Planning Tips for Summer Family Photos
It’s that time of year when the kids are out of school and you try to cram alllll the activities in — summer camps, pool days, visiting state parks, and traveling to see relatives. While it might seem like another thing on your to-do list, organizing updated summer family photos doesn’t have to be hard.
Pick a Backdrop
When planning your photoshoot, pick a location that’s meaningful to your family. If you visit Lake Michigan every year, then have your photographer meet you at the dunes or the beach house for more candid photos. If your family loves to camp or hike around Cataract Falls, then go more casual and opt for photos around the campfire. If you know you’ll be traveling to visit relatives, plan for an extended family session at Grandma’s house.
Planning Outfits
Just like those eyebrows, girl — these outfits are sisters, not twins! Pick a color palette and mix and match patterns with solids. Remember, the Midwest sun can get extremely HOT, so choose fabrics that are breathable and lightweight.
READ THIS NEXT:
Some of my favorite family color palettes for summer photos:
Beach photoshoots
Lean into those coastal vibes with creams, whites, and even a hint of navy blue. We already know dad is going to want to wear his khaki shorts, so pair those with a blue button down or polo shirt, throw a floral dress on your daughter, khaki shorts and a lighter blue shirt on your son, and a white flowy dress on yourself! You’re ready to go! Don’t worry too much about shoes, they’ll be off within minutes of hitting the sand.
Tip for beach photos- Reds, pinks, yellows, and bright oranges can cast colors onto lighter skin tones, so use those bright colors sparingly.
Garden and backyard photoshoots
Gardens tend to have pops of color, so I like to lean into neutral colors and greens. Don’t be afraid to pull in different shades of green! A light, sage floral print would pair well with a gingham-style forest green dress. Adding a tan or white cardigan is a great way to break up those colors.
At-home photoshoot
Look around your house and play into your home color palette. These photos will be hanging on the walls after all, so you want them to fit the vibe of your house. If you’re planning casual, candid family photos in your living room, then you may want to stick with jeans. Have Dad wear a relaxed button-down or solid shirt. Swap out your jeans for a sundress or go more casual and just wear leggings and a solid t-shirt- capture your family as they are 99% of the time!
Best time of day for family photos
When planning your summer family pictures, there are a few things to keep in mind for time.
If you have little kids, they’re probably not going to be as thrilled about photos after 6 pm. Aim for a session earlier in the day, ideally first thing in the morning or just after nap time. Also…pack snacks!!!
Photoshoots in the middle of the day outside can lead to harsh shadows on faces and, honestly, sweat. On the flipside, if your session is inside, midday may be the best time.
Sunsets in the summer are so pretty and can make for a great, natural backdrop.
Your fave professional photographer can help with planning the perfect family photo session. Lean on them to figure out the best time of day to take photos at the spot you choose. Most photographers can also offer up styling ideas if you need help in the wardrobe department. Scan their social media or see if they have a Pinterest board you can follow. Just remember, these are memories, and it’s more important to capture those fleeting moments than to worry too much about what you’re wearing.
