Family Photos in the Fall: A Complete Guide for Stunning Pics

Fall Family Photos: A How-To Guide

Is there a better time of year for outdoor photos than autumn? The weather is mild, the leaves are changing, and the light has a warmth that’s hard to beat. It’s easy to see why so many families choose fall for their annual photoshoot, hoping to capture memories that will last a lifetime.

Of course, planning those family photos in the fall can also be stressful. What should everyone wear? Where should we go? How can you make sure everyone is smiling and having a good time?

That’s why we’ve put together this guide, full of tips and inspiration to help you plan the perfect fall family photos. We’ll cover everything from choosing outfits to finding the best locations, so you can relax and enjoy the process of creating beautiful memories with your loved ones.

Timing and Location: Setting the Stage for Stunning Fall Photos

To get truly stunning fall family photos, there are a few key components: the right time of day and a great location.

The Best Time for a Fall Photoshoot

Photographers often talk about the “golden hour,” which is the hour or hour and a half just before sunset. This is when the light is softest and most flattering, so try to schedule your photoshoot accordingly.

Fall weather can be a bit unpredictable, so be prepared for changes in temperature, wind, or even a sudden downpour. Bringing along extra layers and umbrellas can help you roll with whatever comes your way.

Location, Location, Location: Choosing the Perfect Backdrop

While a nature preserve or park is always a solid choice for fall photos, feel free to think outside the box. Farms, orchards, and even urban environments can provide beautiful and unique backdrops.

Before you settle on a location, it’s a good idea to scout it out in advance. Check for crowds, assess the lighting at different times of day, and make sure you have any necessary permissions to take photos there.

Also, keep in mind that the location can influence your clothing choices. A rustic barn might call for more casual attire, while a sophisticated city park could inspire a dressier look.

Outfit Coordination: Creating a Visually Harmonious Family Look

What should everyone wear for your family photos? It’s a question that stresses people out. Here’s how to create a cohesive look for your family without being too matchy-matchy.

The Foundation: Building a Color Palette

Think about a color palette that works well in the fall. Here are a few ideas:

• Neutral earth tones: Think browns, tans, creams, and olives.
• Jewel tones: Deep reds, emerald greens, sapphire blues, and amethyst purples can look beautiful against a backdrop of fall foliage.
• Black/white/gray combos: These can create a classic and sophisticated look.
• Autumn colors: Oranges, yellows, reds, and browns are always a good choice for fall family photos.

The key is to coordinate outfits within a color palette, not to match them exactly. You don’t want everyone wearing the same shade of blue jeans and a white t-shirt. Instead, think about different shades and textures within the same color family.

Diving into Details: Textures, Layers, and Patterns

This is where you can really add some visual interest to your photos. Think about incorporating:

• Textures: Corduroy, knits, denim, and leather can all add depth to your photos.
• Layers: Vests, jackets, scarves, and cardigans can add visual interest and also help keep everyone warm.
• Patterns: Plaid, floral, and stripes can add a pop of color and personality. Just be careful not to overdo it. A little pattern goes a long way.

Don’t forget about accessories! Scarves, hats, and jewelry can all help complete the look and add a personal touch.

Footwear Considerations

Footwear is often an afterthought, but it’s important to choose shoes that are both practical and stylish.

If you’re taking photos outdoors, avoid high heels. They’re not practical for walking on grass or uneven surfaces. Instead, opt for boots, flats, or sneakers.

Footwear can also complement the overall outfit. For example, a pair of brown leather boots would look great with a neutral earth-tone palette.

What to Wear: Outfit Ideas and Inspiration

Choosing outfits for a family photo shoot can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be! Here are some ideas to get you started:

Starting Point: Dressing Yourself First

A good strategy is to begin with one outfit – ideally one of the parents’ – to set the tone for the whole family. Think about the overall style you want to achieve and the color palette you’d like to use. This outfit will then serve as a guide for choosing everyone else’s clothes.

Most importantly, choose clothes that reflect your family’s style. If you’re a casual, jeans-and-t-shirt kind of family, don’t force yourselves into formal wear. The photos will look and feel more authentic if you’re all comfortable and being yourselves.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls: What NOT to Wear

There are a few things to avoid when choosing outfits for fall family photos:

• Colors to Avoid: Neon or overly saturated colors can be distracting and unflattering. Bright white can wash you out, and black can look too harsh.
• Other Considerations: Wrinkles can be distracting, so make sure everyone’s clothes are ironed or steamed. Transitional lenses can darken unexpectedly, so avoid wearing them or be prepared to remove glasses for some shots. And athletic shoes are generally a no-no unless they’re part of your family’s signature style.

Outfit Ideas

Here are some specific outfit ideas, depending on the type of photo shoot you’re planning:

• Casual, Outdoor Family Wear: Think jeans, sweaters, vests, boots, and plaid shirts. These are classic fall staples that look great in natural settings.
• Urban, Dressy Family Wear: Dress pants, skirts, blazers, dress shoes, and nice sweaters can create a sophisticated look for photos in a city setting.
• Relaxed, At-Home Family Wear: Comfortable sweaters, jeans, and socks are perfect for cozy photos taken in your home.

Tips for a Stress-Free Photoshoot

Family photoshoots can be a lot of fun, but they can also be a little stressful. Here are a few tips to make your fall family photoshoot as easy and enjoyable as possible:

• Plan ahead. Choose your outfits well in advance, try them on to make sure they fit and look good, and pack a bag with everything you might need: snacks, water, wipes, and maybe a small toy or book to keep the kids entertained.
• Embrace imperfection. The best photos are the ones that capture real moments. Don’t worry about getting everyone to stand perfectly still and smile. Focus on having fun and letting your personalities shine through.
• Manage expectations. Kids are kids. They might not always cooperate perfectly, and that’s okay. Be patient, flexible, and willing to go with the flow. If someone needs a break, take a break. The goal is to capture some great memories, not to create a perfect picture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Putting It All Together

Planning successful fall family photos is all about choosing the right time of day, picking a beautiful location, coordinating your outfits, and, most importantly, bringing a relaxed and happy attitude to the shoot. Remember, golden hour light is your friend, and leaning into the season’s natural beauty will make your photos shine.

It’s easy to get caught up in the details, but don’t forget why you’re taking these pictures in the first place: to capture this moment in your family’s story. These photos will be treasured reminders of your love and connection for years to come.

So, embrace the process, have fun with your loved ones, and create some beautiful, lasting memories this fall!