5 Outfit Tips for Fall Photo Sessions

First Things First…

Before we get into the outfit tips, there’s a few things that should be in place. First, make sure you have chosen a photographer whose style you love. There are so many factors that go into choosing a photographer – there is so much talent in the Walnut Creek area, let alone the whole East Bay area! Make sure to choose someone who aligns with your vision stylistically.

Once you choose a photographer, the location should be next. In the East Bay, we have so many beautiful settings to choose from for family photography sessions – from beaches to the Redwoods and to the Mt Diablo foothills in between. Outfit planning for a beach session is a lot different than a mountain session, for example.

Outfit Tip #1

Choose moms outfit first! My first outfit tip is always the same – Moms, choose your outfit first. It’s so important to choose something you feel great in. If you’re feeling uncomfortable or self conscious, not only will it show on camera, but you’re not going to be able to relax and enjoy the experience of your session. I like to encourage moms to wear flowy dresses as they are both flattering and photograph so beautifully! Smocked tops or A Line styles are flattering on almost everyone!

Some of my favorite retailers for dresses are Baltic Born, Bohme, and Free People. I actually have tons of dresses from all these companies as a part of my complimentary client closet (contact me if you’d like all the info on that).

Outfit Tip #2

The second outfit tip goes along with the first. Moms and dads, make sure you can move around comfortably in your outfits. You will likely be sitting on the ground, playing with your kids and picking them up if they are little. So moms, make sure nothing is too tight, and dads, make sure if you lift up the kiddos, your shirt isn’t too short. I play lots of games during my sessions so being able to move is a must!

Outfit Tip 3

Chose your color pallet. Outfit tip number 3 will depend on your location and the time of year. Imagine your photography location. Spring in Walnut Creek is full of vibrant greens, so if that’s your background, avoid green! If you are playing in the Mt Diablo wildflowers for a spring mini session, I would go with light, neutral colors so it doesn’t get to busy.

If colors aren’t your forte, my complimentary session guide has some sample color pallets you can use to start!

Outfit Tip 4

Dress the family! Outfit tip 4 is the big one. This is where you put it all together. The biggest thing to remember here is to keep everyone coordinated but avoid being overly matchy matchy. Layers always look great, as do accessories. And again, if you book a session with me, I go into more detail on this as well!

Outfit Tip #5

Be yourself! Seriously. If big flowy dresses aren’t you, don’t wear them! These pictures are meant to capture your family, not fit a template. Like I said early on, if you aren’t comfortable, it’s going to show and you ultimately won’t love you photos. My favorite part about family photography is that every session is unique! I don’t want everyone dressed the same. I want you, as you are!

Want to see some outfit examples?

Check out a new post with some styled mood boards showing a put together look for the whole family… plus there’s even links so you can grab the pieces for yourself!

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Interested in booking your family session? Feel free to contact me through my website or just email me at jenn@jennchenphotography.com. If you’d like to see some more great outfit coordinating, take a look at my portfolio – my families always do such a great job!