What to Wear for Fall Family Pictures
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Fall is an incredibly beautiful time of year, making it the perfect backdrop for capturing family memories. With its cozy atmosphere and stunning natural colors, fall provides a unique setting that enhances every photograph. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make your fall family photoshoot a success, from choosing the right outfits to ensuring everyone looks their best.
Why Fall is Perfect for Family Photos
Capturing the Essence of Autumn
Fall offers a rich tapestry of warm, earthy tones that create a beautiful and natural backdrop for family photos. The golden leaves, rustic scenery, and soft light make for stunning images that capture the essence of autumn. Imagine your family surrounded by vibrant reds, deep oranges, and rich browns—these colors not only look amazing in photos but also add a cozy, inviting feel to each shot.
Embracing Fall Colors
Choosing the Perfect Autumn Palette
When it comes to fall family photoshoot outfits, selecting the right color palette is crucial. Think of rich, warm colors such as mustard yellow, deep reds, burnt oranges, and earthy browns. These hues are perfect for creating a cohesive look that complements the autumn scenery.

Tips on Mixing and Matching
One way to achieve a harmonious look without being too matchy-matchy is to mix and match these colors in a thoughtful way. For instance, if one family member is wearing a mustard yellow sweater, another could wear a deep red scarf. This adds visual interest while maintaining a cohesive theme.

Fall Fabrics and Textures
Combining Comfort and Style
The fabrics you choose can significantly impact the overall look and feel of your photos. Fall is the perfect time to incorporate cozy materials like wool, flannel, denim, and knits. These fabrics not only look great but also add texture and depth to your outfits.

Layering for Added Depth
Layering is an excellent way to add dimension and interest to your outfits. Think cardigans, scarves, and jackets. Not only do these layers provide warmth, but they also give you more options for creating different looks within the same shoot.

Coordinating Outfits for the Whole Family
Creating Harmony Without Matching Exactly
The goal is to coordinate without everyone looking exactly the same. Start with a central color theme and build from there. For instance, if your main color is deep red, you could incorporate that hue in various ways across different family members’ outfits.
Deep Red and Neutrals:
Main Color: Deep Red
Pairing Colors: Beige, Cream, and Charcoal Gray
Example: One person wears a deep red dress, another a beige sweater with deep red accents, and another in charcoal gray pants with a cream shirt that has deep red patterns.
Navy Blue and Pastels:
Main Color: Navy Blue
Pairing Colors: Soft Pink, Mint Green, and Light Gray
Example: One person wears a navy blue blazer, another a mint green dress with navy accents, and another in light gray trousers with a soft pink top that includes navy blue details.
Forest Green and Earth Tones:
Main Color: Forest Green
Pairing Colors: Brown, Tan, and Mustard Yellow
Example: One person wears a forest green sweater, another sports tan pants with a brown belt that has forest green stitching, and another in a mustard yellow skirt paired with a tan blouse featuring forest green patterns.
By using these specific color palettes, you can create a harmonious look that complements each other without the need for identical outfits.
Incorporating Patterns and Textures
Don’t shy away from patterns and textures. Plaid shirts, knitted sweaters, and denim jeans can all work together beautifully. Here are a few examples:
Pair a plaid shirt with solid-colored denim jeans and a neutral knitted sweater for a balanced look.
Combine a patterned scarf with a textured blazer and plain trousers to add depth without overwhelming the outfit.
Wear a striped t-shirt under a solid-colored jacket with corduroy pants to mix patterns and textures subtly.
Just be sure to balance the patterns with solid colors to avoid a cluttered look.
Dressing Each Family Member
Personalized Outfit Suggestions
For Moms
Moms can opt for elegant dresses or skirt-and-top combinations in autumn colors. Here are a few examples:
Flowy dress in deep red, made from chiffon or silk.
Cozy knit sweater paired with a midi skirt, think wool or cashmere.
Layered look with a long cardigan over a blouse and jeans, with materials like cotton and denim.
For Dads
Dads can go for casual yet stylish options. Here are a few suggestions:
Flannel shirt paired with jeans, using cotton or wool flannel.
Wool sweater with chinos, ideal materials include merino wool or cashmere for the sweater and cotton for the chinos.
Denim jacket over a henley shirt with corduroy pants, the jacket in denim and the pants in corduroy.

