What to wear for an autumn family photoshoot
I LOVE Autumn! It's nature's finest gift to outdoor family photographers everywhere and no more so than here is our little spot in Yorkshire.
Every year my home village of Boston Spa (nestled in between Leeds, Harrogate and Wetherby) provides everything I need to capture wonderful fun relaxed portraits of local families - I've found all the very best spots, with the most stunning natural backgrounds for my annual autumn mini shoots .
Autumn family photoshoots
Autumn mini shoots, held in October, are a condensed version of my full-blown family shoots.
I promise you 20 minutes of fun followed by a lifetime to enjoy the family photographs we take. While having fun playing in the colourful fallen leaves, and searching for pumpkins, I will capture your children running wild and free, and gather you all together for that family picture that you NEVER quite manage to get.
What to wear to an autumn family photoshoot
"What should we wear?" is the most frequent question I get asked by clients.
Choosing the colours and clothes to wear for your family photoshoot is really important. After all, what you're wearing is going to be the image of yourself that you present to the rest of the world for as long as that print hangs on your wall!
To help the process I have some up with a few basic guidelines around autumn photoshoot outfits.
These shoots are all about colour, fun and personality - we'll be throwing leaves high in the sky, jumping around, and bending double with laughter. It’s not the time for stilettos and pencil skirts. Though if anyone wants to come in a ballgown that always looks fabulous!
1. Wear whatever makes you feel confident
Firstly and most importantly you've got to be yourself during your outdoor family photoshoot. And good well-fitting clothes make you feel confident.
I also recommend booking hair appointment, getting nails done or anything else that gives you a boost. In all honesty, most grown ups I meet don't relish having their photograph taken so feeling your best is key.
Related reading: Creative ways to display your family photos in your home
2. Aim for a cohesive colour scheme
Think about the family as a whole and go for a cohesive style and colour scheme. That's not to say you should all dress alike but stick with a basic palette for everyone.
Calm, neutral, understated colours work well but my top tip for autumn would be warm earthy colours - burgundy, dark blues, yellows and generally colours that reflect nature around us at this time of year.
I always suggest sticking to three colours throughout your family group which will help you to look coordinated without being too ‘matchy'.
3. Add an accent colour
You can get an amazing impact from a splash of something brighter that compliments the basic colour choice.
See how the accents of orange work so well with the base colour of dark blue in this family's portrait below and it tones in perfectly with the colours of the leaves in the background behind them.
4. Go big on textures, but keep pattern to a minimum
Avoid too much pattern. A family with mum in a flowery dress, dad in a striped shirt and kids in spotty shorts and slogan t-shirts risks making a portrait too “busy” and overwhelming to the eye.
Different textures look great though – lace, cable knit wool, silk and cotton from the same palette can be interesting without being distracting.
And definitely no big logos!
5. Layer up with hats and accessories
Layers are good. It's Yorkshire after all and it might get a bit chilly so a snuggly scarf and pair of gloves that compliment your outfit will ensure you stay warm, and comfortable.
Hats can look great in an autumn family photoshoot but consider what your hair will look like when you take the hat off!
Autumn family photoshoot: What to wear?
Need more help? I am always happy to give advice on what to wear. You can send me a snap of the outfits you are considering, and I can cast my eye over them before your shoot.
Remember that first and foremost you should feel comfortable, warm, relaxed and ready for a fun, informal and happy autumn shoot.
Looking forward to seeing you soon!
Related reading: How to prepare for a family photoshoot
More details about my autumn mini shoots
2022 mini autumn family photoshoots will take place in a beautiful location near Boston Spa, West Yorkshire.
Contact me for more information.
Related reading: Spring photoshoot outfit ideas
