If you’re wondering what to wear for fall family photos in Tri-Cities and Greater Vancouver, you’re definitely not alone. As a local photographer who’s spent over 15 years capturing families and maternity sessions throughout the Tri-Cities and the Lower Mainland, I know that choosing the right outfits can feel overwhelming, especially with our unpredictable West Coast weather and all the gorgeous autumn colours to consider.
The good news? With a little planning and the right advice, you can put together looks that feel comfortable, reflect your family’s personality, and photograph beautifully against our stunning fall backdrops. In this guide, I’ll walk you through my best tips for what to wear for your fall family or maternity session, so you can feel confident, relaxed, and ready to create timeless images you’ll love for years.
Why Wardrobe Matters for Fall Photography
Fall in British Columbia is truly magical—think golden leaves, soft sunlight, and rich, earthy tones. The right wardrobe will complement the natural landscape, enhance your family’s connection, and ensure your photos feel warm and inviting.
As your photographer, my goal is to help you look and feel your best, so you can focus on enjoying the moment together.
My Top Tips for What to Wear to Your Fall Family or Maternity Session
1. Start with a Coordinated Colour Palette
Instead of matching outfits exactly, I recommend choosing a cohesive colour palette of 3–5 complementary shades. For fall sessions in the Tri-Cities and Greater Vancouver, I love earthy tones like rust, mustard, olive, burgundy, navy, and warm neutrals (cream, taupe, soft grey).
These colours photograph beautifully against autumn foliage and add depth to your images.
How to build a palette:
- Start with one person’s outfit (often Mum’s dress or top), then pull accent colours for everyone else.
- Layer in different textures (knits, denim, corduroy, linen) to add visual interest.
- Avoid neon colours or anything too bold—they can distract from your faces and clash with the natural setting.
2. Dress for the Weather—Layers are Key
Fall weather in the Lower Mainland can be unpredictable! I always advise clients to dress in comfortable layers—think cardigans, vests, scarves, or lightweight jackets that can be added or removed as needed.
If it’s chilly, add tights or leggings under dresses, and don’t forget warm socks and boots for little ones.
Bonus: Layers add movement and texture to your photos, making them feel even more dynamic and cozy.
3. Consider Your Location & Setting
Are we shooting in a local park, at a forested trail, or in your own backyard? Let the location inspire your wardrobe.
- For wooded areas, earth tones and jewel colours blend beautifully with the scenery.
- If your session is on the beach or in an urban setting, you might opt for lighter neutrals or denim with pops of fall colour.
If you’re unsure, I’m always happy to suggest specific locations around Coquitlam, Port Moody, Port Coquitlam, or further afield in Greater Vancouver, and help you plan your outfits accordingly.
4. Keep Comfort (and Movement) in Mind
You’ll be sitting, standing, walking, and maybe even playing during your session—especially with little ones!
- Choose clothing that allows you to move freely and feels good to wear.
- For maternity sessions, fitted dresses or tops that highlight your bump photograph beautifully, but comfort comes first.
- Avoid anything too tight, itchy, or fussy. If you’re comfortable, you’ll look more relaxed and natural in your photos.
5. Add Layers & Accessories Thoughtfully
Scarves, hats, cardigans, and boots are perfect for fall, adding both warmth and style.
- For maternity sessions, a long cardigan or shawl can add beautiful movement and highlight your shape.
- For families, accessories are a great way to pull your palette together—but keep them simple so they don’t steal the spotlight.
6. Mind the Details
Small touches can make a big difference:
- Iron or steam clothing before your session to avoid wrinkles.
- Avoid logos, characters, or busy patterns that might date your photos.
- Shoes matter! Choose clean, neutral footwear that fits the season and location (no bright runners or flip-flops).
7. Plan Ahead & Try Everything On
Lay out everyone’s outfits a few days before your session and see how they look together.
- Try everything on to check fit and comfort.
- If you have young kids, let them wear their outfits around the house to get used to them.
