As fall approaches, many families start thinking about capturing beautiful moments with a family photo shoot. Cooler temperatures and changing leaves make this time of year ideal for pictures. However, planning for a successful photo session takes some effort. Here are some tips on preparing your family for a fall photo shoot.
What to Wear for Your Fall Family Photos
Sorting through your closet to find what to wear for your fall family photos can feel overwhelming. So, where do you start? My best advice is to reach out to Emily McClaren, wardrobe stylist and mom, who gets how hard it is to do it all. She offers the best glow-ups for families who want to look their best with limited resources.
If you’re not ready to hire out for styling, no worries! Here are some of my best tips to help you look amazing without all the stress.
Where to start? Choose a location for your fall family photos.
Selecting the right location for your family photos is always a great place to begin. Knowing where you’ll be taking pictures will help dictate what to wear. Are you going to be on the beach, traipsing through a forest, running through a field, or strutting the streets of downtown Chicago? Once you decide, you can build your looks from there. If you’re unsure where to do your fall photos, you can always ask your photographer for recommendations. If you live in Chicago, you’re lucky to have scenes with both nature and skyline within driving distance. A few of my favorite spots include Montrose Harbor (featured above), the South Pond, Lurie Gardens, Northerly Island, Olive Park, and the 606 trail. They’re all full of gorgeous landscapes AND have the cityscape in the background.
Outside of the city, you’ll find great options for more rural settings that make for stunning, scenic backdrops. While you may have to drive a bit and contend with the elements, I find them well worth it for the wide open space that makes it fun for the kids to explore without any tall buildings blocking the golden hour light. Just be prepared with bug spray and appropriate attire. Those breathtaking sunset photos in the fields are made all the better when you know what you’re getting into beforehand.
Wherever you go, consider whether the location is easily accessible and has amenities such as restrooms and seating, especially if you have young kids.
Choose a color scheme.
Consider your background first and select something with contrast. Will you be near a forest with deep greens? A meadow of golden grass? Or a lake with varying shades of blue? Choose a palette that offers a bit of contrast against your background. For a fall, rich tones paired with classic neutrals work well. You can also use a color palette generator, to help find your palette. For example, here’s a palette created from one of the steps at Montrose Harbor. I love the chosen colors, but I recommend adding a pop of warmth for contrast, like a burnt orange sweater or a wheat-colored flowy dress.
Wherever you go, consider whether the location is easily accessible and has amenities such as restrooms and seating, especially if you have young kids.
Fabric that moves.
You know those photos of children running through grass fields, their hair wild in the wind? Well, one reason they’re so dynamic is the movement at the moment. Set yourself up for similar images by choosing fabric with a bit of give. Think linen maxi dress or gauzy skirt. Lighter tones are especially nice near sunset because they pop against darker backgrounds.
Avoid matchy-matchy.
Keep your attire stylish by choosing pieces that complement but aren’t exact duplicates for everyone. Instead of choosing one coordinating pattern for the whole family, try a fabric like denim or linen or color that ties everyone together, like the white shoes below. This family looks effortlessly coordinated without being dated or cheesy.
Layers and textures can also add depth and interest. Ensure everyone, especially the children, is comfortable in their outfits, making the experience more enjoyable.
Dress for the season.
Fall photos can be tricky to dress for in the Midwest. It’s hard to predict the wear. It could be 85 degrees in October or 45 and rainy. I recommend choosing pieces that can be layered. I love sleeveless jean dresses like this that can be layered with a light undershirt or a cozy sweater.
Other weather-appropriate options include dresses, skirts, or pants paired with tights and worn with boots or sneakers.
For the men of the family, I’m always pro linen or cotton shirt with a collar, which tends to be universally flattering. You can also add a sweater or jacket if the weather turns. For bottoms, when in doubt, well-fitting jeans or pants like these from Bonobos are great, classic options.
Be true to your taste.
My bff Agustina is from Argentina and over the last decade of our friendship, I’ve heard her say countless time, “I lovvvvvve color,” in her charming Argentine accent. She loves color so much she even painted the stairs in her home a bright blue! So, when it comes time for her family photos every year, I’m never surprised to see her wearing a vibrant, rich shade (like the red hue below). Her daughter is now following in her footsteps; it’s not so many bright colors, but rather just wearing what feels good, even if it’s two different colored statement bows.
I love that Agustina honors her unique tastes and encourages you to be true to what feels authentic to you. If you’re not a flowy dress and cowboy boots kinda gal, then don’t force. Use the other tips within pieces that align with your vibe.
What should the kids wear?
Regarding kids’ tastes, if you’re struggling to get your children to wear what you want them to wear (eh hem, me all the time with my boys). Try not to stress too much. I recommend bringing the outfit you have in mind for them but starting with what they feel comfortable in. Once they know they have a few photos in their favorite outfit, kids are often more willing to wear what their parents want. The most important thing is giving them some agency, especially at the start. This helps them to feel comfortable and supported, often leading to more cooperation later on.
If you want to get ahead of the resistance, a few clothing lines designed for sensory concerns often work well for younger children. Cat and Jack from Target come in super cute styles without itchy tags or scratchy material. Zara Kids is also a great place to shop for comfy but stylish options without distracting logos or overwhelming patterns.
Props
Incorporating props into your family photos can add a fun and personalized touch. Consider bringing seasonal items like pumpkins, hay bales, a cozy blanket, or even autumn leaves for a playful element. Props can help keep young children engaged and add visual interest to the photos. Just be mindful not to overcrowd the scene with too many props, as the focus should remain on your family.
Keeping Young Children Happy
Let them be free! Haha, ok, so I know that’s probably the last thing you want to hear, but, if you can let go of your expectations for “the perfect family photo” and embrace the moment, you may find way less resistance and more authentic memories.
As a mom, I know keeping young children happy during a photo shoot can be challenging. My own are reluctant subjects. Framing the session as a playful activity can ease some nerves. Also, you can trust me to guide the experience flow like a teacher might. I’ll give them lots of encouragement to help them feel comfortable and at ease.
Other tips I find helpful include:
- Scheduling around times when they are well-rested and fed.
- Bring their favorite toys or snacks to keep them entertained and energized.
- Incorporating their favorite activity or setting, like a park or game, allows children to be more in the moment, leading to genuine, heartwarming, candid photos.
Day of the Shoot
On the day of the shoot, arrive early to allow time to get settled and comfortable with the surroundings. I know the instinct might be to rattle off bribes (or demands) immediately, but try to instead let your photographer take the lead. Just like a teacher or a camp counselor, we specialize in directing the flow to maintain some structure while creating opportunities for real moments that you’ll treasure for years to come.
Keep this in mind, too, for posing. Rather than telling everyone to “smile and look at the camera,” which often results in you not smiling and looking at the camera, try letting the photographer direct everyone instead. If you’re feeling nervous or stressed about getting “the shot,” don’t hesitate to communicate that and ask for guidance. A relaxed and natural atmosphere often leads to the best photos. Be prepared for unexpected moments, like a sudden burst of laughter or an impromptu family hug – these unplanned instances often make for the most cherished photos.
In conclusion, preparing for a fall family photo shoot involves thoughtful planning and attention to detail. By coordinating outfits, selecting a picturesque location, incorporating props, and ensuring the comfort of young children, you can set the stage for a successful and enjoyable photo session. Remember that the goal is to capture authentic moments reflecting your family’s love and bond.
Enjoy the process and cherish the memories you create together.
For more inspiration, check out these pinterest boards for more ideas.
Cottage Core Fall family photo outfits
Holiday Sparkle – outfits for the holidays
Modern + Sleek Family Outfit Ideas