Fall Style guide for your Family Photoshoot
Fall is the perfect time for family photos, the weather is a bit cooler, there are changing colors, golden hour is earlier making scheduling easier, and you’re probably starting to think about having photos for holiday cards and gifts.
So you’ve booked the photo session and chosen your location, now, what do you wear?
This isn’t 1995, we're not all wearing light jeans and a white tee-shirt, (but I mean if that’s the vibe you’re going for let’s do it!). Your family can look effortlessly cohesive with out having everyone matching. This guide with give you tips for looking put together in a way that looks natural and timeless.
Color Palette
Start out by choosing your color palette, a few colors that everyone’s outfits can include. When everyone’s clothing is in the same color palette that creates the effortlessly coordinated look with out matching.
Make sure you take into account the location of your shoot. You want to stand out from the background, not blend in. So if you’ll be in the oranges and yellow leaved aspen groves going for more jewel toned, or muted colors would be a good fit.
Here are a few color palette ideas:
Warm neutrals: cream, beige, camel, tan
Earth tones: olive, rust, terracotta, brown
Muted colors: dusty blue, sage, plum, mauve
Jewel tones: burgundy, mustard, forest green, navy blue
Coordinate, don’t match
Everyone should be wearing something different, different style, textures, solids, patterns. But they all should be with in your chosen color palette to coordinate together. You want all the colors and textures to work together to get that cohesive look. Also having variation makes the group look more nature and gives images some visual interest.
Your formula for coordinating:
Choose a color palette of 3–5 complementary colors.
Mix lighter and darker shades.
Let each family member have their own individual style.
Avoid putting everyone in the exact same color.
Add layers And textures
Fall is the perfect season for layers, and you may want them anyways with the fluctuating temperature. Layers also add visual interest with different colors and textures.
Great layering options:
Cardigans
Sweaters
Flannels
Denim jackets
Vests
Oversized scarves
Wool coats
Knit sweaters
Patterns: yes, but use them strategically
Wearing patterns is not necessarily bad for photos! you just want to make sure not to over do it by having multiple people in competing patterns, wearing a pattern that is really busy or tiny, or multiple people wearing a very bold pattern. The best rule of thumb is to have only one or two people in two different patterns, like a plaid and a floral, and everyone else in solids or subtle textures.
Good pattern options:
Florals
Subtle stripes
Plaid
Simple geometric patterns
Weather
Remember to check the weather before your session, fall temperatures can range from warm and summer-like to very chilly. It’s also good to keep in mind that a warm golden hour can turn quite chilly after the sun has gone behind the mountains. So bringing those extra layers that fit in with your color palette is always a good idea. A cozy blanket is also a great option to use as both extra warmth and fun prop.
Outfit options
For Mom:
Flowy midi dress + boots
Sweater dress + ankle boots
Jeans + cozy sweater + jacket
Skirt + sweater
Neutral dress + cardigan
Flowy dresses and skirts can add great movement to photos, while pants and sweater combos are a more cozy look.
For Dad:
Dark jeans + sweater
Chinos + button-down + jacket
Dark pants + henley + overshirt
Jeans + flannel + jacket
Neutral sweater + chinos
Keep things simple and comfortable, but by adding layers it will create visual interest.
For Kids:
Knit sweaters
Corduroy pants
Dresses with tights
Overalls
Boots
Cardigans
Flannels
Denim jackets
Kids clothes should be comfortable so they can move around and play. If their clothes are too formal and uncomfortable they won’t want to wear it and that can translate to looking uncomfortable in photos.
Planning fall family photos in Lake Tahoe? I’d love to help you choose a location, plan your session, and capture your family during one of the most beautiful times of year.