How to coordinate outfits for family photos this fall
- Babeeta Nagra
- Oct 9, 2020
- 7 min read
Updated: Nov 22, 2020
The ultimate guide for what to wear, how to style and fashionable lookbook ideas
Pictured above: Here are a few fall family photo sessions we have had over the years.
The top two were shot by me and the bottom two were photographed by one of my favorite photographers in Fresno who also happens to be a mom; Emma Lynn.
Preface:
Every Fall the same thing happens; October rolls around and I remember that its the end of the year and I've got to get my act together. Not only is it holiday season, but it's also the season for fall photos. I own a photography and event planning business; I should know. I've gone through this for more than a decade, yet I still surprise myself.
Clients are booking up my weekends and the slivers of time available are quickly disappearing for me to get my game together to start planning for my own family's photos. Amidst all the frantic chaos of caring for two children under four, full-time work and a part-time hustle - who has time to figure out what to wear, how to style and good grief; look for coordinating outfits for my family members. I sympathize for my fellow mom, who has as much as me on her plate and just needs a little help. This is why I have decided to take away the mystery of how to create the perfect fall photo. In my books, it starts with making sure my clients are happy, at ease, stress free and they look and feel good.
On this blog post you will find:
What to wear
How to style with color coordination
Lookbook ideas with current fashion trends
What to wear
Selecting your attire can be a painful task each day and agonizing in the case of an event or a photo shoot, but I have a plan for you. Whenever I have a problem to solve, I use a common methodology to answer a few questions. I did not create this and you probably have used it a million times in your life. It's simply using the 5W's. Yes! Who, What, Where, Why and When; can help you plan for and determine just the ideal color, coordination and things to do for your outfit selection.
Ask yourself “who”
Who will be in the photos with you? Will it be your immediate family or extended family? Will there be children? Is there an odd number or even number of family members?
When asking yourself "who" you should immediately know how many outfits you need to coordinate. My rule of thumb for family photos is to figure how many people will be in your photos and how many people do you need to have direct decision making over for outfit selection. This will provide you a clarity and help on the next set of W’s.
Asking yourself “who” will also help determine who you will have responsibility over during the photo shoot. For example, if you plan to take your children there may be additional items to take with you in order to have a successful session. For example, in my case, if Amreen (my 1-year-old daughter) is coming with us on a photo shoot, not only do I need the diaper bag, but I will definitely need to bring her Bunny Binky; her stuffed animal she cannot smile without.
Ask yourself “what”
What will these photos be used for? Will they be used for holiday cards (printed or digital), Will they be used to hang on a wall or sent in the mail? Do you plan to print these images?
Asking yourself “what” will help you determine which colors and patterns will work best and which ones to avoid.
Do this
stay away from small patterns and patterns with lines if you plan to use the photos digitally. Smaller patters tend to become fuzzy or move around on screens, especially if the photos have been edited or filtered.
if you plan to use the photos in your home, try dressing in a color palette that compliments your home.
if you plan to make a holiday card with your photos, keep in mind the theme or graphics that may be on the holiday card. You may want to select a color palette that complements the card colors.
the color red will often cause photos to look vivid especially when photographed up close no matter which way you plan to use them. This is exacerbated in photos that are shared digitally.
If you plan to wear red because it is the season for red here are a few recommendations
Ask yourself “where”
Where will you be taking your fall photos? Indoor or outdoor? On a sunny day or a cloudy day? Will weather impact your session?
When asking yourself “where” it will help you prepare for what accessories to bring with you that will create a better photo session. For example, if you are in an area where there is moisture, heat and you will be outdoors; expect to take bug or mosquito repellent for the entire family to ward any critters from biting.
Asking yourself where will also help when selecting the color of your outfit. As a rule of thumb, if you are outdoors you do not want to match your backdrop. Stay away from green or brown as those colors will blend into the foliage. Instead, go for contrasting hues and complementary colors like blue, yellow or white.
Do this
if you will be having photos outdoors, make sure the family is prepared that there maybe walking and ensure everyone has appropriate shoes. If need be, pack a light bag with walking shoes, bug repellent, snacks, sun block and water; the worst thing to do is trying to get to your perfect photo destination with heels or brand new shoes. The last thing you want is to have blisters, cuts or a broken heel after your shoot. Trust me you will thank yourself.
If it is a hot day or muggy day, investing in a portable fan will help with getting rid of the sweaty look in photos. If you wear makeup, investing in a translucent powder will also help with any sweat or smearing makeup.
For weather related issues during photo shoots, I always recommend packing these must need items: mirror, hair brush, chap stick / lip gloss/ lipstick, eye drops
If you have allergies and you will be outdoors, take your allergy medicine
If your children are going with you for a family photo shoot don't forget to bring their necessity items too. There’s nothing like a toddler having to go pee and wetting their pants in the middle of a photo shoot. Bring a change of clothes for little ladies and men who may have an accident or two.
Don’t assume that your photographer will bring you anything for your photo shoot. Most photographers have given you an allotted time to take photos and will want to pack in as much as they can during your shoot. Discuss everything that is included in your photo shoot with your photographer up front.
Ask yourself “why”
I always ask my clients why they are taking photos for fall and it always catches them off guard. Most of my clients will say, photo sessions during the end of the year are for sending to family for holiday presents or cards. In some cases, I have had clients tell me its to document their family or capture how their children are growing from year to year. I’ve found when asking myself and clients this question it also helps with selecting outfits and props. In some of my sessions, I have had clients who have achieved milestones, become pregnant, had a child’s birthday; just remember fall photos can also be a time for you to capture other life moments. Make sure you get the most out of your session.
One of my favorite fall family sessions was with a family who was celebrating a move into their new home. We took some incredible photos inside their new home and with each of their children in their new rooms. Those memories were going to be used in a family album. So the family created signs capturing the date, age and their favorite color at the time.
When asking yourself why, think how your photos can last years beyond their immediate need. Would you want to change outfits and have your family have two looks during your shoot? Is this something the photographer is open to? Do you want to capture a milestone that just past or one that is coming up.
Ask yourself “when”
This is probably the most important of all the W’s because it will allow you to have enough time to plan or panic (LOL). No need to panic, but do set realistic expectations for yourself. If you have allowed ample time to plan for your photos then you will have enough time to prepare and be relaxed during your session. If you are taking photos in less than a day without planning, yes there would be a little bit of panic. The goal with asking yourself when is to leave yourself at least three weeks to plan and coordinate your photo session.
How to Style with Color Coordination
Coordinating clothes and colors is the number one question I get asked from clients. There are a lot of guides and tips online which are great but they can also become overwhelming.
What are the best ways to mix and match color for a photo shoot?
Everyone wheres the same color, this is called monochromatic
Everyone wears a neutral color (black, white, beige)
Use primary colors (Red, Yellow, Blue)
Use secondary colors (Orange, Green, Violet)
Mix contrasting hues
Each outfit should have at least two colors
If you are a family of less than 6, stick to three to four colors; unless you are doing a rainbow theme
What colors should never be coordinated?
Brown and Black
Gray and Brown
Blue and Black
Some fashion experts say to never wear green and red together, however my opinion on this is it is okay for holiday, specifically Christmas photos.
Matching outfits Do’s and Don’ts
Words and Graphics on clothing Do’s and Don’ts
Fashionable Lookbook Ideas
This is my favorite part to do for clients. I love styling families for events and shoots. Below I have put together a few of my favorite color coordination outfits. If you have any specific needs and don't see anything you like; feel free to email me directly to request a styling session. babeetanagra@gmail.com
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