Are you looking to take some beautiful family photos? Autumn is a popular time for fall family pictures, when the cooler weather approaches and nature does her thing! Here are the top tips you can use for choosing your family members’ outfits, prime locations, plus pro-tips to have the best family portrait session ever – and have a great time doing it. Keep reading for fall photoshoot family outfit ideas… and more.
The Magic of a Fall Family Photoshoot
Fall is one of the best times of year to schedule a family photoshoot. The weather is cool, but not too cold; nature provides a stunning backdrop; Cozy is the dominant vibe in the fall, which is perfect for family portraits.
It can be stressful when you feel like there is so much riding on these pictures and how the day will go. Especially with kids in the mix, there are always unexpected variables. Before we get into the technical details, let me offer two informal pieces of advice:
Be as prepared as you can.
Go with the flow and relax when things don’t go as planned. {Those moments often make the best photos… and best memories}.
When I first moved to Tennessee, my dear photographer friend Valeri offered to take some pictures of me and my sons on the lookout on top of a local mountain. At Golden Hour. We did not plan very long – it was mostly impromptu – and the results were stunning. (My profile pic is from that photoshoot! That was just from a candid!)
All that to say – even if your best laid plans fall through, don’t fret. You can still get stunning results.
OK, on to the main event.
The One Thing to Consider Before Planning Outfits
Clothing and outfits are typically primary considerations, but the first question you should answer before you jump to fashion, a color scheme, and coordinating the perfect outfit for the family: where is the location of your photoshoot?
Location will directly steer your clothing options.
Do you want it indoors? Outdoors? In your own home and yard (think about clothing colors that coordinate with your home decor!)? A pumpkin patch? In the woods, lush with fall leaves? In a field? Near a rustic barn? In a downtown location?
Family is front and center in a family photoshoot, but your backdrop will set the vibe. Casual? Candid? Nostalgic? Trendy? Rustic? Any one of these can create the visual interest you want without being too distracting or overpowering for professional photos, – but think through this first!
There are so many great location options available for the fall; consider the personality of your family as well, and that may help make your decision easier!
Cute Fall Family Photo Outfit Ideas: Fashion Tips and Hacks
Ok, let’s get to the nitty gritty of the photo shoot – family photo outfits. There are a few different things to consider, but let’s talk color schemes for a fall photoshoot.
Color Palette Ideas for Fall Family Picutures
Again, you want to consider your main colors against your backdrop. As I said, that will guide some of your choices.
You can go for more of a warm palette, which is cozy and snuggly, with just a pop of color mixed in.
Or, you can go for bold colors or jewel tones, which are vivid, bright, and energetic.
Or you can go for a neutral color palette, which lends itself to a more airy, ethereal glow (with or without some bolder colors thrown in).
Photo Credit: Lentille Photography
Think about your family’s vibe and personality as you are picking out your colors.
You also want to think about what colors naturally look good on your family’s skin tone, hair, and eye colors. Every member of the family should be considered when choosing the best colors.
While bold or bright colors are fine, be aware of colors that are oversaturated and steal the spotlight.
Let’s also consider patterns. Typically, you’ll want to limit busy patterns as well as different patterns.
Plaid and florals are fine in small doses, but you’ll likely want to stick to mostly solid colors.
You’ll want to have a couple of colors as your main choices – one or two dominant colors – and some supporting accent colors. You can even do variations of your main colors. For example, if blue is a primary color for your shoots, you can also include navy, chambray, etc. That way, everyone will have a slightly different look but still be coordinated, which is the important thing.
The only real rule when it comes to colors is that you want to pick coordinating colors and not have your outfits be matchy-matchy. You do not want everyone in your family to be dressed in exactly the same outfit.
{Well, these are your pictures, so you can do whatever you like best, but just realize that matching outfits will instantly date your photos and almost certainly omit a timeless feel.}
What Colors are Good for Fall Family Photos: Popular Color Palettes
Here are some other examples of popular fall color palettes. You can click the link to see some examples of those color palettes as well as check out my full Pinterest Board for Fall Family Photoshoot Ideas!
