME DAY

• Easy returns: if it doesn't fit or feel right, it's EASY to return

• See ALL available sizes in ONE PLACE at ONE time

• Order what you like in 2 sizes if you're unsure about the fit & then return the one you don't use

• Hello - you're likely already are paying for PRIME... or what we call at our house "Amazon Santa" lol. So USE it! Shop family outfits after the kids go to bed - wine in hand from bed or in your car during a lunch break. It's just SO DANG EASY. (and NO, not an ad)

Want to shop this look? Click the image to access the live shopping links.

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Tip #2: Neutral Tones Make the Season Shine

Summer here in Indiana is *green*. Trees, grass, blooms—it’s all colorful and lush. So when it comes to outfits, creams, topes, soft greys and earthy tones like **blush pinks, slate blues, and muted purples** really pop against that background.

Neutrals also mix and match beautifully for families of all sizes and ages.

Tip #3: Accessorize with Personality

Jewelry is a great way to lean into a style you love without overcommitting to any one trend:

• Think layered necklaces or necklaces that have your children's initials on them

• Dangling gold earrings are a classic look - or go more boho with woven earrings

• Don't forget the kids! Letting your kids help pick small accessories will help them feel included and will give a nod towards their personalities during this stage of life

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Tip #4: Breezy Fabrics + Twirl-Approved Dresses

In summer heat, the *feel* of fabric matters just as much as the look, so be sure to look for::

• Light cotton & Linen blends are great for hotter summer days

• Gauzy dress & skirt overlays give a summer vibe every time

And yes—I’m a sucker for dresses and skirts that twirl. They photograph beautifully and give that effortless, feminine vibe without being over the top.

Tip #5: Let Dad Breathe: Too With A Wear Again Look

When it comes to styling family sessions - don't forget about dad! For summer sessions, I recommend breathable short-sleeve button-downs or linen-blend polos paired with chino shorts or light-wash jeans.

Bonus? These looks are extremely wearable for other family outings like Sunday brunch, dinner out, or casual vacation wear.

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Tip #6: Dress Kiddos to Move

Family minis with me = lots of family PLAY. We snuggle, chase, spin, and sometimes fall down laughing, so kiddos should wear light breathable outfits that they can move around in.

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Tip #7: Keep Shoes Simple

When it comes to family footwear for summer family photography, keep it simple. You can't go wrong with basic brown sandals for the ladies --- and slides or flip-flops for the guys.

At some point, I’ll probably have you all ditch the shoes anyway

—but, no one will se your feet or toes, I promise! lol.

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Ready To Shop These Looks

Here's all of the summer style boards in one place, to make things easy. Feel free to scroll through them to shop, if you see something you like:

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Let’s Make Styling the Easiest Part

Additional Outfit Planning Tools

Your family mini session should feel like a joyful pause—not a Pinterest-induced panic.

If you’re unsure about what to wear, send me your outfit ideas! I love helping my clients feel confident, coordinated, and camera-ready.

✨ Follow along on Instagram as we talk alot out styling there

📝 Check out other posts from the blog or all our Fashion Pins on Pinterest

📅 Learn More about our Heirloom and Heritage Mini Family Photography Sessions

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Hey You... Let's Be Friends, K?!

Central Indiana Newborn & Family Photographer

New around here? Hey, I’m Chelsea! A coffee-fueled Westfield native, raising a slightly wild kiddo just north of the Hamilton County line and capturing the most beautifully real memories for Central Indiana families.

Here at Hashtag Memories, I specialize in storytelling photography — from belly bumps and newborn snuggles to golden-hour giggles in open fields with families of every shape and size.

These aren’t just photos. They’re your memories, held in time.

Whether you’re dreaming of a relaxed in-home newborn session or a family session under Indiana’s wide-open sky —✨ I’m here to help you hold the space.

For laughter. For connection. For the SEASON of life you’re living right now.

If grandma’s recipes make your heart swell, You dream of wildflowers and homegrown veggies, and crave slow, intentional living (even in the chaos)...girl — you are MY KIND of people.

Let’s life together, for those big joys and the little moments alike!

👉 Follow along on Instagram + Facebook

👉 Or join our VIP List for first dibs on sessions & sweet surprises.

Searching for a family, newborn or maternity photographer in Cicero, Fishers Westfield or anywhere else in Central Indiana? From in-studio and in-home newborn sessions to sunset family galleries — I’m your girl. Let’s chat.