What To Wear For Fall Family Photos: 5 Tips For Busy Moms
As a Vancouver Washington family photographer, the most frequently asked question I get is what wear for fall family photos. Even I get stuck on what to wear and how to coordinate my families wardrobe for our own family photos.
You’re busy working and being the ship director of your families activities. You probably feel like you do not have a lot of time to shop for every member of your family, let alone something they like.
I am here to help you take some some of that overwhelm off your shoulders. On this blog, I will guide you through a simple process on what to wear for fall family photos.
My #1 tip for planning on what to wear for fall family photos: start with YOU first
I don’t know about you but when I shop for my kids outfits or look in my closet I get overwhelmed and just freeze.
There is a little trick that I have found to be really helpful though. Start with YOU first.
Find something in your closet that you like or go purchase an outfit you feel great in, then coordinate your families wardrobe around yours.
It’s so much easier to focus on one person at a time. Plus, you put yourself last all the time. For your photos, take some time to find something you love and feel great in. When you feel confident and comfortable in something it shows.
Once you have what you plan to wear, now you can start with the rest of your family.
If you need a little extra help, grab my styling guide that was created just for busy moms like you.
#2 tip: coordinate but do not match
Matching outfits will draw your attention away from your families connections in your photos. You will see matching outfits, not your family. You’ve seen the family photos with matching white shirts and denim jeans, right? Your clothing should be a compliment to your photos but not the center of attention.
I like to start with a color that I like wearing. I personally love wearing olive greens and blues. So I would start there. Then, I would coordinate my kids and partners wardrobe around the outfit I chose.
#3 tip : choose colors wisely
First, avoid anything neon color in your clothing, socks, shoes, or accessories! It’s super distracting. Second, choose a color you feel confident in. Third, coordinate your families attire around 1-2 colors so there isn’t too many color schemes going on.
I always recommend jewel tones or neutral colors. They are most flattering to skin tones and photograph beautifully. Check out my blog on what to wear for your family photography shoot for even more guidance on what to wear for family photos.
#4 tip: add a pattern or print
Have one family member wear a pattern or print with your solid jewel or neutral tone colors. It breaks up the colors and is visually flattering.
Prints and patterns that I love are florals, textured sweaters (herringbone, tweed, cable knit, or lace) and large prints over small prints.
The family pictured below has all the right elements mixed in their wardrobe. Moms patterned dress with a neutral textured sweater, her son has a beautiful jewel tone sweater, and dad is wearing a simple gray button down. The colors and textures are flattering, yet they are not the center of attention.
#5 tip for what to wear for fall family photos: things to avoid!
Although what to include is important, there are a few things that are so incredibly important to avoid!
Anything neon in color, distracting logos, baseball caps, sneakers or running shoes (your husband will want to wear them, tell him no 😆) and please remember to take out your keys, cell phone out of your pockets! Last, take your rubber band off of your wrist. I am a consistent offender of the rubber bands around wrist! Ha!
I always try to remember to have you remove things from pockets and wrists but it’s worth mentioning before you are photographed on your day.
To summarize:
- Choose what you want to wear first! Download my free guide here!
- Coordinate your wardrobe but never match outfits
- Choose flattering colors such as neutrals or jewel tones.
- Have a family member wear a pattern to break up colors.
- Avoid neon, baseball caps, sneakers, and remember to clear your wrist and pockets before we start your photo shoot.
Are you ready to book your family or maternity photos soon? I would love to help you have an incredible experience that is laid back yet results in gorgeous family photographs!
Contact me and let’s start planning your next family or maternity photo shoot!
You are rarely in front of the camera and you want someone to take the lead and create beautiful images of you and your family.  Moreover, a seamless process that will fit easily into your busy life! I know motherhood is hard, I have two little kids of my own, work full time, and are burning the candle at both ends just like you.
I’ve got your back and I want you to remember the real moments, not the cheesy stiff portraits from the 80’s. Let’s go have fun and create beautiful photos of you and your family!
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