It’s fall, y’all. Which means that here in Southern California, it’s 85 degrees outside. But still, Starbucks has starting slanging pumpkin spice lattes, Spirit Halloween stores have started cropping up in empty strip malls, and school is officially back in session for the kiddos. It also means that families are starting to think about Christmas card photos, and thus, getting stressed out about what the heck to wear in them. Do we get all cult-like and buy matching outfits? Do we rock plaid like every other Christmas card ever? Do we put on sweaters and suffer through this second summer pretending we live where there are actual seasons?? Here’s a few tips to get you and your family through another season of holiday photos that you’ll actually want to hang up or hand out!

Pick a shoot location that makes sense.

This will dictate everything you decide to wear. A beach shoot in Southern California and a woodsy shoot in Oregon are going to dictate two very different vibes. Once you get a general sense of where you’ll be, let that guide your outfits. The image above was our 2017 greeting card, and we shot our look in the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon. I wouldn’t have picked a black dress if we were headed to the beach instead. If you plan on going on a cool trip or vacation, pick a day to wear outfits that will photograph well, and use that for your cards instead, like this pic below from our trip earlier this year to India. 

Pick a color palette.

If you want to do a matchy-matchy shoot and all get the exact same outfit, more power to you. I’m personally a big fan of coordinating, but maintaining your own style and personality.  If you feel the same way I do, it’s important to get everyone on the same page before you set them free to do their shopping. Are we all going to be in all red for the holidays, or are we having an evergreen moment and rocking camel and navy? I’d recommend picking a neutral color palette and agreeing on one accent color that pops, like a palette of greys with a pop of mustard, or a palette of nudes with a bright teal. The photo below worked well for our 2018 greeting cards because we used navy as a base color and added pops of pink and teal. 

Avoid busy prints and text

A large scale print like plaid, or floral will probably be ok (see above image), but small scale polka dots and stripes will not photograph very well. It’s fail proof to stick entirely to solids, but mix it up with texture. Add a chunky sweater or a fringed scarf to give your looks some depth. Text can also be distracting- especially if the photographer catches your best shot, and half your t-shirt is covered. Your Christmas card recipient will spend more time wondering what your shirt is supposed to say, than looking at your gorgeous face. 

If you have little ones, stick to one outfit

If your family shoot consists of you, your partner and your dog, feel free to mix up outfits and locations if your photographer is up for it. If you have a few kids to add to the shot, don’t overdo it! More than one look and you’ll have grumpy kids who don’t want to be there. 

Have fun

Don’t overthink it! Ask your photographer for suggestions, and be present! This is family time that you’ll look back on for years to come. If you need a starting point for inspiration, I created a Pinterest board of classic family photo shoot looks that work.

Family photo shoots don’t have to take forever, or be a total pain to orchestrate. No matter what you end up wearing, you’ll be glad you have those pictures for your memory books years down the road. They’re meant to show how much you and your family have grown, and to commemorate the year that has passed. So get to the nearest pumpkin patch, or just set up a tripod in the backyard, and get busy. Don’t forget to tag me in your family photos! I wanna see how the year has been treating you.

The above images were shot by our photographer friends Sarah Swindle, Taylor Sato, and Kathleen Doyle.