Family Photoshoot Outfit Ideas To Wear In Winter

Get those Pinterest boards ready, coordinate those outfits, and get ready to make some magical winter memories with your loved ones. We’re talking all things family photoshoot outfit ideas for winter. Let’s dive in!

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Family Photoshoot Outfit Ideas To Wear In Winter

With the winter months upon us, it’s the perfect time to capture those magical moments with a winter family photo shoot. The crisp air, the white snow blanketing the earth, and the cozy vibes create an enchanting backdrop for family portraits.

I want to equip you with the top tips, fashion do’s and don’ts, and location ideas so that you’re all set to plan the perfect winter family photo shoot.  Bundle up, be merry, and capture those moments that’ll warm your heart through any cold day. 

Remember to smile, have fun, and let your whole family’s unique personality shine through. After all, the best family picture ideas are the ones that truly reflect who you are together.

Our Family Photo Shoot This Winter

I can normally plan an outfit, and even six that coordinate for a photo shoot. But I find it significantly harder to plan warm-while-still-being-cute outfits for cold winter photo shoots. If you struggle with this too, I hope these ideas will help you with your planning.

For our family photo session this year, we wore black and pink. If you know anything about me, you know how much I love the color pink. I thought bright pink would add a fun, unconventional pop of color to our Christmas cards. I knew we would be taking our photos outside where the trees and ground looked bleak and bare, and thought this would provide a nice contrast.

We took our photos before the holidays so we could include them in our cards, but now is a great time to take them too! 

Photographers generally have more time to fit clients in during the winter months than the busy fall season. Plus, a snowy backdrop makes for a lovely, whimsical photo session. Depending on your location, snowy photo shoots may require waiting until January or February. 

If your climate is too cold to offer a pleasant experience for your family members, spring, summer or fall may be more suitable for your photo shoot.

However, if you’re searching for the ultimate guide to selecting the right outfits for your winter session, you’re in the right place.

 Let’s get into some fantastic family photo outfit ideas that will make your winter photo shoot as memorable as the holiday season itself!

Tips On What To Wear For Photos

Winter is the perfect time to coordinate your family’s outfits with the season’s natural color palette. 

Think neutral colors for a timeless feel or jewel tones like emerald green and ruby red for a pop of color that stands out against the white snow. 

A cohesive look with the family wearing different shades of the same color can make your winter family pictures look unified without being uniform.

To add some visual interest without overwhelming the photo, opt for subtle patterns or different textures. 

Pairing knit sweaters with smooth winter coats can add depth to your family’s outfits. Layering is not only practical for the cold weather but also adds a richness in texture that looks fabulous in photos. 

For the little ones, ensure they’re extra bundled with plenty of layers so they stay toasty throughout the family session.

Cute hats, scarves, and gloves can add a fun twist to your family outfits. They’re functional and fashionable, and they can easily be removed or swapped to change up the look mid-shoot.

What Not To Wear For Photos

While subtle patterns can add interest, steer clear of overly busy patterns that can distract from your family’s faces. The focus should be on those smiling faces, not the loud prints on your sweater.

Coordinating is great, but matching every piece is a bit over the top. You want to look like a family, not a sports team in uniform.

How To Dress In Winter For Photos

You can’t go wrong with layers. They’re practical for the unpredictable winter weather and add depth to your photos. 

Think warm layers like flannel shirts under cozy sweaters or cardigans over dresses.

If your winter session is set in a snowy park with pine trees, choose colors that complement the environment. Earth tones and lighter neutrals can look stunning amidst the greens of the pine and the whites of the snow.

The winter season is a great time to play with color hacks and fashion tips.

 Warm tones and lighter neutrals create a soft, timeless feel, while darker colors provide a striking contrast against the winter landscape. Jewel tones, such as deep purples and blues, are always a hit for winter family pictures, as they stand out beautifully against the snow.

Special Considerations For Winter Photo Shoots

If you can, schedule your winter photo session during golden hour. That’s when the sun casts a soft, golden light right after sunrise or just before sunset. It’s truly the best light for glowing family portraits.

A shivering family is not a happy one. Make sure everyone is dressed warmly enough to enjoy the session, and consider bringing along some hot drinks to keep spirits high.

Locations For Winter Photoshoots

Choosing a picturesque location for your winter photo session can set the scene for beautiful photos. 

Some great winter photoshoot ideas for locations include:

Christmas Tree Farm

For a quintessential holiday vibe, you can’t beat a Christmas tree farm. The rows of evergreens make a festive and fun backdrop for your family photo shoot.

Your Own Backyard

Don’t forget about the beauty of your own space. Dress up your own backyard with some holiday decor, and you’ve got a personal and convenient setting for your winter family photo shoot.

If it’s after the holidays, you can always use the beauty of the natural elements. This works especially well in fresh fallen snow.

Many photographers schedule snow sessions for those families who wait all year for that first fallen snow!

Snowy Park

A local park can transform into a winter wonderland during the colder months, providing a stunning natural backdrop for your winter session. 

The bare branches dusted with snow, open fields, and stone pathways can add a rustic charm to your photos.

The Great Indoors

If the winter weather is too harsh for you this time of year, consider an indoor shoot. 

A professional photographer can make the most of natural light streaming through windows, and your home’s decor adds a personal touch to your family portraits.

Do’s and Don’ts

Here are the main dos and don’ts to help you remember how to make the most and plan your family photoshoot outfit ideas winter edition:

The Do’s

Do consider the location when planning your outfits. If you’re at a local park with pine trees, earth tones or jewel tones like emerald green and olive greens work beautifully.

Do dress for the weather. Ensure everyone is comfortable, and the little ones are bundled up to avoid red noses and unhappy faces.

Do incorporate textures. Embrace different textures in your outfits to add visual interest to the photos. For instance, mix in some chunky knits, faux fur, or tweed to create depth and dimension in your family’s ensembles.

Do consider comfort. Ensure that everyone’s outfits are not only stylish but also comfortable. You want your family members to feel at ease and enjoy the photo session without being distracted by uncomfortable clothing.

The Don’ts 

Don’t shy away from a pop of color! While neutral colors are a safe bet, a primary color scheme or bright colors can bring life to your photos, especially against the snow.

Don’t match too perfectly. You want to achieve a balanced overall look. Aim for a coordinated look rather than completely matching outfits. Choose a color scheme or a few complementary colors and let each family member express their individual style within that palette.

Don’t go overboard with busy patterns. You want to avoid visual chaos. Steer clear of clothing with large logos, slogans, or busy graphics, as they can be distracting and take the focus away from the family members themselves.

Don’t be too trendy. While it’s great to incorporate current trends into your outfits, be cautious of overly trendy pieces that might quickly look outdated in your photos. Opt for timeless styles that will stand the test of time.

Coordinating Family Photoshoot Outfit Ideas For Winter

If you need some inspiration for family photoshoot outfit ideas to wear in winter, check out some of my favorite looks:

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