- Bring a backup for babies or toddlers in case of spills or accidents.
Special Tips for Maternity Sessions
Maternity sessions are such a special milestone, and I want you to feel radiant and comfortable.
- Fitted dresses or gowns that highlight your bump are always flattering.
- Maxi dresses in solid colours or subtle patterns work beautifully, especially when paired with a cozy cardigan or shawl.
- If you’d like to include your partner or other children, coordinate their outfits with yours for a harmonious look.
- Don’t forget comfortable shoes, especially if we’ll be walking to a location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can we include pets?
Absolutely! Pets are family too. Just let me know in advance, and bring treats, a leash, and a lint roller to keep everyone photo-ready.
Q: What about glasses or hats?
If you or your kids wear glasses, clean them beforehand. Keep in mind that if you have transitional glasses, outside they will be sunglasses. Hats can be a fun accessory—just make sure they don’t cast shadows on faces.
Q: What if it rains?
I always book a backup date for outdoor sessions. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, we can reschedule or move indoors for a cozy, intimate feel.
Final Thoughts: Relax and Be Yourself
The most important thing is to wear something that feels like you. My goal is to capture your family’s genuine connection and joy, not just your outfits.
If you need help choosing clothes, feel free to send me photos of your options—I’m always happy to provide feedback.
Remember, your session should be fun and stress-free. Trust yourself, trust the process, and let’s create some beautiful memories together.
Looking for more inspiration or ready to book your fall session in the Tri-Cities or Greater Vancouver?
Visit my website or reach out anytime—I’m here to help you plan every detail.
Why Spring is Perfect for Family Portraits
I can feel winter fading away, and spring is right around the corner. The greenery is growing back, and here on the west coast we even have flowers popping up in gardens! Spring is a favourite time for family photos. With its sense of renewal, vibrant colours, and manageable schedules, it’s an ideal season to capture memories. Here’s why I think spring stands out as the best time to book your family portrait session.
1. Easier Scheduling
Winter is quieter for photographers, with most bookings focused on milestones or newborns. Come spring, there’s more availability for outdoor sessions, and photographers in Greater Vancouver are eager to shoot outside again. Book a few weeks in advance to secure your preferred date, especially if you want specific blooms in your photos.
2. Stunning Spring Blooms
Spring’s colours are unmatched—joyful, lively, and timeless. Cherry blossoms peak in early April, while tulips bloom later in the month. These natural backdrops add elegance and vibrancy to your family photos. The Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival has a fantastic interactive map to find blooming trees near you and when they are in bloom!
3. Earlier Session Times
Summer sunsets can be too late for young families, with sessions starting around 7:00-8:00 pm In spring, sessions can begin at 5:00-5:30 pm, capturing golden hour light while keeping bedtime routines intact.
4. Flattering Spring Wardrobes
Spring fashion offers soft, romantic options like flowing dresses, linen fabrics, and floral details. Light neutrals and pastels complement the season perfectly, and the weather is ideal for light layers without overheating.
Ready to book your spring family session?
Contact me for more information or to book your session!
‘Tis the season for twinkling lights, cozy sweaters, and family fun! And what’s more festive than a photo of your little ones in front of the Christmas tree? But let’s be real, wrangling kids and getting a great shot can be a bit of a challenge, especially in the low light of winter. Here are my top tips (DSLR camera or several of these are also helpful when using your iPhone) on how to get some great photos of your kiddos by the tree this year.
PHOTOGRAPH DURING THE DAY
You might think the best time to take these photos is at night, but actually, all the photos in this post were taken around 10am! The key is to find good lighting. You need enough light to capture the sparkle of the Christmas lights and to illuminate your little ones.
1) Natural light: If possible, position the tree near a window to utilize natural light. This will create a soft, warm glow. Turn off all other light sources (except the tree lights). Open every window so that light will pour in!
