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The Ultimate Fall Family Photo Guide: What to Wear, Where to Go & How to Get Photos You’ll Actually Frame
From coordinating outfits without matching to choosing the perfect location, these are my favorite ways to create timeless fall family photos that feel beautiful, natural and completely like your family.
The Photos I Know I'll Want Someday
Every fall, I find myself wanting to freeze time just a little bit.
The kids somehow look older than they did at the beginning of summer. Their personalities are bigger. Their clothes are suddenly a little too short. The things they say make us laugh, and sometimes I catch a glimpse of them doing something completely ordinary and think, I need to remember this.
That is probably why fall family photos have become so special to me.
Yes, I love finding beautiful outfits.
I love golden leaves and warm evening light and the way a cream sweater looks against a field of tall grass.
But the older my children get, the less family photos feel like something I'm doing for Instagram and the more they feel like something I'm doing for us.
I want photographs of tiny hands holding ours.
I want the picture where someone isn't looking at the camera because they're laughing at their sibling.
I want the little boots, the curls, the missing teeth that will eventually come, the toddler cheeks and the way my babies still fit against my chest.
Those are the pictures I know I'll want twenty years from now.
And I've realized that the best family photographs aren't necessarily the ones where everyone is perfectly posed.
They're the ones where everyone looks like themselves.
So this year, my approach to fall family photos is much less about creating a "perfect" picture and much more about creating the right environment for a beautiful moment to happen.
That means comfortable clothes.
A location where the kids can move.
Colors that complement the scenery.
A photographer who understands children.
And expectations that leave room for real life.
Because if you're photographing toddlers or preschoolers, someone is probably going to run away halfway through.
And honestly?
That might end up being your favorite photograph.
In This Guide
Choosing Your Fall Photo Color Palette
How to Coordinate Without Matching
What Mom Should Wear First
What Dad Should Wear
What to Put the Kids In
My Favorite Fall Outfit Formulas
The Best Fall Photo Locations
Planning Around Toddlers
What to Bring to Your Session
How to Get Natural Photos
What I Would Skip
What to Do With Your Photos Afterwards
Fall Family Photo FAQs
Start With a Color Palette, Not Matching Outfits
If there is one thing I would change about the way many of us approach family pictures, it is the idea that everyone needs to match.
They don't.
In fact, I think family photographs look significantly more elevated when everyone's clothing coordinates without being identical.
Instead of deciding everyone is wearing cream sweaters and jeans, choose four or five colors that naturally work together.
For fall, I love:
Cream + Camel + Navy + Chocolate + Denim
Another beautiful combination is:
Oatmeal + Olive + Warm Brown + Ivory + Muted Floral
Or, if you want something slightly softer:
Cream + Dusty Rose + Camel + Chocolate + Soft Blue
Once you choose your palette, distribute the colors throughout the family.
Maybe Mom wears cream.
Dad wears camel.
Your little boy wears navy and denim.
Your little girl wears a warm floral dress with a cream cardigan.
Nobody matches, but everyone belongs in the same photograph.
And that is the goal.
Ariel's Tip: Take a photo of everyone's outfits laid next to each other before picture day. Your eye will immediately catch if one piece is too bright, too patterned or feels disconnected from everything else.
Dress Mom First
This might be my most important family-photo styling rule.
Choose Mom's outfit first.
Not because Mom needs to be the center of every picture, but because women's clothing usually has more variables.
Dress length.
Neckline.
Pattern.
Movement.
Shoes.
Layers.
And, most importantly, how you actually feel wearing it.
If you hate your outfit, you are going to think about it every time you look at the photographs.
So find something that makes you feel beautiful and comfortable first.
Then build everyone else around it.
For fall photos, I especially love dresses with movement.
A midi or maxi dress photographs beautifully when you're walking, holding a child or standing in a field.
You also don't have to wear something overtly "fall."
A beautiful cream dress can feel incredibly autumnal when paired with brown boots, camel layers and warm scenery.
