While holiday photos are a staple, summer family photoshoots can be just as wonderful! You can capture memories in your hometown or on vacation, and still use them for holiday cards. If you’re someone who loves the idea of taking family photos outside but lives in an area with harsh winters, summer is a great time to escape the cold and get some quality shots.
Plus, it’s often easier to schedule sessions during the summer months when kids are out of school and photographers have more availability. Now that we’ve got the timing sorted, let’s talk about what to wear for your summer family photo session. No need to stress – I’ll be sharing some great examples and cute outfits to shop for in this post.
Gather Your Inspo
Before embarking on your major photoshoot, it’s essential to spark your creative juices by gathering inspiration. This could be as simple as browsing through similar posts online or creating a Pinterest board filled with looks that resonate with you. By sharing this visual representation of your ideas with your family photographer, you’ll not only get their input but also gain valuable insights on how to bring these concepts to life in your unique setting.
Create a Collage
While creating a mood board may seem like an advanced step, it’s an incredibly valuable tool for visualizing your overall aesthetic. To create one, you can utilize free design tools like Canva to craft a digital collage that showcases all of your outfits together. This exercise proved especially helpful during our family photoshoot last fall, even before I had mastered the art of creating cohesive collages.
The end result was well worth the effort, as it provided me with a tangible representation of what our final product would look like. For those who may not be tech-savvy or prefer a more traditional approach, simply laying out your outfits on a bed or surface allows you to gauge how each piece works together – or doesn’t – and make any necessary adjustments before the shoot.
Prep for the Big Day
Taking family photos can be a daunting task, especially during the summer when there are so many people to coordinate. To ensure everyone has a great time, keep these quick tips in mind.
Firstly, try to schedule your photo shoot at a time when everyone is well-rested and energized. This will help reduce stress and anxiety levels.
If you’re including little ones in the photoshoot, be sure to keep it brief and fun!
They can get restless quickly, so it’s essential to keep them engaged and entertained.
Don’t forget about snacks! Having some light refreshments on hand can help keep everyone satisfied and focused. It’s also a good idea to bring an extra layer or two in case the mornings or evenings are cooler than expected.
Finally, don’t underestimate the power of natural light. Take advantage of the beautiful summer days and get outside!
The result will be stunning photos that capture the essence of your family’s personality.
For moms, consider getting a professional makeup artist to help you feel more confident and relaxed in front of the camera. It can make a huge difference and take some pressure off of you, allowing you to enjoy the experience rather than stressing about it.
Cute Family Photo Outfit Ideas for Summer
Neutrals
When it comes to summer family portraits, opting for a neutral color palette is a safe and stylish bet. These versatile hues can seamlessly blend into various backdrops, from sun-kissed beaches to lush forests. To add visual interest to your photos, don’t be afraid to mix and match different shades of neutrals – it’s not all about going monochromatic! Instead, focus on incorporating varying textures to each outfit, which will help keep the overall look fresh and dynamic.
One of the keys to pulling off this neutral look is embracing its adaptability. For instance, take a cue from the laid-back vibe of an overall dress or a flowy hat, which can instantly add a bohemian flair to your photos. This approach also works particularly well when capturing summer memories outdoors.
If your personal style leans more towards casual elegance, a neutral outfit like this family’s ensemble is an excellent choice.
Additionally, this color scheme tends to work beautifully for outdoor summer shoots, especially when compared to fall family photos.
In some cases, a pop of color can be a delightful addition to a neutral-heavy setup. For example, the peach-hued dresses worn by these siblings add a sweet touch to their beachside photo shoot.
Earth Tones
While earthy tones are often associated with autumn family photo shoots, these warm colors can also be stunning in the summer. When selecting outfits, consider your location’s aesthetic and choose hues that complement it. For instance, a late-summer grassy field or mountainous backdrop would beautifully pair with earthy tones. A simple yet timeless look for dad’s summer photos is a classic combination of jeans and a T-shirt.
Shades of Green
When planning your summer family photoshoots, consider incorporating nature-inspired outfits that blend seamlessly with the surroundings. A grassy area or orchard provides the perfect backdrop to try out this approach. For instance, you can dress your family members in shades of green, which will create a harmonious and visually appealing combination.
To add some variety, throw in a few neutral tones like white, as seen in the photo above featuring a little boy in a crisp white top paired with green shorts.
Shades of Blue
Commemorating your summer vacation just got a whole lot easier! Taking family photos while on holiday is a great way to cherish the memories of your trip. And, with a little planning, you can create timeless looks that will stand out in your album.
