What to Wear for Fall Family Photos in Birmingham, Alabama

What to Wear for Fall Family Photos

(Because yes, you can look amazing and still feel like yourself.)

Let’s get one thing out of the way: you do not need to buy an entire new wardrobe to look great in your family photos. And you definitely don’t have to dress everyone in matching flannel shirts and jeans unless you’re going for “vintage 2007 Christmas card” vibes on purpose.

As a family photographer in Birmingham AL, I get asked about outfits all the time. It makes sense—what you wear really does affect the overall feel of your session. But here’s the truth: the most beautiful images come from families who feel like themselves, not like they’re playing dress-up.

So here’s a simple, stress-free guide to help you dress your crew for fall photos you’ll actually love to look back on.

Start with Mom’s Outfit

Trust me on this. You’re probably the one organizing this session, so let yourself feel good in what you’re wearing. Pick something that makes you feel confident, comfortable, and like the best version of yourself. A flowy dress, a cozy sweater and jeans, boots you love—whatever feels like you.

Once yours is picked, it’s so much easier to coordinate everyone else.

Use a Color Palette, Not a Uniform

Instead of everyone wearing the same shade of maroon, think about a palette: warm earth tones, rich neutrals, soft greens, deep blues, cream, mustard, rust, and so on. These colors tend to photograph beautifully in fall light and outdoor settings.

You don’t want to be too matchy-matchy. You want to look like a group of people who belong together—not a cast of characters from a low-budget sitcom.

Layer It Up

Layers add texture, dimension, and movement to your photos. A denim jacket, cozy scarf, vest, cardigan, or even a hat (if it fits your style) can make a big difference without a lot of effort.

Bonus: layers also help keep kids warm during chillier late fall sessions and make it easier to hide whatever mystery snack they smeared on their shirt in the car.

Avoid Loud Logos and Neon

Logos, writing, and neon colors tend to distract from the people in the photo—which kind of defeats the whole purpose.

Keep it timeless. You want your photos to look good next month and ten years from now. Bright neons or giant sports team logos have a way of dating an image fast.

Dress Kids for Movement, Not Just Looks

You want your kids to be able to run, twirl, jump, and snuggle. Avoid stiff collars, itchy fabrics, or anything that makes them fidget constantly. If they hate what they’re wearing, it’ll show up on their face—and probably in their body language, too.

Comfort equals confidence.

Also, bring backups. I’m not saying someone’s going to spill juice down their shirt, but… someone’s probably going to spill juice down their shirt.

Footwear Matters

This one gets overlooked a lot. Try to avoid sneakers or light-up shoes if you can. Stick with boots, loafers, or barefoot (yes, barefoot totally works in some outdoor sessions). The goal is to keep the overall look cohesive from head to toe.

And if someone insists on wearing Crocs? We’ll roll with it and crop creatively.

Let Everyone Have a Say (Within Reason)

Give your people choices—especially older kids and teens. Lay out two shirt options and let them pick. Ask them what makes them feel most confident. When they feel involved, they’re more likely to show up with a good attitude.

Same goes for your partner. (Sometimes just asking them to choose between sweater A or B is the difference between resistance and cooperation.)

Keep It Real

At the end of the day, no one’s looking back at these photos in ten years thinking, “I really wish we’d chosen a different belt.”

They’ll remember how they felt. They’ll remember that you carved out time in a busy fall season to be together. And that’s what matters most.

So yes, choose outfits that coordinate. Think about color and texture. But don’t overthink it. You’ve already done the most important part—you scheduled the session. You showed up. The rest is details.

And if you need help? I’m always happy to weigh in. I’ve helped many families feel confident and comfortable before the camera ever clicks.

If you’re looking for the best family photographer in Birmingham, I’m here to help you capture your people, your way.
Clothes and all.