Spring is one of my favorite seasons to photograph families in Paris. The cherry trees bloom in the Trocadéro gardens, the light gets softer, and the café terraces fill up again after winter. If you have a Paris family photoshoot booked for spring, or you’re thinking about one, you picked a great time to come.
Once the excitement settles, almost every family asks me the same question: what do we wear? Here’s how I help my families plan what to wear for a Paris family photoshoot in spring, from the color palette to the shoes, with a few real outfits from my sessions.
Spring in Paris covers a lot of different weather. Here are the average highs and lows, so you can pack for the month you’re coming:
- March: around 55°F during the day and 39°F at night
- April: around 62°F during the day and 43°F at night
- May: around 69°F during the day and 49°F at night
March is still coat weather. Plan your outfits around your coats, since they’ll probably stay on for most of the session. A camel, cream or navy wool coat or a trench looks lovely in photos, and tights keep little legs warm.
April is the layering month. Mornings start chilly and afternoons warm up, so a trench or a denim jacket over a dress gives you two looks in one session. The cherry trees usually bloom from late March into April, and the timing shifts a little every year.
May is when lighter fabrics come out: linen, cotton dresses, short sleeves for the kids. Bring a cardigan anyway if your session is in the evening, because it cools down quickly once the sun drops.
Think about texture and layers
A light breeze is almost always there near the Seine or in the open gardens, which works beautifully for photos. Layers add texture, and they give you options during the shoot.
A linen blazer, a soft cardigan, a flowing scarf or a denim jacket all add depth to a look. For kids, a little knit sweater or a smocked dress with a cardigan photographs so well. Fabrics that move and look natural (linen, cotton, soft knits and silk blends) are the ones I love most in natural light.
Skip shiny fabrics and anything with big logos or graphics. They pull the eye away from faces.
What works best for each family member
For moms
This is your moment to feel beautiful and comfortable. A flowy midi dress in a soft neutral or pastel is one of my favorite choices for a spring photoshoot in Paris, and tailored pants with a relaxed blouse look elegant too. If you’re not a dress person, don’t force it because it seems like the thing to wear for photos. You’ll look happiest in something that feels like you.
For dads
Slim or straight-leg pants in a neutral tone with a linen shirt or a soft knit always work. A well-fitted jacket dresses the look up without feeling formal. Leave the sports shorts and graphic tees at the hotel.
For kids
Kids’ outfits are where you can have a little more fun. Smocked dresses, Peter Pan collars, linen sets and classic cuts all look great. Make sure they’re comfortable, though. If they’re tugging at a collar, it shows in the photos, and comfortable kids are happy kids.
Patterns can work together too, as long as they’re small and soft. These two sisters wore a navy stripe and a tiny pink floral, and the colors kept it calm.
Colors to avoid in your Paris photoshoot outfits
A few colors and patterns are worth avoiding, especially in the most famous Paris locations:
- Neon or very bright colors: they can reflect onto skin and feel harsh against soft spring backgrounds
- Busy patterns or large florals: they compete with faces for attention
- All black: it can look heavy in outdoor spring light
Match your outfits to your Paris photo location
Where you shoot should shape what you wear. In a garden like the Tuileries or the Parc de Bagatelle, soft pastels and flowy shapes feel at home. On the cobblestone streets of Montmartre or near the Eiffel Tower, you can go a little bolder.
Still choosing a spot? My guide to the best locations for a family session in Paris covers my favorites, and if your kids need room to run, here’s how to choose a Parisian park for your family portraits.
Final tips before your Paris family photoshoot
- Steam or iron your outfits the night before. Wrinkles show up much more in photos than in real life.
- Bring a backup outfit for the kids, in case of spills.
- Coordinate shoes too. They show in full-length photos, and mismatched sneakers stand out.
- Keep jewelry simple and delicate.
- Bring layers. Spring mornings in Paris can be chilly.
- If you’re worried about rain, bring a few clear umbrellas. Some of my favorite sessions happened on gray days, and I wrote about why a rainy day in Paris makes for beautiful photos.
Getting dressed for your photoshoot should feel exciting. When your outfits feel good and go together as a group, you have one less thing to think about on the day, and you can enjoy Paris together.
Still unsure? Send me a message before your session. I love helping families put their looks together, and I’m happy to suggest ideas based on your location and the month you’re visiting. You can also see more of my Paris family photography for outfit ideas from past sessions.
Paris family photoshoot outfits: FAQ
What should a family wear for a photoshoot in Paris in spring?
Choose a palette of two or three colors that go together, like soft neutrals or muted pastels, and let each person wear it in their own way. Add a layer such as a trench, a cardigan or a denim jacket, since spring mornings in Paris are cool.
Should our family match for our Paris photos?
Coordinating looks better than matching. When everyone wears the same shirt and jeans, photos can look stiff, while a shared palette looks put together and lets each person’s personality show.
What is the weather like in Paris in spring?
Average highs are around 55°F in March, 62°F in April and 69°F in May, with nights in the 39°F to 49°F range. Mornings and evenings are cooler than afternoons, so plan for layers in every spring month.
What colors should we avoid in family photos?
Avoid neon and very bright colors, busy patterns, large florals and big logos, since they pull attention away from faces. All black can also look heavy in outdoor spring light.
What if it rains on the day of our Paris family photoshoot?
Bring a few clear umbrellas and keep your layers handy. Rain gives Paris a soft, glowing light and empties out the busiest spots, so a gray day can turn into some of the prettiest photos of your trip.
