What to wear for family photos in Austin (fall and winter)
After someone books a session, the very next message I get is almost always "okay... what do we wear?"
It's the part everyone stresses about. Picking outfits for four or five people who all need to look nice together is a lot, especially when one of them refuses to wear anything but a dinosaur shirt.
So here's what I tell the families I photograph around Austin and Round Rock. And if you book with me, you can always send me photos of what you're thinking and I'll help you put it together.
Plan for Texas weather, not Pinterest weather
Fall family photos in Austin can mean 85 degrees in October and then suddenly cold in December. Dress for the actual day. Layers work really well, like a light sweater or cardigan over a simple top, because they look cozy in photos and you can take them off if it's warm.
I'd skip big puffy jackets. They hide everyone's shape and little kids end up looking like marshmallows. And wear shoes you can walk in, since we usually move around a bit.
Family photo outfit ideas: coordinate, don't match
Everyone in white shirts and jeans can look great, but you don't have to do that. I like picking two or three colors that go together and letting each person wear them a little differently.
For fall and winter I love cream with camel and olive green, or rust with cream and denim, which looks so good against golden grass. Plaid is great too. Put one plaid piece on someone and pull the colors for everyone else from it.
The easiest way to start is with Mom's outfit. Pick what you love first, then build the kids and Dad around you.
What to leave at home
Big logos and cartoon characters pull your eye away from faces. Neon colors reflect onto skin and make everyone look a little off. Very small stripes and tiny checks can do weird things on camera. And if your toddler is going to pull at a collar or itchy tights the whole time, it's not worth it.
Texture makes a big difference
Knit sweaters, linen, tulle, lace, a flowy dress. Texture looks so warm in golden hour light and does more for a photo than any accessory. For maternity and newborn sessions you can also borrow from my client wardrobe, so you don't need to buy something special.
One last thing, and this one is for the moms. You plan everyone's outfit and then grab whatever is left for yourself. Please don't do that this time. Wear something you feel beautiful in. A dress or a long skirt moves when you walk and twirl, and you'll be so glad you did when you see the photos.
If you're planning holiday photos in Austin, my Christmas mini sessions are already styled and set up, so you just need something cozy. You can also see all my sessions here.