What to Wear for Fall Family Photos in the Seattle Area: A Photographer’s Guide

Planning a family photoshoot this fall in the Seattle or greater Seattle area? With the beautiful fall foliage and soft natural light, it's the perfect time to capture special memories. But deciding what to wear can be tricky, especially if you want your outfits to complement the season while staying comfortable and stylish. As a Seattle-based photographer, I’ve put together my top tips on what to wear for fall family photos, ensuring your family looks picture-perfect.

1. Choose Soft, Neutral Tones for Fall Family Photos

When it comes to fall family photos, soft and neutral tones are your best friends. Think creams, beiges, light pastel colors, and earth tones. These colors create a light, airy feel and blend beautifully with the autumn scenery in Seattle. Pastels might seem like a spring choice, but when paired with earth tones, they bring freshness to your fall photos. Keeping the color palette soft also helps the focus stay on your family, not your outfits.

2. Coordinate Your Outfits, Don’t Match

A common mistake families make is trying to match outfits exactly. Instead, aim to coordinate your family’s outfits by picking 2-3 colors and spreading them across different pieces. For example, a mix of beige, soft green, and cream works well for fall. You can also select a patterned outfit for one family member and pull colors from that pattern to coordinate everyone else’s clothing. This technique keeps your group looking cohesive without being overly matchy.

3. Mix Patterns Sparingly

Patterns can be a nice touch for family photos, but less is more. For a family of 5, I recommend keeping it to 1-2 people in simple patterns, like thin stripes or a delicate floral design. Everyone else should stick to solid colors. The key is to ensure that the pattern fits within your chosen color scheme, keeping the look balanced and visually appealing.

4. Add Layers and Texture for Depth

Fall is all about layering! Not only do layers add depth and interest to your photos, but they also help keep everyone warm, which is crucial for a successful fall session in Seattle’s cooler months. Think sweaters, scarves, jackets, and cozy knits. Mixing textures like a chunky knit sweater with soft denim or cotton creates a warm, cozy look that’s perfect for the season.

5. Comfort and Warmth Are Key

In the Seattle area, fall weather can be unpredictable, so it’s important that everyone is dressed warmly and feels comfortable in their outfits. Warm layers and soft fabrics are not only stylish but ensure that your family stays cozy throughout the photoshoot. Uncomfortable or cold family members won’t be able to relax, and it’ll show in the photos. Keep everyone happy by choosing outfits that look good and feel good.

6. Choose Neutral, Simple Shoes

Shoes are an often-overlooked part of the outfit, but they can make or break your family’s look. I recommend sticking with neutral-colored shoes like beige, brown, or white to keep things cohesive. Bright or flashy shoes will distract from the overall aesthetic, so aim for simplicity. Remember, shoes are part of the outfit too!

7. Avoid Bright Colors, Bold Prints, and Logos

To keep your fall family photos timeless and elegant, avoid bright, flashy colors, bold prints, and any clothing with logos, graphics, or text. These elements can distract from the natural beauty of the Seattle fall scenery and take the focus off your family. Stick to the soft, neutral tones mentioned earlier, and let the season's beauty shine through in your photos.

Final Tips for Fall Family Photos in Seattle

When planning outfits for your fall family photos, focus on soft, neutral colors, coordination rather than matching, and comfortable layers to keep everyone warm. Mixing textures and adding light patterns can elevate the look, while keeping shoes and accessories simple ensures that nothing takes away from the beautiful fall backdrop. By following these tips, you’ll ensure that your family looks polished and perfectly in sync with the season.

Ready to book your fall family photoshoot in Seattle? Contact me today to capture those precious moments with your loved ones in the stunning autumn landscape.