For Kids
Kids’ outfits should be adorable and practical. Here are some ideas:
Cute dress with tights for girls, using cotton or jersey for the dress and wool or cotton for the tights.
Layered shirts with jeans for boys, such as a plaid shirt over a t-shirt, with materials like flannel, cotton, and denim.
Sweater dress with leggings for girls, with the dress in knit wool or acrylic and the leggings in cotton or spandex blend.
For Pets
If you’re including your furry friends, consider accessorizing them with a cute bandana or a small sweater that matches the family’s color scheme.

Accessories
Enhancing Your Look with Fall Accessories
Accessories can take your outfits to the next level. Scarves, hats, and jewelry are excellent ways to add personality and style. Choose items that complement your outfits without overpowering them.
Cozy Knit Sweater and Earthy Tones
For a cozy knit sweater in earthy tones like mustard, olive, or rust, consider adding a chunky knit scarf in a complementary color. A mustard sweater pairs beautifully with a rust scarf, adding warmth without clashing. Complete the look with a wide-brimmed felt hat in a neutral shade like beige or camel. This combination enhances the autumnal feel of the outfit while keeping you stylishly warm.

Classic Trench Coat and Neutral Hues
A classic trench coat in neutral hues such as beige, taupe, or grey is a fall staple. To elevate this look, choose a silk scarf with a subtle pattern, like plaid or houndstooth, in complementary colors such as burgundy or navy. Silver or gold jewelry, like a pair of understated earrings or a sleek bracelet, can add a touch of elegance without overpowering the simplicity of the trench coat. This sophisticated touch makes the outfit versatile for both day and night.

Casual Denim Jacket and Vibrant Colors
Pair a casual denim jacket with vibrant colors to create a playful fall outfit. Consider a bold red or burnt orange beanie to add a pop of color against the denim. Layer with a colorful statement necklace or earrings that pick up on the same vibrant tones. For added warmth, a patterned or solid-color scarf that complements the beanie can complete the look, ensuring you stay cozy and stylish during cooler days.

