There’s nothing quite like a family photo shoot in the fall. The vibrant leaves, cozy sweaters, and crisp air create a picturesque backdrop for capturing precious memories.
A fall family pic makes a great holiday card photo and a timeless keepsake. But let’s be honest: planning a photoshoot can be stressful. Finding the right location, coordinating outfits, and wrangling everyone together at the perfect time can feel overwhelming.
This guide will help you plan a successful and enjoyable fall family photo shoot. We’ll cover everything from location ideas and outfit inspiration to timing tips and strategies for capturing genuine smiles.
Location, location, location: Selecting the perfect backdrop
The right location can make or break your fall family photo. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Embracing the outdoors
One of the best things about fall is the riot of colors in parks and forests. Scout out locations with a variety of trees and foliage for plenty of visual appeal.
Farms and orchards, with their pumpkin patches, apple trees, and corn mazes, can also provide a rustic, seasonal backdrop. Be sure to check with the business before showing up with your camera.
Alternative options
If you’re going for a more modern vibe, city parks, brick walls, or even your favorite coffee shop could be the right place. Or, you could simply use your own backyard. Familiar surroundings can help everyone relax and be themselves.
Timing is everything: capturing the golden light
The time of day you schedule your photo shoot can make a big difference in how your pictures turn out.
Understanding golden hour
The hour or hour and a half before sunset is often called the “golden hour,” and it’s the perfect time for outdoor photography. The sunlight is soft and warm, which gives everyone a flattering glow and a magical look.
Dealing with overcast skies
Don’t automatically cancel your photo shoot if the weather turns cloudy. Overcast days provide soft, even light that eliminates harsh shadows and squinting eyes.
Considering children’s schedules
The best-laid plans can go awry if you don’t plan your photo session around your children’s nap times and bedtimes. Well-rested kids are happier and more cooperative.
For younger children, consider scheduling a shorter “mini” session to hold their attention and get the best shots.
Outfit Coordination: Styling Your Family for Success
Planning your family’s outfits can be one of the most fun—or most stressful—parts of getting ready for a fall family photoshoot. Here’s how to put together a cohesive, stylish look that will look great in photos without causing anyone undue stress.
Prioritizing Comfort and Fit
First and foremost, make sure everyone is comfortable. If the kids are complaining about scratchy seams or too-tight waistbands, it’ll show in the pictures. Similarly, avoid clothes that are too baggy or ill-fitting.
Color Palettes and Coordination
Think about the colors around you. Neutral earth tones, jewel tones, and classic black, white, and gray all work well for fall photos. Colors like rust and burnt orange are always a good choice for fall.
When you’re picking out outfits, aim for a coordinated look without being too “matchy-matchy.” One strategy is to start with one outfit you love (maybe Mom’s?) and then coordinate everyone else’s outfits around that.
If you have a family of five or fewer, try to stick to just one pattern in the photos.
Textures and Layers
Textures like chunky knits, velvet, lace, or ruffles can add depth to your photos. Think about fall-friendly textures like flannels, scarves, and maybe even a cozy blanket to snuggle up in.
Layers are great for both warmth and style. Vests, jackets, cardigans, and scarves can all add visual interest to your outfits.
What to Avoid
While personal style is always the right style, some colors and patterns can come across poorly in photos.
Avoid overly dark or dramatic colors, as they can be too harsh. Similarly, steer clear of neon colors, as they can be distracting. Finally, try to use ivory, cream, or tan instead of stark white, and avoid black if possible.
Outfit Inspiration: Ideas for Different Styles and Palettes
What will you wear? Here are a few popular styles and color palettes to help you pick out the perfect outfits for your fall family photo shoot.
Neutral and Earth Tones
For a classic and timeless look, you can’t go wrong with creams, tans, browns, and grays. These soft, natural colors are versatile and flattering, working well in all kinds of locations and complementing a range of skin tones. Neutrals create a calm, understated vibe that keeps the focus on the people in the photo.
Jewel Tones
If you’re looking to add some color, jewel tones like emerald green, sapphire blue, ruby red, and amethyst purple are rich, vibrant choices that still feel appropriate for fall. These hues pair beautifully with the warmer colors of the season, adding depth and sophistication to your photos.
Autumn Colors
Embrace the essence of fall with warm colors like rust, burnt orange, mustard yellow, and olive green. These colors evoke the feeling of the season, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere in your photos. Imagine these colors set against a backdrop of colorful fall leaves!
Floral and Feminine
For a soft and romantic touch, consider incorporating floral prints and feminine details like ruffles and lace. Floral patterns can add a whimsical and charming element to your photos, creating a lighthearted and joyful feel. This style works particularly well in outdoor settings with natural light.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best color to wear for a family photo shoot?
There’s no single “best” color, but consider a color palette that complements the fall foliage. Earthy tones like mustard yellow, burnt orange, olive green, and burgundy work beautifully. Avoid overly bright or neon colors, which can be distracting. Most importantly, choose colors that make everyone feel comfortable and confident!
When to take fall family photos?
The best time is during the “golden hour” – the hour after sunrise or the hour before sunset. The light is soft, warm, and flattering. Timing also depends on peak fall foliage in your area, which varies by location and year. Keep an eye on local foliage reports to plan your shoot accordingly.
What are the best colors for fall family photos?
Beyond the earthy tones mentioned earlier, consider incorporating denim, cream, and even a touch of navy. The key is to create a cohesive look without being overly matchy-matchy. Think about layering textures like sweaters, scarves, and vests to add visual interest to your photos.
What to wear fall family pic?
Focus on coordinating outfits, not matching. Think about the location and choose colors that will stand out against the background without clashing. Avoid busy patterns or logos. Comfort is key! Choose clothes that allow you and your family to move freely and feel relaxed during the photoshoot. Also, consider the weather and choose clothing that will keep you warm.
Key Takeaways
When planning your fall family photo session, remember that the most important thing is to have fun and capture authentic moments. Don’t worry about getting that picture-perfect shot. Instead, focus on letting your family’s personality shine through.
Even if there are tantrums or wardrobe malfunctions, the photos will still become cherished memories.
So, relax, enjoy the moment, and let your family be themselves. Years from now, you’ll be glad you captured these special memories.