How to look FABULOUS for your Fall Family Photos

Fall is such an exciting time of year! Between apple picking, pumpkin farms, and wagon rides, there are many opportunities for making great memories with your family. It’s also a terrific time to preserve those memories of your family! The trees are beautiful, and the light is golden; it’s a perfect time to get that family picture for your Christmas card or update the frames on your walls.

While a great location and lovely people are important for a beautiful picture, what your family is wearing is equally important. Often your clothes are the colorful part of the photo, and your outfits set the tone for your picture. I’ve included some tips so that your photos stand-out, and your memories become art you will treasure for years.

Look Fabulous for your Fall Family Photos

Don’t match- instead coordinate

Once upon a time families all wore white shirts with jeans so that they looked similar. Instead, try to coordinate colors and patterns versus all wearing the same color.  Start with a base layer of blue, grey, or tan. Then have one or two people wear patterns of stripes or plaid within the same color scheme. Then add 2-3 “pops” of color. An example might be a yellow necklace for mom, a yellow hair bow for your daughter, and a yellow bow tie for your little boy.

Layers add dimension

Think about adding texture and layers to your wardrobe. For boys, perhaps a t-shirt, vest, and hat would look great. Little girls look adorable in a sweater dress, tights, boot socks, and a simple headband. Dad can wear jeans and a coordinating shirt, and mom will round the entire family out with great boots, leggings, a darling dress, and a scarf. Chunky necklaces, shawls, ponchos, wraps, and cardigans all give your photo a put-together look. Also, bring along a coordinating blanket to either sit on or wrap up in if your photographer wants you to get cozy.

Photo No No

Avoid having anyone wear all white since your eye will be drawn to that color in the photos. Please stay away from wearing

• logos or words
• anything sparkly, shiny, or neon
• cartoons or pictures on clothing.

Also, I don’t suggest using Gerber daisy flowers in neon colors and mesh hats with rhinestones. They tend to take away from your little one’s gorgeous features. Instead, look for simple headbands and classic ribbon bows. Hobby Lobby has some great, inexpensive options, as well as local bow-making-momma Fourth and Pierce. Her leather bows photograph so well and actually stay in even the wispiest of hair.

Some more quick tips:

• Ladies make sure your roots are touched up a week ahead of time, and men should get a haircut also a week beforehand. This ensures that the haircuts are not too fresh.
• Either take off nail polish or use a light color so that your nails are not distracting.
• Also, encourage everyone to use chapstick right before your shoot so that your lips are not dry and don’t get sticky after a smile session.

If you’re still stuck on what to wear, Pinterest has loads of ideas to put together the perfect outfit. I always encourage my clients to email me their wardrobe options so we can bounce ideas off of each other. The most important thing about a family photoshoot is that it captures the love between the people in front of the camera. But spending a little time making sure your clothing reflects you and your taste will give you portraits that you will cherish for years to come!

All photos are property of Jessica Lynn Studio.

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