What to Wear for an Autumn Family Photoshoot in Bristol
Autumn is one of my favourite times of year for outdoor family photography. With the changing leaves, warm colours and softer light, it’s a beautiful season to capture natural family photographs that you can treasure for years to come.
If you're thinking about booking an autumn family photoshoot in Bristol, one of the first questions you might have is what everyone should wear.
The good news is that you don't need matching outfits, expensive clothing or anything too complicated. The aim is to choose clothes that make everyone feel comfortable while complementing the beautiful autumn colours around you.
As a Bristol family photographer, I want your photoshoot to feel relaxed and enjoyable, so here are a few tips to help you prepare.
1. Choose Colours That Complement the Autumn Scenery
Autumn provides a gorgeous backdrop for family photographs, particularly in Bristol's parks and woodland areas. Think golden leaves, earthy tones and beautiful natural surroundings.
Colours that work particularly well for autumn family photoshoots include:
Earthy tones: olive green, rust, terracotta and warm brown.
Neutral shades: cream, beige, oatmeal and soft grey.
Muted colours: dusty blue, burgundy and soft mustard.
You don't all need to wear the same colour. Instead, choose two or three complementary shades and spread them across everyone's outfits.
For example, one person could wear a cream jumper, another olive green, and another a rust-coloured cardigan. These colours work beautifully together without making everyone look too coordinated.
I'd generally avoid large logos, very busy patterns and clothing that distracts from your faces. Simple outfits tend to create photographs that feel timeless.
2. Coordinate Your Outfits Rather Than Matching
Gone are the days when everyone needed to wear identical white tops and blue jeans!
Coordinating outfits allows each family member's personality to come through while keeping the overall look cohesive.
You could mix knitwear, dresses, jeans, chinos and simple shirts, depending on what everyone feels comfortable wearing.
If you have young children, there's no need to dress them in something they wouldn't normally wear. The most important thing is that they can move around freely and enjoy themselves.
I want your family photographs to feel like you, rather than a version of yourselves dressed for someone else's photoshoot.
3. Dress for the Bristol Autumn Weather
British autumn weather can be unpredictable, so it's always worth preparing for cooler temperatures.
Layering is a great option. Think cosy jumpers, cardigans, jackets and scarves that complement your outfits. You can remove a layer for a few photographs and put it back on when you get chilly.
For children, bring an extra layer and perhaps a change of clothes if they're likely to enjoy exploring the park.
Comfortable footwear is also important, particularly if we're walking through woodland or across grassy areas. You can always bring a smarter pair of shoes for a few photographs if you'd like.
And don't worry if it's a little overcast. Soft, cloudy light can be lovely for outdoor portraits, and we can make the most of whatever the day brings.
4. Make the Most of Bristol's Beautiful Autumn Locations
One of the things I love about photographing families in Bristol is the variety of outdoor locations available.
Ashton Court Estate
Ashton Court is a wonderful choice for an autumn family photoshoot, with its open spaces, trees and woodland surroundings. There's plenty of room for children to explore, which helps create natural photographs full of movement and personality.
Victoria Park
Located close to my home studio in Bedminster, Victoria Park is a lovely option for families looking for a convenient local setting. It's particularly useful if you'd like to combine an outdoor session with some studio photographs.
Snuff Mills
If you love a woodland feel, Snuff Mills offers beautiful natural scenery, riverside paths and plenty of character. It's a lovely setting for relaxed photographs of families spending time together.
If you're unsure which location would suit your family, I'm always happy to help you choose somewhere that fits the look and feel you're after.
5. Don't Worry About Getting Your Children to Pose
One of the most common concerns parents have is whether their children will behave during a photoshoot.
The lovely thing about outdoor family photography is that children don't need to sit perfectly still or smile at the camera the entire time.
Some of my favourite photographs come from the little moments in between: holding hands, playing together, having a cuddle or simply walking along and enjoying being together.
I'll guide you throughout the session, but I also leave plenty of room for natural interaction. There's no need to put pressure on your children to perform.
If they need a little time to warm up, that's absolutely fine too.
6. When Should You Book an Autumn Family Photoshoot?
Autumn is a popular time for family photography because of the beautiful seasonal colours. October and early November can be lovely times to capture those golden and earthy tones, although the scenery changes throughout the season.
If you'd like autumn colours in your photographs, it's worth getting in touch early so we can discuss the best timing and location.
The weather and changing leaves are never entirely predictable, but that's part of the charm of outdoor photography. Every session is a little different.
And if the weather doesn't cooperate, we can discuss alternative arrangements, including moving your session into my home studio or rescheduling where appropriate.
7. Book Your Autumn Family Photoshoot in Bristol
If you've been thinking about updating your family photographs, autumn is a lovely opportunity to capture this stage of life together.
I offer relaxed outdoor family photoshoots across Bristol, including Ashton Court, Victoria Park and Snuff Mills, as well as family photography in my cosy home studio in Bedminster.
My sessions are designed to be enjoyable and informal, with a mixture of natural moments and gently guided portraits. Whether you're bringing little ones, older children or the whole family together, the aim is to create photographs that feel personal to you.
My outdoor family photography packages start at £180 for a mini session, including 15 professionally edited digital photographs. Full family sessions are £280 and include 30 edited digital photographs.
If you'd like to find out more, take a look at my family photography packages in Bristol or get in touch to discuss your photoshoot.
I'd love to help you create some beautiful family photographs this autumn.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time for an autumn family photoshoot in Bristol?
October and early November can be lovely times for autumn family photography, when the leaves turn golden and the scenery is full of warm colours. The exact timing depends on the weather and changing foliage.
What should we wear for an autumn family photoshoot?
Earthy tones, warm neutrals and muted colours work beautifully against autumn scenery. Try coordinating your outfits rather than matching exactly, and bring extra layers to keep everyone comfortable.
Where can I have an outdoor family photoshoot in Bristol?
Popular options include Ashton Court Estate, Victoria Park and Snuff Mills, each offering a different natural backdrop for family photographs.
What happens if it rains on the day of our photoshoot?
Autumn weather can be unpredictable. If the weather isn't suitable, we can discuss alternative arrangements, such as rescheduling, depending on the circumstances.
How much does a family photoshoot in Bristol cost?
My outdoor family photography packages start at £180 for a mini session with 15 professionally edited digital images. Full sessions are £280 and include 30 edited digital images. Visit my family photography page for more information.