I would rather choose something timeless than something that screams October.
Because ideally, these photographs are going to hang in our home for years.
What Dad Should Wear
Dad's outfit is usually where I keep things incredibly simple.
A beautiful knit sweater.
A quarter zip.
A classic button-down layered underneath a sweater.
Dark denim or chinos.
Brown shoes or boots.
Done.
If Mom's outfit has a print, I usually keep Dad almost entirely solid.
If Mom is wearing something simple, Dad can introduce a subtle plaid or texture.
The biggest thing I avoid is anything with giant logos, extremely bright colors or trendy graphics.
We want to notice the family first.
Not the shirt.
Dressing Little Boys for Fall Photos
This might be one of my favorite categories because little-boy fall style is so sweet.
Give me a tiny cable knit and little brown boots forever.
For boys, I naturally gravitate toward:
Navy
Camel
Denim
Cream
Classic blue
Subtle plaid
Brown leather shoes
One of the reasons I love building his everyday fall wardrobe around these colors is that I don't have to purchase a completely separate family-photo outfit.
The pieces already coordinate.
Little Boy Outfit Formula #1
Navy sweater + camel chinos + brown boots
Simple.
Timeless.
Perfect.
Little Boy Outfit Formula #2
Plaid button-down + dark denim + brown boots
This works especially well if the rest of the family is primarily wearing solids.
Little Boy Outfit Formula #3
Cream cable knit + denim + brown shoes
A lighter look that photographs beautifully against dark evergreen trees.
Dressing Little Girls for Fall Photos
For little girls, I love using their outfit to introduce a little softness.
A small floral.
A beautiful bow.
A textured cardigan.
A dress with movement.
Again, I don't want the outfit to feel like a costume created exclusively for photographs.
I want it to feel like her.
For girls, I love:
Cream + Camel + Warm Floral + Soft Blush + Chocolate
Little Girl Outfit Formula #1
Little Girl Outfit Formula #2
Cream knit dress + tights + camel cardigan + Mary Janes
Little Girl Outfit Formula #3
Blouse + corduroy skirt + tights + boots
And if she's going to spend the entire session running through a field?
Make sure she can actually run in whatever she's wearing.
Comfort always wins.
Texture Makes Simple Outfits Beautiful
When you're working with a relatively neutral palette, texture keeps the photograph interesting.
Think:
Cable knit.
Corduroy.
Denim.
Linen.
Suede.
Wool.
Quilted fabric.
Small-scale floral.
A family dressed entirely in solids can still look incredibly layered when those solids have different textures.
For example:
Mom in a flowing cream dress.
Dad in a textured camel knit.
George in navy cable knit.
Madeline in a subtle floral with a chunky cream cardigan.
The photograph has dimension without becoming busy.
Be Careful With Patterns
Patterns aren't bad.
Too many patterns are.
If one person is wearing floral, everyone else probably doesn't need plaid.
If your little boy has a plaid shirt, keep his sister's dress relatively simple.
I usually like one primary pattern and maybe one extremely subtle secondary pattern.
That's enough.
And when in doubt?
Choose solids.
You'll almost never regret them.
My Favorite Fall Family Photo Outfit Formula
If I had to dress an entire family tomorrow without overthinking it, this would probably be my formula:
MOM
Cream or warm neutral midi/maxi dress Brown ankle boots Simple gold jewelry
DAD
Camel or oatmeal sweater Dark denim Brown shoes
LITTLE BOY
Navy sweater Camel chinos Brown boots
LITTLE GIRL
Muted floral dress Cream cardigan Tights Brown boots or Mary Janes Neutral bow
It's timeless.
It photographs beautifully.
And nobody looks like they're wearing a family-photo uniform.
Where to Take Fall Family Photos
The location should complement your family rather than compete with it.
And living in the Pacific Northwest gives us some unbelievably beautiful options.
An Open Field
This is probably my favorite.
