Fall Family Photos: Style Guide

If you’ve already scheduled your fall family photos, you’re probably starting to wonder what you should wear! (And if you haven’t scheduled a session yet…reach out! There aren’t many openings left…) Scroll down to view my best tips as well as some inspirations from other families!

1.) What should I (mom) wear for family photos?

You (mom) should pick your outfit first! (Not a typo!) I want you to pick your outfit before you pick what your kids will wear. Shop for something you love and feel great in. Personally, I’m a fan of dresses. They feel romantic and special to me. A flattering dress can be just the thing to boost your confidence. But, if you’re not a fan of dresses, that’s fine too! Wear whatever makes you feel confident and comfortable.

2.) What colors are best for family photos?

I love lightly colored neutrals year-round! If you’re feeling colorful, that’s awesome too! Consider avoiding red, as it can cause color-cast issues (giving your little daughter a red glow on her face from your shirt). And if you’ve selected a very green location, a green dress may cause you to blend into the background a bit too much. I recommend avoiding extremely bright colors and big logos as well.

3.) Should my family match?

I always vote for coordination rather than matching. Pick a color scheme and mix in prints and textures to make things interesting. Gone are the days of everyone wearing jeans and a white shirt! (Phew!)

4.) What else should I consider?

Let’s talk about undergarments! If you’re worried about bra straps peaking out, pick a different bra or utilize fashion tape to keep everything in place. If you’re worried about your underwear being visible through your skirt or dress, try a different pair of underwear or purchase a slip to wear underneath. And if the dress you want to wear requires adjusting to keep everything in place…I’d recommend picking something else entirely. It’s not worth the stress/worry!

5.) Where should I shop?

I’m always here for supporting local boutiques! If you’re from Pittsburgh, check out No. 14 Boutique in Lawrenceville (or online!). I’m also a big fan of Target and their affordable options that you can buy to try on and return what doesn’t fit. When it comes to online shopping, Baltic Born, Jessa Kae, Hillhouse, Lulus, and Amazon are some of my favorites.

Some Baltic Born Picks:

(Baltic Born dresses are oftentimes bump-friendly!)

Some Jessa Kae Picks:

(Jessa Kae offers inclusive sizing as well as mini-me pairings)

What about my kids?

You probably already spend so much time shopping for your kids, that this part is easy (and fun!). And for that reason, I’m not going to spend much time on it! Just dress your kids appropriately for the weather (utilizing layers as needed) and make sure the outfit fits before your session day. If your kids tends to get messy (or wrinkley) in the car, plan to arrive early and change their clothes in the car before the session. And always bring a back-up outfit just in case…

What about my husband?

Your husband’s attire should be similar to yours in formality. If you’re wearing something dressy, have your husband dress up as well! And if you’re going casual, dress the whole fam causally! Husbands typically wear sweaters, polos, or dress shirts. And when you’re planning out his outfit…don’t forget about socks and shoes!

Need a little more help?

I always invite my clients to text me if they’d like additional guidance! You’re welcome to send me pictures and ask me questions. And if you’re looking for full-service styling, check out Liz from Rise Styling!

What Exactly is an Extended Family Session?

The majority of my photo sessions are immediate family members only. Basically…parents and their kids! Once we start adding in grandparents, aunts/uncles, or other family members who live in a different household, I define that as an extended family session.

Extended family photo sessions tend to be larger, last longer, and include a longer must-have shot list. They tend to require more prep-work, more shooting time, and more editing. For that reason, they cost more! When you inquire about an extended family photo session, I’ll ask you who will be in attendance before giving you a session price.

Prior to your extended family photo session, I’ll send a questionnaire for you to fill out so I can learn everyone’s name, relation to each other, and age (kids only). I’ll also ask you for a list of people groupings/combinations you’d like me to photograph. This all helps me to prepare! Then I can arrive to your session with a plan. You can relax, and I’ll run the show!

Spotlight On: The Family Dog

Ok ok, if you’re just here for the cute dog photos…scroll down ;) But if you’re here to find out how to prepare for a photo session with your pup - continue reading!

A Few Things to Know

1) I LOVE dogs! I am a dog person, and I absolutely love meeting and photographing your furry friends! I don’t care if your dog jumps up or covers me in dog fur. It won’t faze me, so don’t worry!

2) Dogs can add a LOT to photos. The cuteness degree will go through the roof once your pupper steps into the frame.

3) Not every dog is right for every session. Especially for outdoor sessions, bringing your energetic dog may limit the shots we’re able to get. If it’s all a hassle you just don’t want to deal with, you can always leave your dog at home.

4) Dogs of varying ages, sizes, breeds, and energy levels can be great in photos! These factors will likely influence the type of shots we’re able to get, but most dogs can get in on the action in some way.

5) Not all locations are dog-friendly. For example, Christmas tree farms oftentimes won’t allow pets. Dogs are allowed at most parks, but it’s always helpful to let me know you want to bring your pet with you for photos.

6) Safety comes first. For every dog + newborn shot you see, there is a parent’s hand cropped or edited out of frame, there to protect the newborn in case of sudden movement. I will always ask about your dog’s temperament before taking photos. I won’t even attempt a photo of just a dog and baby if the parents don’t feel it would go well.

Tips & Tricks

1) If you plan to bring your dog(s) to an outdoor session, consider asking a friend of family member to come along and hold the leash for a few dog-free photos. This isn’t necessary, but it gives us a lot more flexibility to get the best shots with the least amount of chaos.

2) Most dogs need patience and treats. Bring both!

3) If your dog will be included in your in-home photo session, consider letting your dog roam around throughout the session. This gives your pup time to calm down and get used to me, which tends to make photographing them easier! Additionally, it allows for more authentic moments with the dog. For example, your dog (or cat) may come up and sniff your newborn’s head. What a precious, natural moment! Moments like these won’t happen if your pet is gated in a different area of the house.

Now what you all came here for…