Family sessions, this fall

Family photos work best when everyone looks like themselves, just a little more put together. You don't need new outfits. The best ones are usually already in your closet.

Take what's useful here and ignore the rest. And if you'd like a second opinion, send me photos of your options anytime — helping with this is honestly one of my favorite parts.

The fall palette

Fall in the Triangle gives us warm light and a lot of natural color. These tones sit beautifully against it:

• Cream & ivory
• Beige & oatmeal
• Camel & tan
• Rust & terracotta
• Burnt orange
• Olive & sage
• Mustard
• Warm brown
• Dusty blue
• Soft denim
• Deep green

Textures that photograph beautifully

Corduroy · knits · linen · denim · cotton · suede · wool

Texture is what stops a photo looking flat. A chunky knit next to smooth denim, or linen against suede, gives the image depth that a single fabric can't.

Start with one outfit

Pick the outfit you love most first, then build everyone else's around it. Usually that's whoever is wearing the most detailed piece — a dress, a patterned top, something with movement.

Choose two to four colors from the palette and mix different shades and textures. You don't need everyone in the same color. Slightly different shades almost always photograph better than matching.

Building each look

Dresses and flowy layers

A long flowy maxi · a fitted dress · a soft knit dress · a flowy skirt with a fitted or textured top · anything with movement or a beautiful drape.

Shirts and layers

A button-down with a sweater over it · a henley · a fine knit · a corduroy or denim jacket · a well-fitting tee under a jacket. Layers give us options: on, off, sleeves rolled.

Toddlers and little ones

Comfort wins. If it itches or pinches, they'll tell you for the whole session. Soft knits, cotton, and something they can move in. Bring a spare outfit — and a change of shoes if there's any chance of mud.

Older kids and teens

Let them have a say. Someone who feels good in what they're wearing photographs completely differently from someone who was talked into it.

A few things to avoid

• Large logos and graphics — they date the photo and pull the eye
• Tight patterns, thin stripes, small checks — these can shimmer oddly in camera
• Neon and very bright colors — they reflect onto skin and change everyone's tone
• All one color head to toe, on everybody — it flattens the group
• Anything nobody feels comfortable in — it always shows

Shoes, accessories, and what to bring

Shoes

They show more than people expect. Boots, neutral sneakers, sandals or flats all work — just make sure they suit the outfit and, if we're walking, that they're comfortable. You can always change into your photo shoes once we're there.

Accessories

Hats, scarves, belts and simple jewelry all add interest. Keep it simple — one or two pieces per person is plenty.

Worth bringing

• A blanket — to sit on, wrap up in, or use in the photos
• Water, and small easy snacks if little ones are coming
• A hairbrush and any touch-ups
• A spare outfit for the youngest
• Anything meaningful you'd like included