Outfit Tips for Spring & Summer Photoshoot Family and Maternity Photoshoots

This post will provide you with some helpful ideas and tips on what to wear for a spring photoshoot.

Embrace the Colors of Spring

Spring signifies renewal and life, so don't be afraid to add a little color! Bright colors (avoid neon) like red, blush pink, denim and light blues, white, or yellow reflect spring beautifully and are highly suggested. If youd like a bright pop of color, reds, blues and yellows are always fun to pair with neutrals. Example: Red sweater with jeans, or yellow vest with blue stripe bottoms. To coordinate colors, I would suggest picking no more than 3 colors and pair them with other neutral outfits and accessories. For example, maybe mom wears a light pink dress with brown sandals, dad wears brown pants and a white button down, and the little ones wear white outfits with a light pink bow to match and brown sandals. Patterns can also be fun, but I would limit them to stripes/florals/polka dots to not distract too much from the ambiance of the atmosphere.

I would caution against bright colors such as coral or neons as they can be distracting.

Whimsical / Elegant vibe:

If youre looking for a more picturesque / whimsical touch to your photos, I would suggest going with flowey maxi dresses. Choose light and breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, tulle, or chambray.

Flowey maxi or midi dresses for my feminine clients can create stunning movement in photographs.

For my maternity clients, white maxi dresses with a crop top or unbuttoned top are very popular right now and a great way to be able to wear a flowey outfit and still show off your belly!

Another option for the little ones could be a tulle dress to match that fairytale vibe.

Laid back / Documentary vibe:

For a more casual vibe, I would suggest pants or shorts with a cardigan or top of your choice. That way, you can run around, explore the surroundings, sit on the ground and play with your littles, and not worry about having to hide yourself with a dress. This is perfect for the families and mommas who want a more fun and storytelling look.

Examples can be wide leg jeans with a cardigan, jean overalls, or colorful pants and a neutral top!

Lightweight fitted sweaters with button-up shirts and jeans are ideal for my masculine clients in the spring.

Layering

Spring weather can change rapidly, making layering a smart choice. Cardigans with a top underneath are perfect as you can unbutton or remove if needed

For pops of color in layers, you could do a neutral colored dress or skirt with a fun colored sweater such as red or yellow!

A neutral light-weight sweater over a button down is a great choice for my masculine clients, as it gives you the option to remove if it gets too hot.

Shoes

For outdoors, I always like to recommend boots (even in the summer). I always photograph in an open field that can have bugs, be itchy or pokey (but no snakes dont worry!). Ideas can be cowboy boots or rainboots (super popular right now). You can wear these with long skirts, shorts, or dresses. If you wear jeans and dont want to wear boots, I suggest some colorful dressy sandals (no flip flops or strappy sandals).

For indoors, I always suggest going barefoot or with socks. Its cozy and feels at home!

Coordinate, Don't Match

Start with mom and go from there! When dressing your family, aim for a coordinated look instead of identical outfits or colors. If you all wear the same color, you risk blending into eachother. Select a color scheme or style everyone is comfortable in, allowing individual expression within that theme. This method results in a unified yet diverse appearance, showcasing each person's personality while still feeling cohesive.

Consider the Location

The majority of my photoshoots are located in local parks in fields in North Austin and surrounding areas. I always like to choose spots that have a large field and/or beautiful trees. For example, a picnic theme in a field of wildflowers, lightweight, jeans and a neutral sweater / flowey dresses / casual linen outfits will be perfect.

For in-home photos, my go to options are always cozy vibes while being barefoot. Comfy maxi dresses, jeans and sweaters are ideal for these.

On the other hand, if our photoshoot happens takes place in an urban environment for something such as an engagement or elopement session, slightly more polished outfits could create a striking contrast against the backdrop. Consider whites and blacks for these sessions!

Preparing for the Day

Before the photoshoot, lay out each family member’s outfit, try everything on, and make any necessary adjustments. Ensure all clothing is clean, wrinkle-free, and ready to wear. As a precaution, have a backup outfit for unexpected spills or messes.

Additionally, it’s helpful to pack some essentials for the day, such as a lint roller, sanitary wipes, and a small comb for quick touch-ups when needed.

Final Thoughts

Spring photoshoots provide a wonderful opportunity to capture the beauty of the season and the love of your family. Choosing outfits that reflect color, comfort, and individuality will ensure your images reveal your true essence and cherished moments.

I am also always available for more questions on this topic. Feel free to email me at ashleyconnorsphotography@gmail.com and I will be happy to chat!

Happy Spring,

Ashley