Vintage Pastels (Cream, Blush, Chambray, Sage, Floral, Sweet Potato)
Dark Neutrals (Taupe, Grey, Olive, Floral)
Olive, Navy, Sweet Potato, Tan
Pumpkin, Taupe, Cream, Light Mustard
What Should I Wear? Fashion and Styling Tips for Family Photo Sessions
Colors for family outfits are not just the only consideration for hitting a fall family photoshoot out of the park. There are several other tips you can incorporate into your family photo session that will make you and your kids look amazing.
1| First, dress mom first.
Typically, it’s mom who is arranging this, and it’s a good idea to make sure that YOU feel comfortable. Chances are, Dad won’t care, and the kids will just want to get it over with. Mom is typically the most critical of herself, so think about what you’d feel most comfortable and confident in.
2| Choose a dress with a waist or a skirt/shirt combo.
There’s something about a dress that adds an instant elegance. It certainly can be a casual dress, but it adds motion, movement, and typically, it’s elongating and flattering for most body types.
Swing dresses or baby doll dresses are often popular, but if the wind blows a certain way, it can make you look bigger than you are. Opt for a dress with a waistline if you can. If you don’t feel confident in a dress, keep in mind that fall is perfect for layering with cardigans, sweaters or denim jackets, so you can easily camouflage areas you don’t love.
Here are some beautiful, flattering dresses that would look amazing for a fall photoshoot!
Jeans with boots are often popular and a great choice for fall – and that’s totally fine, too. A dress just dresses it up a little bit more, but always stay true to you.
3| Consider heels.
This may or may not be practical, so it’s just a suggestion. No one is recommending that you wear stilettos for an outdoor, woodsy photoshoot! But chunky or wedged heels on shoes or boots can add a little height, which always has a slimming effect.
Even a low heel on cowboy boots can do the trick and is a great way to add height.
4| Choose outfits that are a little nicer than your everyday wear.
Being casual is totally fine, but you want choose clothing that steps up what you’d wear to the store or what the kids would wear to school.
Also think about fabrics that are a step up from everyday cotton: materials such as linen, chiffon, double knits and soft yarns or wool.
5| Choose outfits for the kids that they’ll be comfortable in.
This may be something of a struggle, but I’ll be honest – most of the time, family photoshoots ARE a struggle with littles involved. Work with them to wear something they like, and they are comfortable in.
If you can give them a choice while setting the ground rules – e.g., no shirts with logos or cartoon characters, no distracting patterns – everyone will be happier.
You are immediately increasing the odds that they’ll cooperate and maybe even give you the smile of your dreams. If you have to fight with them about clothes before you even leave the house (How I know about that! Trust me!) that will definitely impact the mood of the shoot.
6| Layer your clothing.
Fall is the perfect time to layer up! Denim jackets, cardigans, vests, hats, socks peeking out from knee-high boots… all of that contributes to a cozy fall feel for the whole family. This is also where you can incorporate different textures, too.
One caveat – beware of bulky scarves. They can feel a little confining (and look that way too). If you really want scarves, opt for a scarf that isn’t too bulky or made with heavy, chunky yarn, and will be loosely tied or hang down loose.
7| Choose classic fashion pieces.
These photos are something that your family will treasure for years to come. Keep that in mind as you’re choosing your family’s outfits. Aim for clothes that have a timeless look – a crisp white shirt with denim or cozy flannel plaids. Avoid patterns that are too busy or styles that are too trendy and will likely be outdated in a year or two.
8| Flatlay your outfits ahead of time.
Before your photo shoot, the best way to see if all of these great outfits will work together is to lay them all out in a flatlay. You can see how they coordinate together, if it’s too busy, too monotone, or where you might need to add some more color.
It’s a great way to test things out without having to dress up the entire family.
