The recent warmer weather here in Alabama is a sign that Spring is just around the corner. As a Huntsville family photographer, Spring is one of my favorite times of year–the gorgeous blooming flowers and soft, golden light create such a stunning backdrop for photos. If you have already booked your Spring family photo session, you’re probably wondering about what to wear for them. We know how daunting those decisions can be, but trust us–we’ve got you covered.

What you’ll find in this guide:

1. Tips for choosing the perfect outfits
2. A list of some of our favorite retailers
3. Example outfits
   
   
   

As you start to consider wardrobe for your Spring photoshoot, here are some tips to guide your search.

1. Timeless over trendy

So many of us have old photos that we look back on and cringe at our outfits (I know I certainly do!). To avoid embarrassing your future self, we always recommend clients choose styles that stand the test of time–think neutral colors and classic silhouettes. Choosing timeless outfits that feel authentic to your personal style is always a good rule of thumb for photos you will be passing down to future generations.

2. Neutrals, pastels, and florals

For family photos in Spring specifically, we recommend color palettes of soft neutrals, pastels, and florals. These colors complement the fresh start associated with the season and can elevate final images to feel more timeless and elegant. If you love patterns, florals are always beautiful and they’re especially perfect for Spring. However, we recommend keeping the pattern soft and delicate to avoid visual clutter.

3. Movement

Think flowy skirts, long maxi dresses, unbound hair. Depending on what you envision for your images, wearing this type of clothing allows movement that can tell a story. It also gives you something to do with your hands, and gives you more freedom to move around (which is especially important if you have little ones to chase!).

4. For men–keep it simple!

High quality basics, like jeans or khakis and a white t-shirt or button-down, translate well on camera while leaving room for mom’s and kiddos’ outfits to shine. If you want to elevate that simple look, try playing with different textures. Whether it’s corduroy trousers instead of jeans or a cable-knit sweater instead of a cotton button-down, there are many different ways to add more detail and personality to otherwise boring outfits.

5. Coordinate, don’t match

Instead of putting everyone in identical outfits, aim for a cohesive color palette with complementary shades and textures. While matching outfits can look dated, coordinated outfits keep your family’s overall look polished and harmonious. The goal is to create balance, where each outfit feels intentional but not robotic.

There are so many retailers that offer high-quality, timeless pieces that would be perfect for your Spring family photo session. Here are a few of our favorites:

Doen

Jamie Kay

Noralee

Quincy Mae

GAP Kids

Christy Dawn

Everlane

Zara

Hill House Home

J. Crew

Bonus tip: shop local!

Check out your local kids’ boutique to see and feel the different options for yourself. In our opinion, one of the best kids’ boutiques in Huntsville, AL, is Little Cotton Shoppe. They carry so many brands we love and style different pieces together for extra styling inspiration. They also have some gorgeous options of coordinating dresses for mom! Plus, it can just be so helpful to see and feel the clothing in person rather than shopping online.

If you want to see specific examples of all these tips working together with pieces from our recommended retailers, we’ve put together a few options for the whole family:

Mom: Doen Ischia dress in Salt; Dad: Everlane Cashmere Crew in Canvas; Brother: Jamie Kay Enzo Jumper in Lava Smoke and Zara Wool Twill Baggy Pants in Blue/Gray; Sister: Noralee Hazel Dress in Blush Garden and Noralee Alice Bow in Bubblegum; Baby: Bebe Organic Valery Romper in Nature Check, Bebe Organic Honeycomb Bonnet in Dusty Rose, Quincy Mae Baby Booties in Ivory

Mom: Doen Kaira Dress in Creme Pomegranate; Dad: Everlane Classic Shirt in White Linen; Brother: Zara Chunky Striped Knit Sweater in Green, Zara Baggy Pants in Ecru; Sister: Noralee Sofia Dress in Powder Blue; Baby: Quincy Mae Wrap Top + Footed Pant Set in Sky Micro Stripe; Knotted Baby Hat in Sky Micro Stripe

Mom: Doen Ashlynn Dress in Citron Rosier Floral; Dad: Everlane Classic Shirt in White Linen; Brother: Jamie Kay Adam Knit Jumper in Carter,GAP Kids UltraSoft Pull-On Barrel Pants in Mesculen Green; Sister: Noralee Sofia Dress in Blush; Baby: Konges Slojd Rosier Bodystocking in Cream Off White, Bebe Organic Paloma Sunhat in Tulip Crochet, Quincy Mae Knit Booties in Bubblegum




Ultimately, it is most important to wear what makes you comfortable. Making wardrobe decisions solely based on what you think you should wear, rather than what you want to wear will not set you up for a comfortable session, and that discomfort can show in your photos. As a luxury Huntsville family photographer, we are here to provide you with guidance and recommendations on your outfits, so we encourage you to reach out if you need any assistance.

If you haven’t booked your Spring family session, we would love to chat with you about a family photography experience on film. You can read more about the Fauna & Film Portraiture Experience here or reach out today to find out if we are a good fit.

Fauna & Film is a Huntsville family photographer specializing in nostalgic film photography and custom heirloom artwork for busy couples and families in Huntsville, Alabama and the Tennessee Valley. From bespoke heirloom albums to custom, museum-worthy framed artwork, their passion is to serve clients by designing artwork for them that will last generations.  Your memories deserve to be seen.

Currently serving Huntsville, Madison, Decatur, Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, and surrounding areas.