Autumn is perhaps my favorite time of year to take photos. The changing leaves make a phenomenal backdrop for a family photo shoot. What you wear the day of your session should compliment the surroundings. That’s why, in Autumn, I recommend hues of plum, cinnamon, burgundy, orange, red, mustard and green. Browns, tans and greys are neutrals that work well this time of year.
Comfort is Key
I prefer a “sophisticated casual” look for outdoor portraits. These are fashion-forward clothes that are comfortable and easy to move in. Weather can fluctuate in the Fall. If it’s cool enough outside I like to incorporate layers. You could pair a crew neck top with a lightweight cotton scarf or a vest with a fitted turtleneck. Layers are also a great way to introduce new textures. Textures like corduroy, faux fur and suede add an extra dimension. I sometimes shoot at very rural, undeveloped locations so we will spend a lot of time walking on grass, dirt and gravel. With that in mind, I suggest wearing boots or flat shoes.
Choosing Colors
Now, how do you begin to decide what colors to wear? Start with the children in the family. Children’s clothes have fun colors and patterns that will inspire you. Select 2-3 colors from your little one’s outfit to coordinate your wardrobe with. If you are planning an extended family photo shoot take a snapshot of the inspiration outfit and email it to your family members. Using this snapshot for reference, they can pull colors from the outfit to coordinate their wardrobes. Don’t torture yourself trying to match the colors exactly. A shade darker or lighter will give your portrait depth. If you have trouble finding an outfit, wear neutral tones and use accessories to bring in color. A slouchy knit beanie is adorable on a woman. If you are wearing a short-sleeved knit top you could pair it with elbow-length, knit, fingerless gloves.
Keep it Simple
Stick with solids and simple prints. Anything too bold will draw attention away from the subject’s face. I want YOU to be the focus, not what you’re wearing. Below is a perfect example of an Autumn family wardrobe. Notice I’ve mixed solids with plaid and floral prints. That’s fine because they are in keeping with my color palette. I think it is best to stick to 2-3 main colors and 1-2 neutrals. In this example, burgundy, orange and brown are my main colors, with accents of grey and green.
Below are some more examples of what I would consider, “sophisticated casual”.
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