Footwear for Fall Photoshoots
Stylish and Practical Shoe Choices
Footwear plays a crucial role in your overall look. For fall, consider boots, loafers, or stylish flats. These not only look great but are also practical for navigating outdoor settings.
Recommendations
Opt for neutral colors like brown or black, which can easily match any outfit. Ensure that the shoes are comfortable enough to walk around in, as you’ll likely be moving to different locations.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
What Not to Wear
When planning your fall family photoshoot outfits, there are several pitfalls to avoid to ensure a cohesive and harmonious look:
Overly Bright Colors
Avoid neon or highly saturated colors like bright pink, electric blue, or fluorescent yellow. These colors can dominate the photo, drawing attention away from the faces and the natural fall backdrop.
Clashing Patterns
Steer clear of combining busy patterns like polka dots with plaid or stripes with florals. For instance, if one person is wearing a bold checkered shirt and another has a vibrant paisley dress, the patterns can clash and create visual chaos, detracting from the unity of the image.
Clothing with Logos or Text
Don’t wear outfits with large logos, brand names, or text. For example, a shirt with a big sports team logo or a hoodie with a catchy slogan can break the visual harmony and distract from the overall aesthetic you want to achieve in your family photoshoot.
Planning and Preparation
Getting Ready for the Photoshoot
Preparation is key to a successful photoshoot. Plan your outfits well in advance to avoid last-minute stress. Make sure everyone’s outfits are clean, ironed, and ready to go.
Grooming Essentials
Don’t forget grooming essentials like haircuts and nail care. These small details can make a big difference in the final photos.
Posing and Placement Tips
Taking the time to consider your poses and placement during the photoshoot can greatly enhance the final images. Here are some tips to ensure everyone looks their best and the photos capture the essence of your family dynamics.
Tips on Posing
Ensure that everyone is comfortable and relaxed with these specific posing tips:
Natural Actions: Simple, natural actions like walking hand-in-hand, hugging, or sitting together can create beautiful, candid shots.
Interact with Each Other: Encourage family members to interact by talking, laughing, or playing. This can result in genuine expressions and natural poses.
Use Props: Incorporate props like a picnic blanket, balloons, or even pets to create more dynamic and engaging poses.
Vary Heights: Have some family members sitting, others standing or leaning against something to create visual interest.
Focus on Comfort: Make sure everyone is dressed comfortably to avoid stiff, awkward poses.
Practice Posing: Take a few minutes before the shoot to practice some poses in front of a mirror to see what feels natural and looks good.
By following these tips and asking the right questions, you’ll be able to highlight your outfits beautifully in photos and ensure a fun, relaxed photo session.
Questions to Ask Your Photographer
To get the best results, communicate clearly with your photographer. Here are some questions you can ask:
What kind of poses do you recommend to best showcase my outfit?
Can you suggest some locations that would complement my clothing style and colors?
How can we incorporate movement into the photos to highlight the fabric and fit?
What time of day do you think is best for capturing the best light for my outfit?
Can you help us with coordinating poses for group photos so that everyone’s outfit is highlighted effectively?
Do you have any tips for making our accessories stand out in the photos?
Ask Your Photographer – Fall Family Photos
1. What are the best colors to wear for fall family pictures?
Fall family photos look best with a palette of warm, earthy tones like rust, mustard, deep greens, burgundy, browns, and neutrals. These colors not only complement the natural scenery but also evoke the warmth and coziness associated with the season. Try incorporating a mix of these tones for a cohesive yet varied look.
2. How can we mix patterns and textures in our outfits?
Mixing patterns and textures can add depth and interest to your photos. Consider combining solid colors with subtle patterns like plaid, florals, or stripes. Textured fabrics like knits, corduroy, denim, and velvet also photograph beautifully. The key is to balance bold patterns with solids to avoid overwhelming the photo.
3. Should we wear matching outfits for our fall family photos?
It’s not necessary to wear matching outfits. Instead, aim for a coordinated look by choosing a color palette and mixing and matching within that range. For example, one person could wear a plaid shirt that includes colors found in another person’s sweater. This approach creates visual harmony without looking overly uniform.
4. What type of layers work best for a fall photoshoot?
Layers are perfect for fall photoshoots because they add visual interest and allow for versatility. Consider items like cardigans, jackets, vests, and scarves. These pieces can be easily added or removed to adapt to the weather and change up your look throughout the session.
5. What accessories can we include in our outfits?
Accessories like hats, scarves, belts, and jewelry can enhance your outfits and add personality to your photos. Keep them simple and cohesive with the overall look to avoid distractions. A well-chosen accessory can tie outfits together or introduce a pop of color.
6. How should we dress young children for a fall family photoshoot?
For younger children, comfort is key. Choose soft, layered clothing that allows them to move and play freely. Keep in mind the overall color palette of the family’s outfits, and avoid overly bright colors or distracting graphics. Practical shoes and a backup outfit are also a good idea.
7. What shoes should we wear for a fall family photoshoot?
Shoes should be comfortable and complement your outfits. Ankle boots, leather shoes, or simple sneakers in neutral or earthy tones work well for most fall settings. For outdoor shoots, consider the terrain and choose footwear that will keep everyone comfortable and safe.
8. What are some common mistakes to avoid when choosing outfits for fall family photos?
Avoid wearing clothing with logos, text, or very bold patterns that can be distracting. It’s also best to stay away from outfits that are too tight, uncomfortable, or too trendy, as these can quickly look dated. Sticking to timeless, comfortable clothing in coordinated colors will help create photos that stand the test of time.
Mini Family Session
Starting at $150
- Perfect for holiday cards!
- Session is 20 minutes
- 15 professionally edited images
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- Remainder due the day before the session
Family Session
Starting at $250
- 2-6 people
- Session typically lasts 60 minutes
- 70+ professionally edited images
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Extended Family Session
Starting at $375
- 7+ people
- $10/person additional after 15 people
- Session typically lasts 60-90 minutes
- 70+ professionally edited images
- $100 non-refundable deposit to book
- Remainder due the day before the session