Five Styling Tips for Fall Family Photos in Eugene, Oregon and the Oregon Coast

1. Mom feels amazing. Mom ALWAYS feels amazing. Styling starts with Mom, and everyone else works around her. 

2. Kids are warm. I have done countless photos where toddlers arrive in the perfect outfit, no sweater, and they are FREEZING. Your option at that point is the mismatched jacket in the car, or a freezing child who is miserable. We can compensate with blankets to some degree, but planning for weather is important. Eugene families are typically ready for this when going out to the park, but when planning for a Photo session, we sometimes have an idea in mind that doesn’t take the weather into account. 

3. Layers. Again, Oregon is known for unreliable fall weather. We may have sun, rain, storm, clouds, blue sky, and hail, all on the day of your session. The weather report is not reliable this time of year. Warm cable knit tights, long sleeves under sleeveless dresses, cardigans, sweaters, hats, mittens on hand. Extra blankets to layer in. Kids can be troopers until they realize they are freezing, a back up and warm up break can turn the session around. And while we’re talking about layers, varying textures and shades of color bring in interest. Cozy is the theme of fall.

4. Wear shoes that you’re okay with getting dirty. Save the sandals for summer. Be ready to move and walk through soft wet grass and dirt. You may get dirty. This is okay! Eugene kids are used to playing in the rain and dirt, so get with the program parents! We’re going to be there to play right along with them. 

5. Rethink the plaid flannel. We live in the Pacific North West. Yes, here in Oregon we love flannel. I’m not saying that someone in flannel will ruin the session, but a family in matching plaid may not lift the photo into a work of art in the way you hope. And if it does for your family? That’s fine! Keep in mind that these are just suggestions, we’re all different and that’s okay.

Are you ready to play in the leaves? 

Eugene, Oregon Family Photographer