How to dress for Fall Family Photos
Fall is the perfect time for a family photo shoot you've been wanting, with cooler weather, beautiful foliage backdrops, and better lighting. But then the question arises - what should we wear? To help you pull together outfits for your session, I've created a comprehensive clothing guide with tips and ideas.
1 - BE YOURSELF
The most important thing to remember when getting ready for your photoshoot is that you need to feel good about what you are wearing. You don’t need to wear your best and most expensive outfit. You can wear a cute knit sweater with a pair of jeans. If you’re more of a dresser, go for that. The key to a great outfit is confidence. If you look good, you feel good.
2 - SELECT A FALL COLOR PALETTE
When planning your family's coordinated fall outfits, start by choosing the main colors from one outfit. Then build a cohesive 4-color palette around those hues, drawing inspiration from autumnal shades like amber, crimson and mustard. The options are endless, so don't be intimidated. A palette of earth tones or a mix of neutrals and brights will look great.
3 - COORDINATE YOUR OUTFITS. DON'T MATCH THEM
Remember how I encouraged you to select a palette with around 4 colors? That’s to help you not fall into the trap of dressing everyone in the same color or two. This variety will make your outfits look cohesively stylish, not forced. Stick to the palette without becoming obsessed with repeating certain shades in every outfit. For example, just because you wear a mustard dress doesn't mean your daughter and son need mustard accents too. It's also fine to incorporate neutral tones outside the palette. The key is using your chosen colors as a guide, not a rigid rule, for effortlessly coordinated style.
4 - USE LAYERS, AND PATTERN
Don't be afraid to add visual interest to your photos with layers, textures, and subtle patterns. Layering pieces like suspenders, vests, cardigans, and shawls creates dimension. Textures like faux fur, chunky knits, and chambray add tactile variety. Subtle patterns in a floral dress or patterned shirt ensure your subjects don't blend together in solid colors—just avoid anything too bold that distracts from your family. Playing with these elements elevates the style of your photos.
5 - DON'T FORGET YOUR FOOTWEAR
When getting ready for your session, don't overlook your footwear! Having the right shoes is important. Boots, sandals, leather shoes, dress sneakers, and neutral slip-ons are good options. Heels can look great on women and elongate legs, but consider if they work for the location. (Pack a backup pair just in case!) Avoid bright white athletic shoes, neon/bright colors, and sparkly/light-up kids' shoes. For at-home and some outdoor sessions, bare feet as well !
6 - HAVE FUN !
This is by far the most important step! Photoshoots can seem stressful if you're not used to being in front of a camera but don't you worry I'll make sure you feel comfortable the whole time. Think of me as an old friend behind the lens, there to chat, joke around, and capture fantastic photos while we have fun. My goal is for you to relish the experience as much as the beautiful portraits that come out of it !
AND AS ALWAYS, I'M ALWAYS AVAILABLE TO GIVE
YOU ADVICE ON OUTFITS BEFORE YOUR SESSIONS!
Avoid These 5 Mistakes When Selecting Outfits for Fall Family Photos
Neon Colors or Colors that Are Overly Saturated
Bright White or Black
Wrinkles
Transitional Lenses
Athletic Shoes