When heading to the beach, opt for blue-hued outfits – it’s a classic combination that never goes out of style. But don’t feel pressured to dress the whole family in blue; mixing and matching is perfectly fine.
In fact, incorporating neutral tones like mom’s white dress can add a touch of elegance to your photos.
The same principle applies when shooting at the lake – a blue + neutrals color scheme works beautifully, creating a cohesive yet not too matchy-matchy look.
And don’t worry if you’re not feeling the whole ‘matchy-matchy’ vibe; complementary colors and patterns can create a stunning visual effect.
Ultimately, the key is to have fun and be yourselves – your summer family photos will reflect that!
Floral Patterns
Looking for ways to elevate your summer looks? Consider incorporating prints into your outfit plans! Floral patterns, in particular, evoke the feeling of sunshine and can add a pop of visual interest to your photos. When selecting prints, be mindful that family members should wear solid colors that complement the hues found within the print.
Bold Black
The trend of using black as a primary color for family photos has gained significant traction, with professional photographers now embracing this bold and stylish choice. The result is moody yet captivating images that exude timelessness. What’s more, this darker aesthetic can seamlessly transition from summer to fall, making it an excellent option for capturing memories across various seasons.
Blue Jeans
When it comes to summer family portraits, the classic look of everyone dressed in matching white shirts and blue jeans often springs to mind. However, there’s no rule that says you can’t add a touch of personality and style to your photos. By incorporating patterns and mixing things up, you can create a modern and unique look that still feels like a classic summer family portrait.
In this particular photo, the girls added a touch of elegance with their lovely dresses, while the boys kept it simple and relaxed in jeans and stylish polos.
Pretty Pastels
With Tasha Rose’s photography expertise, spring family sessions are elevated to a new level. One of the key takeaways is that pastel colors never go out of style – especially when they’re paired with other harmonious hues. The combination of soft blues and peach tones creates a visually stunning effect. Furthermore, incorporating yellow flowers into the scene adds an extra layer of vibrancy without overpowering the overall aesthetic.
This particular family photo shoot serves as a testament to how seamlessly these colors work together, resulting in a truly captivating image.
Bright Colors
Summer is the perfect time to bring out those bright and bold colors that add a pop of fun to your family’s photos. And with 2022 being all about vibrant hues, it’s the ideal season to get creative and make some unforgettable memories. When everyone in your family is on board with this idea, you’ll have an absolute blast capturing the moments that will last a lifetime.
More Tips for Picking out the Perfect Summer Family Photoshoot Outfits
When it comes to dressing your family for photos, there are a few essential tips to keep in mind. First and foremost, prioritize mom’s outfit! Once she’s feeling confident and put-together, the rest of the family will follow suit. Consider choosing coordinating colors that work well together. Avoid forcing fussy styles or accessories on your little ones, as this can lead to tantrums and discomfort. Instead, opt for clothes and looks that make everyone feel at ease.
A happy family is a photogenic one! Finally, resist the temptation to matchy-matchy! Aim for outfits that complement each other without being too identical. For example, pair a classic white tee with distressed denim or patterned pants for a stylish yet non-identical look.
Where to Shop for Summer Family Photoshoot Outfits
For your family photoshoot, why stress over finding the perfect outfit when there are retailers that make it easy? Consider these trusted options for beautiful, one-time-wear outfits: Rent the Runway offers a convenient solution by allowing you to rent instead of buy an occasion-specific garment. Petal & Pup is another favorite of mine, featuring unique and perfectly styled ensembles ideal for photoshoots.
For those with a feminine flair or who adore statement-making midi or maxi skirts, Chicwish is an excellent resource.
Taking Family Photos on Summer Vacation
When it comes to capturing memories on summer vacation, some people opt for a family photo shoot. While it’s an excellent idea, it also presents its own set of challenges. To ensure a successful and enjoyable experience, consider the following tips.
Get familiar with your photographer’s style by stalking them on Instagram and seeing where they typically shoot. This will give you a better understanding of their aesthetic and the types of locations they often use.
If you don’t have a professional photographer lined up, connect with one through Flytogropher or ask family and friends for recommendations.
To stay looking your best in front of the camera, bring a travel steamer to touch up your outfit. A little bit of effort can go a long way in making you feel confident and relaxed.
Most importantly, remember to relax and have fun! Vacation photos are a great way to commemorate your trip and they make lovely additions to holiday cards.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this post on summer family photo shoot outfits. If you’re looking for more content like this, let me know in the comments below so I can continue to share similar tips and inspiration!