What to wear for a fall family photo session

Family Photo Session Tips in Elk Grove, CA.

Fall is always a favorite time of year to do a family portrait session. The weather is cooler, the leaves are changing colors, and the scenery with all the beautiful foliage is perfect.  The fall is such an ideal time to capture stunning, natural family portraits.  However, the question that seems to immediately come to mind when booking a session is what to wear for a fall family portrait session. The clothing choices for your family can either make or break the portrait. So, I have come up with some tips and ideas for the whole family that will help you look your best.

Consider Location:

First and foremost, it's important to consider the location and setting of the portrait session when you begin to think about the families’ outfits. Will it be in a park, a farm, or a more urban location? Keep the setting in mind when choosing your outfits. For example, if you're taking pictures in a park with lots of greenery, you may want to avoid wearing all green, as it can make you blend too much in with the surroundings and get lost. On the other hand, if you're taking pictures in an urban setting with lots of brick and concrete, you may want to avoid wearing bright colors, as they can clash with the surroundings.

Consider Style of Clothing You Want to Incorporate:

Second is that it’s important to consider the style of the clothing you want to incorporate into your family session. You want to choose outfits that are comfortable and reflect your family's personality. For example, if your family is more casual, you may want to go with a more relaxed style, like jeans and sweaters. If your family is more formal, you may want to go in a dressier style, like suits and dresses. Whatever style you choose, make sure it reflects your family's personality and makes you feel comfortable and confident.

Compliment Fall Colors:

Next thing to keep in mind is that the fall season is all about the colors. You want to choose clothing that complements the fall colors.

Earth tones:

One great color scheme for fall family portrait sessions is earth tones. Think browns, burgundies, greens, oranges, and yellows. These colors are reminiscent of the changing leaves and will help compliment a more nature centered background. For example, mom could wear a brown sweater and jeans, dad could wear a green shirt and jeans, and the kids could wear orange and yellow long-sleeved shirts with jeans. This color scheme is warm and inviting and will make for beautiful family portraits.

Neutral Tones:

Another option is to go with a more neutral color scheme. This can be especially effective if you're taking pictures in an urban setting. Think blacks, whites, grays, and denims. This color scheme is classic and timeless and will make for stunning family portraits. For example, mom could wear a black sweater with jeans, dad could wear a gray shirt with jeans, and the kids could wear denim jeans and white shirts. This color scheme is simple but elegant and will make for beautiful family portraits.

Keep Textures in Mind:

When choosing outfits for fall family portrait sessions, it's also important to consider not just the colors but the textures of the clothing. Fall is a great time to incorporate cozy textures like wool, knit, and flannel. These textures not only look great in pictures but will also keep you warm during the session. For example, mom could wear a wool sweater with slacks, dad could wear a flannel shirt with dockers or jeans, and the kids could wear knit sweaters with jeans or tan pants. These textures add depth and interest to the pictures and will make for stunning family portraits.

Think of Accessories:

Accessories can also play a big role in fall family portrait sessions. Scarves, hats, and gloves are not only functional, but can also add interest and texture to the pictures. For example, mom could wear a scarf, dad could wear a hat, and the kids could wear gloves. These accessories add a pop of color and interest to the pictures and will make for stunning family portraits.

Don’t forget about footwear:

When it comes to footwear, it's important to choose shoes that are not only stylish, but also practical. Fall can be a bit unpredictable, so you want to make sure your shoes can handle any terrain you may encounter during the session. For example, if you're taking pictures in a park, you may want to wear boots or sneakers. If you're taking pictures in an urban setting, you may want to wear dressy shoes or flats. Whatever shoes you choose, make sure they're comfortable and can handle any terrain you may encounter.

Here are some outfit ideas for each family member for a fall family portrait session:

For Mom:

1. A long-sleeved maxi dress with a floral pattern, paired with ankle boots and a denim jacket.

2. A cozy turtleneck sweater with skinny jeans and knee-high boots.

3. A skirt in a rust or burgundy color paired with a cream-colored blouse and ankle boots.

4. A plaid shirt dress with tights and ankle boots.

5. A sweater dress with a statement necklace and ankle boots.

For Dad:

1. A dark denim button-up shirt with khaki pants and brown boots.

2. A sweater in a neutral color with dark wash jeans and dress shoes.

3. A plaid flannel shirt with dark wash jeans and hiking boots.

4. A charcoal gray suit with a white shirt and dress shoes.

5. A neutral-colored sweater with olive green chinos and dress shoes.

For the Children:

1. A dress in a jewel tone with tights and ballet flats for girls.

2. A sweater with khaki pants and sneakers for boys.

3. A plaid shirt with jeans and boots for boys or girls.

4. A denim jacket with a skirt and boots for girls.

5. A sweater or cardigan with a dress and boots for girls or jeans and sneakers for boys.

Fall family portrait sessions are a great way to capture beautiful, natural family portraits. Remember when choosing outfits, consider the location and setting of the portrait session, the style of outfits that fit your family’s vibe, as well as the color scheme, textures, accessories, and footwear. It is important to coordinate colors and styles and not necessarily be completely matching.  By following these tips and ideas, you'll be sure to have beautiful family portraits that you can cherish for years to come.

If you are interested in booking a fall family portrait setting contact me via my contact form and I would love to send you my Portrait Welcome Brochure which outlines my session fee, how to book a session and answers lots of questions regarding family sessions.  After booking I send out a family prep and style guide which can give you some additional information and guidance in selecting outfits for your family photo session.

To see more inspiration for fall family photo sessions, I have created a Pinterest board that has outfit ideas for families.

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