Tall grass, warm evening light and enough space for toddlers to run.
An open field gives photographers the ability to capture movement rather than forcing everyone into static poses.
An Apple Orchard
Apple orchards feel seasonal without being overly themed.
The rows of trees naturally frame photographs, and picking apples gives little kids something to actually do.
A Tree-Lined Trail
Especially beautiful when leaves begin changing.
Choose a wide, relatively flat trail if you're bringing little ones.
Evergreen Trees
This is such a beautiful PNW option.
Deep green trees make cream, camel and warm brown clothing stand out beautifully.
And unlike peak fall foliage, evergreens aren't dependent on catching one perfect week.
Your Own Home
Don't overlook this.
Some of my favorite family photographs are the ones that document where life is actually happening.
Reading books in the kids' room.
Making pancakes.
Playing on the floor.
Snuggling on the couch.
Standing on your front porch.
Years from now, seeing the house your babies grew up in may mean more than any spectacular backdrop.
The Secret to Family Photos With Toddlers
Stop expecting toddlers to behave like adults.
That's it.
That's the secret.
If I go into family photos expecting my children to stand still, smile directly at a camera and follow instructions for forty-five minutes, I'm creating a stressful experience before we even begin.
Instead, I want movement.
Walk together.
Let them run.
Throw them in the air.
Tickle them.
Pick flowers.
Look for leaves.
Have them whisper something silly into your ear.
Ask them to race toward you.
Those are the moments that create real expressions.
If your photographer is experienced with children, they'll know how to turn that chaos into photographs.
Schedule Around Your Children
Golden hour is beautiful.
A toddler having a complete meltdown because it's ninety minutes past bedtime?
Less beautiful.
If your child's bedtime is early, talk with your photographer.
Maybe you schedule earlier.
Maybe you choose morning light.
Maybe naps shift slightly that day.
But I would not sacrifice a reasonably happy child solely for technically perfect lighting.
A good photographer can work with different light.
Nobody can Photoshop happiness onto an exhausted toddler.
Feed Everyone First
This deserves its own section.
Do not arrive at family photos hungry.
Adults included.
Eat before you get dressed if necessary.
Give the kids a filling snack before the session.
Bring water.
And pack emergency snacks that aren't going to destroy their clothes.
Think crackers rather than a chocolate bar.
Ask me how I know.
What I Bring to Family Photos
My bag is not glamorous.
But it is useful.
I usually want:
Wipes
Water
Small mess-free snacks
Hairbrush
Extra bow
Lip gloss
Stain remover
Backup toddler outfit
Neutral blanket
A favorite small comfort item
Bug spray if needed
A few safety pins
Bandages
I also like having my phone accessible without carrying a giant handbag through the session.
My Walli Case is perfect for days like this because I can keep the essentials with me without adding another thing to carry.
Use code HARTMAN10.
Give the Kids Something to Photograph
One of my favorite tricks is letting children participate.
Instead of family photos being something happening to them, give them something to do.
Bring a little camera.
Let them photograph Mom and Dad.
Let them take a picture of the trees.
Let them choose a spot.
A Camp Snap is perfect for this because it's screen-free and simple enough for little hands.
And sometimes the pictures they take end up being just as special.
Use code ARIEL-H7.
What I Would Skip
There are a few things I personally don't think are worth the stress.
Brand-New Shoes They've Never Worn
Blisters are not the vibe.
Let them wear the shoes beforehand.
Complicated Hair
Especially with toddlers.
Wind exists.
Children exist.
Choose something that can still look sweet after twenty minutes of movement.
Extremely Trendy Outfits
If you're investing in professional photography, I'd rather choose something you'll still love in ten years.
Too Many Props
A blanket?
Beautiful.
A simple basket at an orchard?
Sweet.
Six pumpkins, a wagon, signs, matching hats and a full furniture setup?
Probably unnecessary.
Your family is enough.
Capture the Details
Some of my favorite photographs aren't the big smiling-at-the-camera images.
