boy hugging mom looking at the camera in the fall photograph

For cozy, timeless photos everyone will love for generations.

1. Location Matters

Think about the kind of place your session is going to be. What environmental factors do you need to take into account.

If there is going to be tall grass, consider boots for your children to help keep them comfortable.

Since we are talking about fall photos, what kind of trees are you going to be photographed with? What color are the leaves at that location? If the leaves are going to be yellow, your clothes should be darker tones, with possible yellow accents. If the leaves are going to be orange or red, you could do rich tones like brown or navy, or you could choose yellow since you wouldn’t blend into the trees this way.

2. Start with YOUR Outfit

I know that I am guilty of planning and doing everything for everyone else and then completely forgetting to eat my own breakfast.

I encourage you to start with your own outfit. Make it an elevated version of who you are. Do you love the comfort of a flowy dress? Look at places like Baltic Born or Joyfolie. Are you more of a jeans and shirt kind of person? Then find your favorite jeans and match a top to it. Check out places like Wild Old Boutique or even Amazon.

big family with kids coordinating wardrobe for fall photos holding hands and walking

3. Plan for the Weather

Fall family photos are all about comfort. If you start with a cute textured base layer and then pair it with a vest or a light jacket, you will be prepared for any weather conditions.

Children tend not to do well when they are really cold or really warm. Dressing in layers allows for options to help accommodate their needs.

Layers can also be slimming, something a lot of my mamas are concerned about. Adding a cardigan or cute button top that is left open creates beautiful vertical lines to your outfit and photograph beautifully.

When everyone is comfortable in the clothes they are wearing, it shows. Soft, comfortable fabrics will photograph so much better than a scratchy sweater you pull on every few seconds.

4. Your Color Palette for Fall Family Photos

Once you have chosen your outfit, look at the colors in that outfit for inspiration on your family’s color palette. Choose 4-5 colors that coordinate in the same kind of tone family. You could choose all neutrals but I highly recommend adding in a rich color or two for more dynamic photos.

Rich and earthy tones are gorgeous this time of year.

Deep greens
Mustard or marigold
Burnt orange or rust
Cream, beige, or oatmeal neutrals
Warm browns or camel tones
Dusty rose, burgundy, or plum
Blue jeans

5. Coordination Matters

Ideally, not everyone will be wearing the same color. I know it can be really tempting to find a cute shirt and simply buy the same one for all the kids in different sizes, but I highly discourage this. You want to be able to have pops of color from each of you.

For example: Mom in a rust dress, Dad in cream and olive, child in mustard and denim. This keeps everyone looking natural and not too “matchy.”

6. Textures Make the Outfit

Patters on more than one outfit can be distracting, but textures make it stunning. Textures can help break up a solid color and add more dimension without taking away from the scene. Pieces with a chunky knit or subtle lace can really pull it all together.

7. Footwear is Important

I don’t know about you, but shoes are always the last thing on my mind, my kids always lose theirs. Make sure that everyone’s footwear is also comfortable but neutral. Crocs rarely photograph well, but boots and linen shoes do.

If you don’t want to worry about shoes or fighting the children to put them on, barefoot is almost always an option in my book. If you choose barefoot, it should be a choice for the whole family so everyone or at least all the children are barefoot.

son on dads shoulders for fall family photo with aspen trees

8. Accessories can be Fun

Adding scarves, hats or vests can be really fun ways to add a little pop to your session while elevating the whole outfit.

Fall family photos are also a great time to include an heirloom necklace or the fancy watch. I will usually ask if you want to have your watch on for the photos and look for things like hair ties. I know I am always caught with a scrunchy (yep aged myself with that one) on my arm.

A note on glasses. If you wear glasses, they are welcome in your session. Do consider that if they are transitional lenses, you may consider not wearing them for the actual images as they can turn very dark and cover your eyes entirely.

5 things to avoid in your fall family photo wardrobe

Solid white or black
Neons or bright colors
Logos or graphics
Everyone in the same outfit or color
Athletic or bright colored shoes

Have you booked your fall family photos yet? Message me to inquire about availability.

Eastern Oklahoma Fall Family Style Guide