Family Resources: How to Prepare Your Family for a Fall Photoshoot —Tips for Stunning Outdoor Portraits
Fall Family Photoshoot Tips: How to Prepare for Stunning Outdoor Portraits | Victoria BC Family Photographer
Fall is one of the most magical times of the year for family photos. The vibrant colours, cozy outfits, and crisp air create the perfect backdrop for capturing beautiful moments with your loved ones. Whether you’re planning a session with just your immediate family or inviting extended family to join, these tips will help you get the most out of your fall family photoshoot.
Here’s everything you need to know, from what to wear to how to coordinate outfits, and what to expect during your session for flawless results.
What to Wear: Fall Colour Palette Ideas for Family Photos
Stick to Cool Blues and Greens
For a polished, serene look, incorporate shades like navy, forest green, and soft gray. These colours balance beautifully against the warm tones of autumn leaves, while adding a crisp, calming effect to your portraits. Pairing deep jewel tones like teal and plum with subtle neutrals such as cream or gray creates a refined and timeless family look.
Rich Jewel Tones
Jewel tones are particularly popular this year. Consider royal blue, burgundy, or plum for a bold, luxurious touch. These colours not only add depth and richness to your photos, but they also complement each other well, allowing you to coordinate outfits without being too matchy-matchy.
Earthy Hues
You can’t go wrong with classic autumn colours like olive green, burnt orange, or mustard yellow. These tones feel grounded and cozy, reflecting the natural beauty of the fall landscape. They’re a great choice for outdoor sessions, especially in wooded areas or parks.
Muted Pastels
If you prefer something softer, blush, dusty pink, and mauve are subtle yet sophisticated options. When combined with neutrals like cream or light gray, these colours lend a gentle, airy vibe to your photos while maintaining a timeless look.
Mixing Textures
Elevate your family’s outfits by mixing textures like corduroy, velvet, and knitwear. These materials add dimension and warmth, perfect for capturing the cozy essence of fall. For example, a velvet dress paired with a chunky knit cardigan or a corduroy jacket can make your portraits look more visually interesting and balanced.
Outfit Coordination Tips
Choose a Base Colour: Start with a neutral like gray, cream, or soft blue and build your palette around it with jewel tones or earthy hues as accents.
Coordinate, Don’t Match: Everyone in the family should wear complementary colours, but avoid identical outfits. This creates a cohesive look without feeling too uniform.
Comfort is Key: Opt for layers that not only keep everyone warm but also add visual interest. Make sure outfits are comfortable, especially for younger children who need to move and play during the session.
Plan for Footwear: Boots and sturdy shoes are practical for outdoor fall settings and add to the seasonal feel of your outfits.
What to Expect During a Fall Family Photoshoot
A fall photoshoot is all about capturing candid, natural moments while taking advantage of the stunning autumn scenery. Here’s a quick rundown of what you can expect during the session:
Timing for Golden Light: We’ll schedule the session during the “golden hour” (just before sunset or first thing in the morning) to capture the soft, flattering light that adds warmth and glow to your photos.
Relaxed Posing: I’ll guide you through a mix of posed and candid shots. Don’t worry about stiff poses—my goal is to create a comfortable environment where your family can relax and be themselves.
Outdoor Fun: Whether it’s a park, forest, or open field, I encourage families to interact naturally with the environment—think walking hand in hand or playing in a pile of leaves.
Quick Adjustments: I’ll be there to help with small adjustments (like tucking in a loose strand of hair or adjusting layers) to ensure everyone looks their best.
Book Your Fall Family Photoshoot Today!
Ready to book your session? Don’t miss out on the opportunity to capture your family’s special moments in the beauty of fall. Whether you’re planning a session with just your immediate family or want to include extended family for a bigger gathering, I’m here to make the experience easy and enjoyable.
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About Erin Clayton Photography
Erin Clayton is a professional family and portrait photographer based in Victoria, BC, specializing in capturing authentic, timeless moments for families across Vancouver Island. With over a decade of experience behind the camera, Erin combines her passion for storytelling with a deep understanding of natural light and outdoor settings to create stunning, emotive portraits. Her approach is warm, relaxed, and family-centered, making every session fun and stress-free for her clients. Erin's expertise extends beyond the camera—she offers a seamless booking process and personalized guidance, ensuring families receive beautiful, high-quality images and keepsakes that they’ll treasure for years to come. When she's not photographing, you can find Erin exploring the island with her own family or working on her web design business.
Contact Erin to schedule your session.