Tiffany Larsen| 07 Oct, 2021

With leaves turning colors and sweater-weather temperatures arriving, fall is the perfect time of year to update the family portrait or perhaps squeeze in a last-minute photo for the Christmas card. 

We know that getting the perfect photo isn’t always a piece of pumpkin pie -- that’s why we’ve curated a list of tips and tricks to get the whole family photo-ready.

Before you say ‘Cheese!’, make sure you’ve got a solid plan to make your photoshoot go as smoothly as possible. You’ll want to pick out your location, outfits, and lighting beforehand, so the photos turn out just how you want them to.  

What to wear for family pictures outside?

Ditch the bulky coats and go for underlayers as a great way to show off a stylish fall outfit. Tuck layers underneath clothing to help trap in body heat and keep your kids warm and weather-appropriate. If you’re needing extra warmth, try throwing over a lighter jacket or vest as a cool statement piece.

Color-coordinate with the season’s colors! Shades of plum, burgundy, mustard yellow, burnt orange, forest green, dark brown, cream and classic black are all examples of go-to colors that will really stand out against the falling leaves.

What is the difference between matching outfits and coordinated outfits?

When the whole family is wearing pretty much the same items of clothing, you’ve got matching outfits! This can be fun and adorable, especially with sibling photos. Coordinating outfits often share a similar color palette and blend well together, but do not look exactly alike. They can be a great way to get a cohesive look while highlighting the individuality of each family member!

Posing Family Pictures

Unfortunately, most of us are not born to be perfectly photogenic - and that’s okay! We’ve got some posing tricks and treats up our sleeves that will have you and your kids looking model-ready: 

Props or lean-tos: Having something to hold or lean against can help alleviate nerves or awkwardness that comes with photoshoots. You can use outside objects prop up against or lean into each other for a more authentic and cozy feel. 

Notice lines and shapes: Photography is all about defining those geometrical formations that will make your photo feel more dynamic. Pay attention to the positioning of each family member, whether they're in a straight line or piled up in a triangle. Not everyone has to be looking the same way - facing different directions can add more movement and individuality to each person!

Play with perspective: Try out different angles or perspective points to make your photo memorable. You might end up with a unique portrait you’ll treasure forever!

How to take family pictures?

Depending on the location or skill level, you may decide to take your own photos or hire a photographer to help you out. 

Although, we realize not everyone has the equipment or patience for self-timers and professionals can get quite expensive. Try asking a friend or neighbor to help you out for a more cost effective option.

What is the difference between staged and candid pictures?

Staged photos are a definite staple in the world of portrait photography. Most of us wouldn’t know which way to sit, where to look, or even what to do with our hands for a “natural” looking pose.

Candids are photos captured in the heat of the moment, or when the subject is not inherently looking at the camera lens. While meant to be authentic, many candid photos tend to be staged to some degree, but give off a more genuine connection between subjects rather than sitting stiffly in front of the camera. Candids can be a great way to capture love between family members, either goofing off or showing affection. 

Kids photoshoot

The kids are up! Got your hands full? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with how to handle a family photoshoot with your kids. 

How to prepare my kids for a photoshoot?

Photoshoots are meant to be fun and exciting, but they can quickly turn into a headache if your kiddos are less than pleased to be there. 

The best photos will come out of a relaxing and stress-free environment. Make sure to keep them comfortable with enough warm layers and appropriate attire. No one likes to stand around in the freezing cold!  

How do you keep kids entertained during photoshoots?

Kids need tons of stimulation, and keeping them to sit still during photoshoots isn’t an easy task. Bringing along a favorite toy or some fun props can be a great distraction to them to play with and even make for some great photos. 

Another fun way to keep spirits up is to turn the photoshoot into an adventure! Pick a location away from home that’s both outdoors and kid-friendly. For instance, take them to a pumpkin patch and enjoy a nice fall family activity at the same time! You’ll be killing two birds with one stone, and it could be the perfect opportunity to catch some cute candids.

Kids Photoshoot Outfits and Wear