Shannon Payne Photography
Nashville Newborn & Baby Photographer
100 Country Club Dr #102, Hendersonville, TN 37075
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 615.348.5808
The weather in Tennessee is finally cooling down — I even needed a sweatshirt with my morning coffee on the porch today! That can only mean one thing: it’s time to start planning fall outfits for family photos in Nashville.
I can’t believe this is my 15th fall behind the camera, styling families, babies, and seniors in outfits that photograph beautifully against Tennessee’s fall colors.
Moms: Dresses, boots, cozy knits, layered cardigans
Dads: Button-downs, henleys, vests, dark jeans or chinos
Kids & Babies: Knit sweaters, rompers, textured dresses, soft layers, stocking, ruffled socks, boots
Colors: Earth tones (rust, mustard), jewel tones (emerald, burgundy) and neutrals (cream, beige, taupe)
Tips: Mix textures and layers for depth; coordinate but don’t match exactly
When planning what to wear for fall family photos, start with a color palette inspired by the season. Earth tones and jewel tones look great with fall foliage. Add in a mix of textures and a few layers so you’re ready for Tennessee’s unpredictable temps.
The outfits you choose are just as important as the location. The right fall family photo outfits can take your images from good to truly unforgettable.
Visit my Planning Outfits for Family Photos blog post to learn more about outfit planning, including tips on selecting an inspiration piece and coordinating colors.
One of my favorite parts of planning your family session is helping you choose outfits and colors. Think of me as your personal stylist! For fall, earthy tones always photograph beautifully. I recommend shades like warm rusts, golden mustard, and soft creams. These colors will complement the fall textures in Nashville.
If you’re not sure where to start, choose one outfit you love and build the rest of the family’s look around it. From there, we’ll mix in coordinating colors and textures so everyone looks pulled together.
Tip: Avoid pastel colors, cool colors such as bright pinks and blues, bright neon shades, bold prints, or large logos.
Mustard, rust, burnt orange, brown — perfect for outdoor fall scenery
Beige, cream, taupe, soft grays — compliment the fall foliage and textures.
Emerald, mauve, burgundy, deep navy — bold without being too bright.
Dresses with boots, cozy knits, layered cardigans.
Textured fabrics, small patterns and prints, lace, tulle.
Layered button-downs, henleys, vests.
Neutral chinos or dark jeans.
Knit rompers, cozy sweaters, layered dresses, socks, boots, bows.
Plan layers. Fall temperatures can be unpredictable, and cold kiddos are not happy kiddos.
Mix textures and tones without matching exactly.
Choose one accent color carried through all outfits.
Have fun with color. Warm rust or mustard colors will complement the fall scenery.
Cardigans, layered button down shirts, denim jackets, vests, boots.
Knits, corduroy, denim, lace, velvet, tulle.
Loud patterns, neon colors, large logos.
Once you have an idea of colors and styles, the fun part begins — shopping! Nashville has so many great spots to find pieces that work beautifully for fall family photos.
If you love supporting local, boutiques like Vici Nashville and Imogene + Willie often have unique pieces that photograph beautifully. For moms, I especially recommend starting with a dress you feel confident in — boutiques are the best place to find something that feels special and one-of-a-kind.
For kids (and dads too!), you really can’t go wrong with Target and Old Navy. Both have affordable, mix-and-match options that are easy to coordinate. I also love browsing Etsy for handmade accessories like bows, hats, or knitted cardigans that give your photos a personal touch.
If you prefer shopping online, I offer Style and Select styling service to all of my clients. This services helps coordinate all of your family’s photo outfits and includes shopping links to purchase each item.
Some of my favorite online shops are Baltic Born, Worth Collective, and Joyfolie.
If shopping feels overwhelming, don’t worry — I’m always happy to help put looks together for your family. Many of my clients text me outfit photos before their session, and I’ll send back suggestions so everything ties together perfectly.
Your fall family photo outfits should feel like you. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and confident.
If you’ve already booked your fall session with me — I cannot wait to see your family this season! Remember, you’re always welcome to send me outfit ideas ahead of time if you’d like my help pulling looks together.
If you missed out this year, I’d love to see you for a future session! My fall calendar always books quickly, but spring sessions are a wonderful alternative. The best way to secure a spot for next year’s fall family photos in Nashville is to join my mailing list. You’ll be the first to know when booking opens, and you’ll also receive seasonal tips and inspiration to help you prepare for a stress-free session.
My calendar fills quickly—especially during the busy fall season! When you join my mailing list, you’ll get first access to booking dates, plus helpful tips and inspiration to make your family photos stress-free and beautiful.