A fun fact you probably don’t know about me is that before I launched J. Cathell, I spent about 15 years as a professional photographer in Atlanta. My career started with kids and families, and the last five years I specialized in newborn photography. But no matter what stage of life my clients were in, one question always came up: “What should we wear for our fall family portraits?”
It turns out, there’s a little bit of science—and a lot of strategy—behind creating photos that are timeless, flattering, and gallery-wall worthy.
Start with the Color Palette
The very first question I always asked my clients was: What color palette do you want your images to reflect? Do you gravitate toward warm autumn tones like camel, rust, and forest green, or do you prefer cooler hues like navy, burgundy, and cream? Picking your palette first sets the stage for everything else.
Mom Sets the Tone
Once we established the palette, I always focused on the mom. Why? Because when mom feels confident and beautiful, it shows in the photos. I’d help her choose pieces that highlighted her best colors, whether she loved a dress, skirt, or tailored pants. Her outfit set the anchor, and then we built the family’s looks around her.
Mix, Don’t Match
This is where so many families get tripped up. While identical outfits can make for a cute holiday card, they don’t translate well into a long-lasting gallery wall or heirloom album. The magic comes from mixing complementary tones, fabrics, and patterns.
- Dad and son both in navy? Flat.
- Dad in navy, son in a plaid that pulls navy into the mix? That’s interesting.
- Sister in a floral that ties back to mom’s color palette? Perfect.
It’s about creating harmony without uniformity.
Layering + Texture = Instant Interest
A flat photograph comes to life when textures and layers are introduced. Think:
- Nubby sweaters
- Ribbed tights
- Suede shoes
- A quilted vest or textured jacket
- Corduroy pants
These details bring warmth and dimension, making your portraits feel polished and elevated.
Think Beyond the Holiday Card
If you’re investing in professional photos, think strategically about how you’ll use them. Sure, you’ll get the perfect card image, but consider how the gallery will look as a whole. By mixing prints, solids, and layers thoughtfully, you’ll create variety for albums, frames, and even gifts for grandparents.
More Tips for Family Photo Success
- Mind the Fit: Clothes that are too baggy can look sloppy, while overly tight pieces don’t photograph well. Aim for well-tailored with room to move.
- Skip Distracting Logos: Branding or overly trendy pieces can date a photo. Stick to classics.
- Plan for Shoes: Don’t let footwear be an afterthought—choose coordinating (but not matching) shoes that feel cohesive.
- Consider the Setting: If you’re shooting in a park with lots of green, contrast with warm neutrals. If your backdrop is a rustic barn, jewel tones will pop beautifully.
- Kids’ Comfort Matters: A fussy toddler in itchy fabric = stressful session. Choose comfortable pieces in your palette so they can move freely.
