As a Colorado Family Photographer and a boy mom, let me just say: I understand the struggle on a spiritual level. My biggest challenge—besides getting my boys to look at the camera at the same time—is convincing them to wear something that isn’t athleisure and to run a comb through their hair like, once. Just once.
If you also experience bribery, threats, negotiations, and tears (mostly yours, rarely theirs), you’re in good company. Family photo day can feel like preparing for battle…with much less armor and way more snacks.
But I promise you—it’s worth it. Here’s how to style your family (and, let’s be honest, mostly yourself) for your Colorado fall family photo session without needing a nap afterward.
Start With Mom: The Foundation of Beautiful Colorado Family Photos
Since you’re probably the CEO of “We Need Updated Family Photos,” we’re starting with you. Yes—YOU. You deserve to feel fantastic, confident, and slightly main-character-energy.
Find an outfit that makes you feel like the glowing goddess of fall foliage, and build everyone else’s outfits around yours. If you’re a fellow boy mom, this will be easy because the rest of the family does not care nearly as much as you do. You’re carrying this show. Lean into it. Trust me.
Choose Coordinated Colors, Not Matching Outfits
We’ve all done the matching outfit thing (and no, I won’t be sharing my own evidence either). It dates your photos faster than your kid can say, “Are we done yet?”
Instead, go for coordinated, complementary colors. It adds interest, depth, and—bonus—you can probably pull half of it from your own closets. No need to speed-order 20 things from Target and return 19 of them later.
Avoid Distracting Clothing That Competes With Colorado’s Natural Beauty
Distracting clothing = neon, busy prints, giant logos, fabric that reflects light like a disco ball, and anything that makes you feel distracted while wearing it.
Make sure everything fits comfortably. You want to be able to walk, sit, breathe, pick up a toddler, escape a meltdown, and maybe even smile—all without your pants or skirt threatening to revolt.
Also, skip bright white. It can wash you out and make you look like Ghost Face. Ivory and cream will treat you much more kindly… and don’t we all love kindness?
Jeans are great—until your whole family becomes one giant denim blob.
One or two people in jeans? Totally fine. Everyone in jeans? Suddenly your family looks like a 90s boy band posing for an album cover.
Mix things up: khakis, corduroy, skirts, dresses, tights, jumpsuits. Your photos will have more texture and visual interest—and your lower halves will thank you. I will too when I am editing your photos…..
Real-Life Example From a Colorado Family Photography Session
During a recent Colorado fall session, one stylish mama absolutely nailed it. Every kid had their own outfit personality, but the colors were coordinated and totally harmonious. Her palette popped against the golden fall leaves—especially the blues, which looked amazing against Colorado’s autumn yellows.
Yes, she used my styling guide. Yes, your family can look this good too.
If you’re ready to book your own Colorado fall family session with a Colorado Family Photographer who gets it (and who fully supports candy-based bribery), click the link below. Let’s make photo day fun, beautiful, and maybe even… tear-free. (A girl can dream!)
Um, in case it wasn’t clear….. that Colorado Family Photographer is me…. Jodi Crawford. Click HERE to get in touch with me and book your family photo session. And while you are at it, tell me your child’s favorite candy…..
