What to Wear for an Autumn Family Photoshoot in Kent

Autumn is one of the best times of year for family photos in Kent. The colours are changing, the light is softer, and there are plenty of beautiful places to get outside together.

But once you've booked your family photoshoot, one question usually comes up: what should we wear?

The good news is that you don't need to buy a whole new wardrobe or have everyone perfectly coordinated. The best autumn family outfits are comfortable, practical and feel like you.

Whether your photoshoot is taking place in the woods near Ashford, out in the countryside around Wye or Tenterden, or at the beach in Greatstone, Littlestone or Folkestone, here are a few ideas to help.

Start with colours that work together

You don't all need to wear matching outfits. In fact, choosing a few colours that work well together usually looks much more natural.

For autumn family photography, colours such as cream, beige, rust, mustard, olive green, brown, burgundy and soft blues can work really well against the changing landscape.

Try choosing two or three main colours and mixing different shades between everyone. For example, one person could wear a rust-coloured jumper, while someone else wears cream or beige.

It can also help to lay everyone's clothes out together before the day. That way, you can see whether anything feels completely out of place.

Think about your location

What works for a woodland photoshoot might be different from what you'd choose for a beach session.

For an autumn photoshoot in places such as Hothfield Common, Hamstreet Woods, King's Wood or Blean Woods, warmer and earthy colours can work beautifully with the trees and fallen leaves.

If you're heading somewhere more open, such as Wye Downs, Tenterden or the countryside around Ashford, softer neutral colours can look great against the natural surroundings.

For beach family photos at Greatstone, Littlestone, Dungeness, Hythe or Folkestone, layers can work particularly well. A jumper, light jacket or overshirt not only helps if it's chilly but can also add a bit of texture to your photographs.

Layers are always a good idea

Autumn weather in Kent can be unpredictable, so layers are useful. Jumpers, cardigans, overshirts and lightweight jackets can all work well. They also mean you're prepared if the temperature drops during your session.

You don't need everyone wrapped up in huge coats unless it's particularly cold. If possible, choose layers that still look good in photographs and allow children to move around comfortably.

And if you're photographing younger children, it can be worth bringing an extra layer just in case they suddenly decide they're cold halfway through exploring.

Keep children comfortable

The most important thing when choosing children's clothes is making sure they can actually enjoy wearing them. Autumn family photoshoots often involve walking, exploring, playing and spending time outdoors, so clothes that are comfortable and easy to move in are usually best.

You don't need to save an outfit for a special occasion if your child will spend the whole time pulling at it or refusing to wear it.

Wellies can work brilliantly for a woodland location, especially if the ground is muddy, while trainers or boots might be better for countryside paths. For beach sessions, shoes that you're happy getting sandy are always a good idea.

Try to avoid too many bold patterns

A little pattern can look great, but if everyone is wearing something completely different, it can become distracting.

Instead, try mixing plain colours with one or two subtle patterns or textures. Knits, corduroy, denim and linen can all add interest without taking over the photograph.

Logos and large writing can also date photographs quite quickly, so if you're choosing between two outfits, the simpler option often works best.

Don't worry about everything looking perfect

Family photos aren't about having everyone dressed exactly the same or getting every detail right.

The best thing you can do is choose clothes that you feel comfortable wearing and that work for the weather and location. Once that's sorted, you can get on with enjoying the time together.

Whether you're exploring woodland near Ashford or Canterbury, walking through the countryside around Wye, Charing or Tenterden, or heading to the coast at Greatstone, Littlestone, Dungeness, Hythe or Folkestone, your outfits should help you feel comfortable rather than give you something else to worry about.

Planning an autumn family photoshoot in Kent

I'm a family photographer based in Ashford, photographing families across Kent in locations including Hothfield Common, Hamstreet, Wye, King's Wood, Tenterden, Romney Marsh, Greatstone, Littlestone, Hythe, Folkestone, Canterbury, Dover, Deal and beyond.

If you're not sure where to have your family photos taken or what to wear, I can help with both. Once you've chosen your location, you'll have a better idea of what will work practically as well as photographically.

And if you're looking for a gift for a family member, photography gift vouchers can also be used towards a family photoshoot. They give the recipient the chance to choose a date, location and experience that suits them, making them a useful option for birthdays, Christmas or other special occasions.

Autumn may be known for colourful leaves and woodland walks, but there are plenty of ways to make your family photos feel like you — whatever part of Kent you choose to explore.