Planning your fall family photos in Richmond, VA? Here's how to coordinate outfits, choose beautiful autumn colors, and feel confident in front of the camera.
Fall is one of my favorite seasons for family photography. The warm colors, beautiful light, and crisp autumn air create the perfect setting for capturing the little moments that make your family unique.But if you've ever planned family photos, you probably know that choosing outfits can quickly become the most stressful part!What colors should everyone wear? Should the kids match? What if you don't want to buy an entirely new wardrobe?
As a mom, wife, Short Pump resident, and family photographer, I understand that you want your family to look beautiful while still feeling like yourselves. The good news? You don't need perfectly matching outfits to create timeless family photos.Here are my favorite tips for choosing outfits for your fall family photography session.
1. Start with a color palette
One of the easiest ways to coordinate your family's outfits is to choose three to five complementary colors.
Rather than dressing everyone in the same color, look for shades that work beautifully together. Fall is perfect for warm neutrals, earthy greens, rich browns, and seasonal accents like rust and burgundy. Here are three palettes I love for fall family photos.
2. Coordinate, don't match
Everyone wearing the same white shirt and jeans might seem like the easiest option, but coordinating outfits often creates a more natural and interesting result. Instead, choose pieces that complement one another while allowing each family member's personality to shine.
For example, Mom might wear an ivory sweater and denim, Dad could wear a navy sweater with camel or khaki pants, and the children could incorporate rust, cream, or olive. The goal is to make everyone look connected without making the outfits feel identical.
3. Mix textures and fabrics
When choosing outfits, think beyond color. Knits, denim, corduroy, linen, and soft cotton add depth and dimension to photographs. Combining different textures helps neutral colors feel interesting without relying on bold patterns or busy prints. If someone wears a floral dress or plaid shirt, keep the other outfits a little simpler. You can pick up one or two colors from the pattern to bring everything together.
And remember: comfortable clothing that allows everyone to walk, cuddle, play, and move naturally will always be a good choice.
4. Keep the little ones comfortable
Some of the sweetest family photographs happen when children are simply being themselves.
Choose soft fabrics, comfortable shoes, and easy layers that allow your little ones to explore, play, and cuddle throughout the session. Coordinate siblings through colors rather than dressing them in identical outfits.
A few practical things to bring along:
- A backup outfit for younger children.
- Extra socks in case of wet grass or muddy shoes.
- Layers for chilly fall weather.
- Wipes and anything else your children might need.
Don't worry if clothes get wrinkled or little hands get dirty. Those real moments often become the memories you treasure most.
5. Choose accessories thoughtfully
Accessories can add personality and polish to your family's look without distracting from the photographs.
A delicate necklace, classic leather belt, beautiful boots, or simple hair bow can be just enough.
Try to avoid large logos, competing patterns, and accessories that need constant adjusting. The focus should remain on your family's faces, connections, and interactions.
And don't forget the finishing touches: check collars, smooth wrinkles, adjust sleeves, and remove hair ties from wrists before your session.
6. Dress for comfort and confidence
This is one of my biggest pieces of advice: wear something that makes you feel good.
You don't need to follow every trend or wear something outside your personal style. Choose clothes that fit well, feel comfortable, and make you feel beautiful.
Fall weather in Virginia can also be unpredictable, so bring an extra layer for everyone. Nobody wants chilly children or shivering smiles in their photos!
Before your session, try on everyone's outfits together. Lay them out on the bed and look at the whole picture. If the colors feel harmonious and the clothes feel like your family, you're on the right track.
7. Prepare for a relaxed family session
A little preparation can make your photo session much more enjoyable.
Try to get yourself dressed and ready before the kids, giving yourself time to prepare while they play. Make sure everyone has eaten before leaving, and plan for traffic so you don't feel rushed. I recommend arriving about 10 minutes early.
Once the session begins, avoid putting pressure on your children to smile or behave in a particular way. Let them play, explore, and interact naturally with you. I'll guide you throughout the session, but some of the most meaningful images happen in the moments between the poses.
You don't have to make everything perfect. Just be present and enjoy this time with your family.
Want more fall family outfit inspiration?
I've put together a Fall Family Style Guide to help you take the guesswork out of choosing outfits.
Inside, you'll find three curated color palettes, practical styling advice, tips for dressing little ones, and complete outfit inspiration with shopping links to help you put everything together. Sign up with your email address, and I'll send you the guide so you can start planning your family's look.
Let's create beautiful memories together
Fall is a wonderful time to slow down, enjoy the changing seasons, and capture the stage of life your family is in right now.
Whether you're planning your first family photo session or updating your family's portraits, I would love to help you create images that feel natural, meaningful, and true to you.
I'm Clarice Oliveira, a family photographer serving Short Pump, Richmond, and the surrounding Virginia communities. If you're thinking about scheduling a fall family session, I'd love to hear from you. Explore family photography sessions in Richmond, VA
