Looking back at years of family photos, I can confidently say that despite the calendar juggling, outfit coordination, and the near-impossible task of getting everyone to look at the camera simultaneously, I cherish every single photoshoot. These captured moments are invaluable. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the thought of planning your Fall Family Photos, especially the outfits, you’re not alone. Let’s dive into making the outfit selection process the easiest part of your photoshoot!
We were so excited to capture our family photos in our new Denver home with the beautiful fall foliage. However, I quickly learned that the window for peak fall colors is surprisingly short – maybe two weeks! And fitting that timeframe into everyone’s busy schedules isn’t always easy. That’s why many families, like mine, opt for photoshoots whenever schedules allow, embracing the beauty of any season.
One crucial lesson I learned this year is the importance of communicating with your photographer about their editing style. My personal preference leans towards natural, true-color photos with minimal editing. So, I was quite disappointed when our beach family photos (taken by a different photographer than usual) came back with heavy filters and yellow undertones. No matter how perfectly coordinated your outfits are, if the final edits don’t align with your vision, you might not be completely happy with the results. While I’m incredibly grateful we captured those moments with my in-laws for the first time, the editing style wasn’t what I had hoped for.
Outdoor extended family portrait on a beach. Family members are wearing outfits in light blue, navy, and khaki. Women are in dresses and blouses, men in shirts and sweaters, and children in similar coordinated outfits.
Candid outdoor extended family portrait on a beach. Family members are laughing and interacting, wearing light blue, navy, and khaki outfits including dresses, shirts, sweaters and pants.
Close up outdoor extended family portrait on a beach. Three women in light blue and khaki outfits are smiling and posing together.
Now, let’s get to the exciting part – outfit ideas for your fall family photos! For more inspiration and past family photo outfit ideas and color palettes, you can explore HERE.
Neutral Color Schemes for Fall Family Photos
If you’re planning a fall family photoshoot in a location like a beach or an open field, a neutral color scheme can be incredibly beautiful. Drawing inspiration from the warm tones of dry grass or even a studio setting, these colors create a timeless and elegant look. Soft pinks and sea greens can add subtle pops of color to your neutral palette.
Family photo outfit inspiration collage featuring neutral color scheme with beige, tan, cream, soft pink and sea green for women's options.
Sage Green, Blush Pink, Cream, and Grey Fall Outfit Palette
For a soft and sophisticated fall family photo aesthetic, consider a color scheme of sage green, blush pink, cream, and grey. This palette is versatile and works beautifully in various fall settings, from pumpkin patches to parks with changing leaves.
Family photo outfit inspiration collage featuring sage green, blush pink, cream, and grey color scheme with options for women, men, boys and girls.
Soft Brown, Khaki, Cream, Powder Blue, and Camel Color Scheme
Embrace the warmth of fall with a color scheme featuring soft brown, khaki, cream, powder blue, and camel. This palette offers a cozy and inviting feel, perfect for capturing the essence of autumn in your family photos.
Family photo outfit inspiration collage featuring soft brown, khaki, cream, powder blue and camel color scheme with options for women, men, boys and girls.
Powder Blue, Cream, Light Brown, and White for Fall Photos
For a lighter and airier fall family photo look, consider a palette of powder blue, cream, light brown, and white. This color scheme is fresh and clean, offering a beautiful contrast against the richer tones of fall foliage if you choose an outdoor setting.
Family photo outfit inspiration collage featuring powder blue, cream, light brown, and white color scheme with options for women, men, boys and girls.
Deep Rich Tones: Caramel, Greens, and Reds for Autumn
If your area boasts vibrant fall foliage, lean into those rich, deep tones! Caramel, greens, and reds look stunning surrounded by turning leaves, creating a truly autumnal feel for your family photos.
Family photo outfit inspiration collage featuring olive green, camel, forest green, and caramel color scheme with options for women, men, boys and girls.
Red, Brown, Brick Red, Beige, Tan, Rust, and Camel Fall Palette
For a classic fall vibe, explore a color scheme of red, brown, brick red, beige, tan, rust, and camel. These warm and earthy tones evoke the quintessential autumn atmosphere and photograph beautifully in outdoor fall settings.
Family photo outfit inspiration collage featuring red, brown, brick red, beige, tan, rust and camel color scheme with options for women, men, boys and girls.
Cream, Black, Rust, and Camel Outfit Inspiration
For a more modern and slightly edgier fall family photo look, consider combining cream, black, rust, and camel. This palette offers a stylish contrast and works well in both urban and natural fall settings.
Family photo outfit inspiration collage featuring cream, black, rust and camel color scheme with options for women, men, boys and girls.
Beige, Tan, Rust, and Camel for a Warm Fall Aesthetic
Another warm and inviting fall color scheme includes beige, tan, rust, and camel. This monochromatic palette is easy to coordinate and creates a cohesive and harmonious look for your family photos.
Family photo outfit inspiration collage featuring beige, tan, rust and camel color scheme with options for women, men, boys and girls.
Studio-Ready Colors: Maroon, Berry, Navy, and Cream
If you’re opting for a studio photoshoot, consider deeper, more vibrant colors that will pop against a neutral backdrop. Maroon, berry, navy, and cream are excellent choices that are also readily available year-round, making outfit planning easier.
Family photo outfit inspiration collage featuring burgundy, mauve, rose pink and navy color scheme with options for women, men, boys and girls.
Soft Blues, Bright Berry Pink, Raspberry Purple and White Palette
For a more playful and colorful fall family photo session, consider a palette of soft blues, bright berry pink, raspberry purple, and white. This scheme adds a touch of vibrancy while still maintaining a fall-appropriate feel.
Family photo outfit inspiration collage featuring soft blues, bright berry pink and raspberry purple and white color scheme with options for women, men, boys and girls.
Final Tips for a Successful Fall Family Photoshoot
I hope these outfit pairings inspire your fall family photo planning! Here are a few last tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable photoshoot:
- Pack snacks: Especially the quick-win candy kinds! Smarties are great because they melt quickly and don’t create a mess.
- Request individual photos: Ask your photographer to take individual portraits of each family member. These are perfect for work headshots or school photos.
- Embrace the chaos: Remember to have fun! Even those “meltdown” moments can result in the most memorable and authentic photos.
Toddler girl in a pink dress having a meltdown during family photos, sitting on the grass and crying.
Fall family photos are more than just pictures; they’re cherished memories in the making. With a little planning and these outfit ideas, you’re well on your way to capturing beautiful moments that your family will treasure for years to come.
