This Alabama heatwave has us looking ahead toward the cooler temps of fall. As a family photographer in Huntsville, fall is one of our favorite times of year: less bugs, gorgeous autumnal foliage, and soft, golden light create such a stunning backdrop for photos. With the approaching holiday season, it’s also the perfect time for Christmas card photos or gifts for extended family. If you have already booked your photo session, you’re probably wondering about fall family photo outfits. 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 fall photoshoot, here are some tips to guide your search.

1. Think timeless…. or not!

When choosing outfits for a specific event, it can be tempting to choose pieces hyper specific to the season (i.e. trending silhouettes, heavily fall-themed colors, etc.). For portraits that feel more timeless, we recommend clients lean toward neutral colors and classic silhouettes. Final images will feel less dated and be more versatile for different displaying purposes! We also recommend choosing outfits that feel authentic to your personal style. You’ll feel comfortable at the session and confident as you look back on the final images.

On the other hand, it can be so special to document the season exactly how it is for your family. Timeless portraits can be great for framing or sharing with extended family, but sometimes it’s the small details that have the biggest emotional impact as you look back. Right now your little one will ONLY leave the house in a princess costume? Great! Let them wear it! Is your kiddo inseparable from a specific plushie? Let Fluffy be a part of the photos! One day you’ll love having documentation of those couple of months they insisted they were Princess Elsa or that their plush Dogman accompany them everywhere. The images that are the most meaningful are rarely planned.

2. Stick to a color palette

For fall family photo outfits, we recommend color palettes of soft neutrals, warm pops of color, and autumnal florals. These colors complement the changing colors of the season and can elevate final images to feel more elegant and cohesive. When incorporating patterns, we recommend delicate stripes, subtle florals, or a chunky bold stripe if it fits your family’s personality.

As you begin the process of selecting each outfit, we recommend finalizing your own outfit first, then coordinating the rest of the family’s attire around it.

3. Movement & functionality

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!).

Don’t forget to consider the environment! If you’ll be in the woods, you might want to leave the heels at home and opt for more practical shoes like flats or boots. The weather can be unpredictable in the fall so consider the temperatures in your own area. For Huntsville locals, we always recommend choosing attire that will still be suitable for warmer temperatures–consider layering!

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 linen button-down, there are many different ways to add more detail and personality to otherwise boring outfits.

5. Coordinating vs. matchy-matchy

Instead of putting everyone in identical outfits, aim for a cohesive color palette with complementary shades and textures. An entire family in matching outfits can look dated while coordinated outfits keep your family’s overall look polished and harmonious.

However, there are always exceptions. Sometimes a sibling matching moment is the most precious choice! Just keep in mind what will look most natural for your family. 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

Apres Studio

Jamie Kay

Noralee

Quincy Mae

GAP Kids

Christy Dawn

Everlane

Zara

Hill House Home

J. Crew

Vintage!

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.

Examples of Fall Family Photo Outfits

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

Mom: Doen Bijou Dress in Invory Reve Des Jardins; Dad: Banana Republic 100% Linen Shirt in Natural; Brother: Jamie Kay Adam Knit Jumper in Carter,GAP Kids UltraSoft Pull-On Barrel Pants in Mesculen Green; Sister: Quincy Mae Isla Dress in Honey; Baby: Bebe Organic Kelly Baby Set in Blue Melange Knit

Mom: Apres Studio Marta Dress in Blue Check; Dad: Banana Republic 100% Linen Shirt in Olive Green; Brother: Jamie Kay Johan Jumper in Vintage Linen; Sister: Jamie Kay Frannie Dress in Molly Blue; Baby: Jamie Kay Bentley Playsuit in Cabin Check Cocoa

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 boutique 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 fall family session, we would love to chat with you about a family photography experience on film. You can read more about the Fauna & Film Experience here or reach out today to find out if we are a good fit. With mini sessions just around the corner, you may also be interested in this article highlighting the differences between mini sessions and full sessions.

If you’re an expecting mother with a little one on the way, check out these 3 reasons your whole family belongs in your maternity photos, or our maternity style guide. For Huntsville locals, you might want to check out our list of Activities To Do In Huntsville With Kids or Indoor Birthday Party Ideas For Kids In Huntsville.

Fauna & Film are photographers in Huntsville AL, specializing in analog portraits and nostalgic home movies for sentimental 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 beyond.