What to Wear for your Light and Airy, Fall Photography Session

2025

Birmingham, AL Photographer

Simple Wardrobe Tips

More times than not, if you don’t love your photography session it’s because you don’t love your chosen wardrobe. Maybe your choices didn’t blend well together or with the background, lay right, or weren’t the right shape for your body type. That’s where I come in. Years of experience photographing families with young children has taught me what works best.

Color Coordination That Works

• Stick to 2-3 colors that go well together
• Neutrals always look great outdoors. Think white and cooler toned tans for spring and warmer whites and tans for Fall
• Instead of darker versions of your typical fall colors like Burgundy, Navy and Dark Green, choose colors like Mauve, Blush, Dusty Blue and Sage

Outfit Ideas That Photograph Beautifully

1. Flowy, long dresses for women and girls add movement and aren’t restrictive.
2. Untucked button-ups for men and boys look sharp without having to keep them tucked in
3. Layers add texture
4. Simple patterns work better than busy ones.

Quick Tip: Dress for comfort too! When you feel good in your clothes, it shows in your photos.

What to Skip

• Neon and other bright colors (they can cast odd skin tones)
• Dark colors (these don’t photograph well with the light and airy style I offer)
• Logos and big graphics
• Multiple patterns. It’s hard to combine patterns and do it well. I suggest choosing 1 pattern for 1 person or matching patterns for a couple people and sticking with solids for the rest. You can always add textures and accessories to add a little flair
• Clothing that’s waffled, checkered, plaid or has small stripes close together (you may get a wonky pattern on your clothing in your digital image.) When in doubt choose solids.
• Shirts with text
• Outfits that feel stiff

Accessories That Add Flair

• Simple jewelry that won’t distract
• Small hair bows that won’t fall out. I don’t suggest headbands. These fall off, often.
• Scarves add color and texture in cooler months
• Remember to plan outfits at least a month before your session. This gives you time to make sure everything fits and looks good together. When you all feel good, your photos will catch those real smiles!

Overall, keep in mind that you want to look polished and put-together, but also comfortable and natural. You don’t want to be fussing with your clothes or worrying about how you look during the session

Girls

My best tips for girls:

• Bloomers are necessary when wearing dresses. Many gorgeous images have been ruined by diapers/undies showing.
• Headbands are cute but they fall off frequently.
• Dainty bows are best. Please secure them well to avoid having to re-attach often.
• comfortable rompers, sets and dresses are great for girls
• sweater knits, linens, and muslins photograph well

Shop Here: Girls Sale Section (get them while they last)

2025 Girls Fall Selections

Boys

My best tips for boys:

• Choose shirts that don’t need to stay tucked in. You’ll waste precious session time re-tucking ever time they move
• Light colored chinos will look great with everything.
• Skip the generic polo. Choose an untucked button up, henley, sweater, or simple/quality t-shirt. All of these photograph well.
• Don’t overthink it. Simple and solid is best for a clean look that will stand the test of time.
• Don’t feel like you have to have a pattern. Patterns can be distracting if not done well. Texture, however, is a great way to add character.
• Solids photograph better than large/closely spaced stripes, checks and plaids. Dainty stripes that aren’t really close together are ok. Feel free to reach out if you’re concerned.

Shop Here: Boys Sale Section

Mommy and Me Selections

Women

My best tips for women:

• Flowy mid length or longer dresses photograph best
• Dainty patterns add character to your wardrobe without drawing all of the attention to you
• Cover what you are self-conscious about

Men

Do:

• choose solids and light colors like tans, creams and muted versions of your favorite fall colors
• choose pants over shorts
• choose close-toed footwear that blends with your pants

Don’t:

• Choose stripes, checks or plaids. These do not photograph well.
• Wear a dark belt with light pants. It will become a star of the show.

Laura Cardan offers light and airy maternity, newborn, children and family photography in Birmingham, Vestavia Hills, Mountain Brook, Hoover, Helena, Chelsea, Trussville and surrounding areas in Central Alabama