More Tips for a Homerun Fall Family Session
There are a few other considerations to having an amazing experience and getting outstanding results. We’ve talked about location and outfits; let’s discuss a few more things to really get beautiful results.
1| Plan ahead.
Typically, you’ll want to be thinking about your fall photoshoot before the fall season. While early fall is ideal, when the weather is getting cooler but it’s not too hot or too cold yet, you probably want to start planning before then, at least by late summer. Especially if you are wanting to use these photos for holiday cards, or you want to photograph during the peak season for fall colors.
2| Give your photographer a list of pictures.
Chances are, you’ve saved ideas to your Pinterest board. You want to make sure you and the professional photographers you are likely giving a large sum of money to are on the same page! The easiest way to make sure your expectations are met is to simply give them a list.
Typically, you want pictures with the entire family, with just mom and dad, with mom and the kids, dad and the kids, all the kids together, and individual shots of each child.
Think about if there are other shots you want, either posed or candid. Be sure to communicate that with your photographer. There is no perfect photographer but communicating will certainly help.
3| Have a Plan B in case of bad weather.
If you are doing your shoot outdoors, be sure you have a secondary indoor location you can use. Chances are, you’ve booked well in advance with your photographer and it’s unlikely that you’ll get another slot anytime soon if you need to cancel. Again, talk all this through with your photographer, to see the procedure if you have bad weather. Especially if you are under a time crunch for your pictures, such as you need to get Christmas cards printed.
4| As much as possible, aim for natural light.
Photographers can do a ton of magic with lighting and editing. But natural light is just amazing. Think through the time of day you’ll be having your shoot (hopefully your photographer is experienced with that). Harsh noon light is rarely ideal; evening golden hour is just beautiful.
Even if you are having an indoor shoot, see if there are a few shots you can do outdoors in natural light. And think about the time of day when you have the most and best indoor natural light coming through your windows at your home (which direction your home faces, if east or west facing windows provide the best possibilities, etc.).
5| Keep your shoot low-key.
There was a time when props for photo shoots were all the rage. While an adorable backdrop such as haybales and pumpkins or a rustic pickup truck can create a wonderful shoot, your family should be front and center.
Even out in nature with a woodsy backdrop with no props, you can get amazing results. It’s incredible the pictures that are produced by just the candid snaps taken of a family who are interacting naturally, being silly, and just loving each other.
Here are a few of me and my boys, with few props – just some Tonka trucks and a blanket.
Photo Cred for All of My Photoshoot Pics: Valeri Bradley Photography
6| Plan for the little ones.
Adults, even husbands who are forced into a photoshoot, are usually cooperative. Little boys and little girls are a whole other beast and getting them to agreeably play along is one daunting task.
For this situation, whatever it takes for you to get your kids to cooperate and get good results, do it. It may (probably will) mean bribery. For certain, you’ll want a large array of snacks (and some toys) on hand. You may need to think of the timing and how long you can realistically get your kids to cooperate (pro-tip: do pictures with kids first).
You may even want to hire a mommy’s helper to help with the kids while you’re there, especially when you might be taking photos with one child, and another is left on their own.
You CAN Have an Amazing Time During a Fall Family Photo Session
You may feel like a photoshoot for the fall can take years off your life (not gonna lie, it may), but there are ways that you can age less during this whole thing! I hope these tips helped…even incorporating just a few can go a long way to producing outstanding results and pictures you’ll cherish forever.
More Fall Inspiration
Here are more fall articles for family (and fashion!) that might be of interest to you as well!
Must-Have Fall Fashion for Stylish Mom Outfits, 2022
100 Fall Family Activities: The Ultimate Fun Guide to Autumn
How to Host an Amazingly Simple and Fun Fall Party for Kids
If you use any of these ideas in your fall family pictures, I’d love to see them! Please tag me on Instagram or leave a comment on Pinterest!
Other thoughts? I’d love to hear them! Leave a comment below!
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