2) Exposure tip: Expose for the brightest part of their face, usually the cheekbone closest to the window. To do this on your iPhone, just touch that area and the exposure will adjust. Turn up your ISO. Being indoors means it’s likely darker. Start with an ISO of 800 and go up if necessary.
3) Candid shots: Don’t just pose your child. Capture spontaneous moments of laughter, play, or wonder. or directed poses: For more formal portraits, try simple poses like sitting or standing next to the tree.
4) Experiment with angles: Get LOW! Shooting from a low point means you get more lights and less floor, plus you’ll get a child’s perspective of the tree.
5) Use a tripod: A tripod can help you take sharp, steady photos, especially in low-light conditions. Use a self-timer to include yourself in the photo. Be sure to use the lowest f-stop you can (2.8 is preferred) and a higher shutter speed (250 or higher, any lower and you will risk getting blurry images due to camera shake) to capture those wiggly kiddos!
7) Incorporate Props: Have them DO or HOLD something. Sing a Christmas carol, eat a candy cane, hold a present, or look for their favourite ornament. I also love the small battery-powered twinkle lights; they keep the kids busy and always look great! Your photos will be more authentic this way.
By following these tips, you can capture beautiful and heartwarming photos of your children that you’ll cherish for years to come.
As a professional photographer, I have a few suggestions for improving your shots of kids:
Get down to their level: When photographing kids, it’s best to get on their level so you can capture their genuine expressions. This will allow you to get a more genuine and interesting shot of their expressions and emotions.
Use natural light: When taking pictures of kids, natural light is always preferable. The gentle, flattering light it produces will help your kid shine. The camera flash tends to be harsh and unflattering, so try to avoid using it.
Keep it fun and playful: Children have boundless energy and a natural desire to play, so remember to keep the mood light and carefree. To capture their genuine reactions, play with them and use props like toys.
Be patient and wait for the right moment: It’s important to be patient and wait for the right moment to snap that perfect photo, as children are notoriously difficult to predict. Take as many pictures as you need to get a good range of facial expressions and actions.
Capture candid moments: Photographing children in natural settings tend to yield more natural and engaging results. Photograph them while they are unconsciously engaged in play, laughter, or exploration of their surroundings. Taking pictures like these will make the experience more memorable.
Keep the background simple: When taking pictures of children, it’s best to have a plain, uncluttered background. Your kid will be the centre of attention in the picture thanks to this trick.
Edit your photos: Take the time to edit your photos after you’ve taken them. To improve the overall look of a photo, you can crop it, change the brightness and contrast, and apply filters.
Using these guidelines, you can take pictures of your kids that you’ll love and remember forever.
Being a photographer, I can appreciate the need to document precious childhood moments in photographs. Keep in mind that not every kid likes having their picture taken.
Children’s reluctance to pose for photographs with their parents may stem from a number of factors.
To begin with, people could experience anxiety or shyness when being filmed. It may be difficult to get a photo of a child who is sitting still because they are quickly distracted.
In addition, kids could not respect photography since they don’t see the need in keeping memories forever. They may also feel like they’re missing out on other opportunities since they have to stand around and smile for pictures.
As a photographer, I think it’s important to make photoshoots exciting and memorable for kids. Include children in the process by letting them pick the setting and the objects. It’s also crucial to not force them if they expressly state that they don’t want to be photographed.
All things considered, there are a number of reasons why kids might not want to pose for pictures with mom and dad. Make sure they have a good time and don’t force them to take photos if they don’t want to.
Time of day is the most important for a photo session. The first hour of light after the sun rises and the last hour of light before the sun sets gives us the most beautiful, soft, warm light. It’s actually called the golden hour by photographers, for good reason. The sunshine can cause harsh shadows, and everyone will squint in the light a lot more when the sun is high in the sky. I am always looking for soft light or shade to compliment everyone in the photograph. I typically try to schedule my photo sessions for two hours before sunset.
I know the golden hour may not work for everyone, but for one day I have suggested extra naps for the young kiddos and trust me, it will be worth it!!
