Sep 29, 2026

Family

Fall Family Photo Checklist: What to Wear & How to Prepare

Fall Family Photo Checklist: What to Wear & How to Prepare

Fall family photos are all about cozy layers, warm colors, and letting your family’s personality shine through. A little preparation beforehand can make your session feel much more relaxed — and help you get photos you’ll love. Here’s everything you need to know before your fall family session!

Start With Your Color Palette:

For fall photos, I love:

Rust • Burgundy • Olive • Mustard • Cream • Denim • Charcoal

Choose 2–3 main colors + one neutral and mix them throughout everyone’s outfits.

Some combinations I love:

  • Burgundy + olive + cream

  • Rust + cream + denim

  • Cream + denim + mustard

  • Olive + cream + burgundy

Think coordinated, not identical. Everyone wearing the same color or pattern can make the photos feel a little too matchy-matchy. Avoid stark white and small patterns!

Fall family photo session

Add Layers & Texture

Fall is the perfect time for sweaters, cardigans, jackets, scarves, boots, and other cozy layers. Textures like knit, denim, corduroy, linen, and wool add interest to your photos without being distracting. And don’t be afraid of a subtle pattern! Florals, stripes, or small prints can work beautifully when balanced with solid colors.

Fall family photo session

👢 Don’t Forget the Shoes

Shoes are part of the outfit too! Choose something comfortable enough for walking, playing, and exploring. Boots, simple sneakers, and neutral shoes are all great options.

Fall family photo session

🗓️ The Week Before

A little preparation goes a long way:

  • Try on everyone’s complete outfit.

  • Make sure everything fits comfortably.

  • Steam or iron clothes.

  • Check shoes and accessories.

  • Schedule haircuts if needed a week before.

  • Check the weather.

🎒 What Should You Bring?

  • A few snacks for your kids

  • Wipes / tissues

  • A backup outfit for little ones

  • Any special comfort item your child may need

Pro tip: Don’t give the kids their snacks right before we start shooting. Save them for when we actually need a little bribery. 😉

❤️ Talk to Your Kids About Photos

You don’t need to tell your kids to “smile for the camera!” all day. Instead, tell them we’re going to play, explore, snuggle and have fun outside! Some of my favorite photos happen when kids aren’t looking at the camera at all.

✨ Most Importantly…

Don’t worry about everything being perfect. Your toddler might not cooperate. Someone might get grass on their pants. Your kids might want to run instead of sit still. That’s okay. The goal isn’t perfect behavior — it’s capturing your family exactly as you are right now. Come ready have fun and let me take care of the rest. 🤎

Your Quick Fall Photo Checklist

☐ Choose a fall color palette
☐ Coordinate outfits without matching
☐ Add layers + texture
☐ Try everything on ahead of time
☐ Pack snacks + kid essentials
☐ Check the weather
☐ Leave extra time before your session
☐ Come ready to have fun!

Fall family photo sessionFall family photo session

I'm still squealing at these photos!

Blair M.