They're details.
A tiny hand wrapped around Dad's finger.
The back of Madeline's bow.
George's little boots in the grass.
The kids holding hands.
A toddler cheek resting against Mom.
Those are the photographs I want mixed into the gallery.
They tell the story.
[IMAGE 5 — Horizontal intimate editorial detail photograph: toddler's small hand holding a parent's hand while walking through golden grass; little brown boot and edge of cream knit visible. Shallow depth of field, warm evening light, emotional but understated, NO TEXT.]
Don't Forget Mom
This is something I feel increasingly strongly about.
Moms are often the ones taking the photographs.
We're documenting birthdays.
Vacations.
Christmas mornings.
Trips to the pumpkin patch.
Ordinary Tuesday afternoons.
And sometimes we look back and realize we were barely in any of them.
Get in the picture.
Even if you don't feel like you're at your "ideal" weight.
Even if you don't love your hair that day.
Even if your toddler is clinging to you.
Especially if your toddler is clinging to you.
Your children aren't going to look back and analyze your body.
They're going to see their mom.
And they're going to be grateful you were there.
What to Do With Your Family Photos
Please don't let them live exclusively on your phone.
Print them.
Frame them.
Make an album.
Put one on your nightstand.
Update the frames in the hallway.
Send prints to grandparents.
Use them for holiday cards.
I love digital photographs, but there is something completely different about seeing our family's memories physically throughout our home.
And every year, those photographs become more valuable.
Turn Your Session Into a Fall Tradition
One thing I'm trying to do more intentionally is connect photographs to experiences.
Instead of:
"We're going to take pictures."
Make it:
"We're having our fall family night."
Take pictures.
Then go get cider.
Stop for dinner.
Visit an orchard.
Grab hot chocolate.
Let the kids change into cozy clothes in the car and make an evening out of it.
That transforms family photos from something everyone has to endure into part of the season itself.
And isn't that really what we're trying to capture anyway?
The Photographs Aren't About Perfect Outfits
I love style.
Clearly.
I can happily spend an embarrassing amount of time deciding between two sweaters that probably look almost identical to everyone else.
But the clothes aren't really the point.
The photographs aren't even really the point.
The people are.
It's the season your family is in right now.
The way your son reaches for your hand.
The way your daughter fits against your hip.
The way your husband makes the kids laugh.
The little relationships developing between siblings.
The version of yourself you are right now, even if you sometimes feel too tired to appreciate her.
That's what you're documenting.
So choose clothes you love.
Find beautiful light.
Coordinate your colors.
Bring snacks.
And then let the rest unfold.
Because twenty years from now, you probably won't remember whether everyone's outfits were perfectly coordinated.
But you'll look at those tiny faces and remember exactly how it felt to be their mom when they were this little.
And that's the photograph worth taking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What colors photograph best for fall family pictures?
Cream, camel, navy, olive, chocolate brown, denim, oatmeal and muted earthy tones photograph beautifully during fall. I recommend choosing three to five complementary colors rather than dressing everyone identically.
Should everyone wear the same color?
No. Coordinating generally photographs more naturally than matching. Choose a palette and distribute those colors throughout everyone's outfits.
What should Mom wear for fall family photos?
I love a midi or maxi dress with movement in cream, camel, chocolate, muted floral or another warm neutral. Most importantly, choose something you genuinely feel comfortable and beautiful wearing.
What should toddlers wear?
Comfortable layers they can move in. Sweaters, dresses, cardigans, denim, chinos and boots are beautiful options, but make sure nothing restricts their ability to run and play.
What time of day is best?
Photographers often prefer golden hour, shortly before sunset, but your children's schedule matters too. Morning sessions can be beautiful if evenings conflict with bedtime.
How far in advance should we plan fall photos?
Fall photography schedules can fill quickly, so booking several weeks—or even a few months—ahead is helpful, particularly if you want peak foliage.
Continue Reading
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