but first, i am no style expert.

Hi! Hey! How are ya? Two things before we dive into some style inspiration for your Fall and Winter portrait sessions. #1 – 98% of these photos are from Pinterest where all inspo-boards are born, obviously. #2 – I am NO style expert, far from it, if you have seen me most days in the elementary school pick-up line you know. But I do know what looks good on camera, what works best with my photography and editing style, and what works with the flow of your portrait session. And according to the posts and polls on social media, you guys wanted my perspective going into your session so here we are!

First, there’s the colors. You do not have to buy something new for your portrait session. Odds are, if you think of the basics, you most likely have stuff that works well already. Shades of the same color work really well. I edit leaning towards warm tones but that doesn’t necessarily mean the colors worn have to be warm shades, especially around sunrise or sunset in the Fall when there is a natural golden hue everywhere already. Here are some palettes that would work out great.

A collection of torn paper samples in various shades of sage green and forest green arranged in a horizontal line.
Paper swatches displaying a warm color palette with mustard yellow, blush pink, and cream tones laid out horizontally.
Abstract arrangement of curled and folded paper pieces in neutral tan and beige tones against a white background.
Color palette swatches showing olive green, coral, mustard, and navy blue paint strokes with handwritten labels.
Ruffled fabric transitions from light grey to navy blue in an artistic gradient display.
Paint swatches showing a gradient from deep forest green to peach tones.
Color palette showcasing knotted fabric swatches from white through blue and yellow to grey.
Horizontal brush strokes in muted earth tones and sage green on white background.
Fabric color samples arranged in a row showing variations of pink and burgundy tones.
Grayscale paint brush strokes creating an ombre effect from light to dark.
Art supplies and crumpled fabric swatches in soft pink and grey tones with paint brushes.
Ruffled fabric in dusty rose and deep purple creating a romantic gradient effect.

When it comes to dressing babies and toddlers, I suggest layering them up so that way if they do get warm or too chilly, we can add pieces and remove them without covering them with a blanket or a big coat. Babies are also a cute way to add patterns into the family’s overall color palette. When using a pattern, I would do as it the under layer so it doesn’t show too much but gives a little pop. Hats and those big adorable cute head wraps are the perfect accessories to add with babies’ and toddlers’ outfits. Textures are also great for any member of the family!

Toddler wearing pink sweater, grey pants and dark vest against grey background.
Small child in denim jacket and striped beanie standing on sidewalk with autumn leaves.
Toddler in beanie hat, plaid shirt and gray jacket points while standing on a path outdoors.
Young child in gray cardigan and blue dress stands against textured wall in stylish winter outfit.
Baby fashion outfit set with navy beanie, puffy vest, yellow onesie and jeans with accessories.
Baby wearing knit sweater and gray pants held by person in orange sleeve.
Baby in white knit hat and gray sweater sits on lap against snowy winter background.
Child in olive green vest and jeans eating apple in orchard setting.
Baby wearing pom pom beanie and denim shirt crawls on gray couch.
Child in olive sweater and dark pants sits cross-legged against white background.
Child in mustard yellow sweater sits among autumn leaves wearing patterned headband.
Child in brown hooded jacket and striped shirt sits on wooden crate against white background.
Adorable baby wearing olive green top and floral leggings with mustard headwrap sitting on someone's hands.
Baby in striped sweater and gray knit beanie lying on textured white blanket.

For older kids, as long as they feel comfortable and feel good in what they are wearing it will work.

Stylish youth wearing geometric pattern cardigan with gray leggings and black Converse sneakers.
Person skateboarding in autumn scene wearing burgundy baseball shirt and dark jeans.
Child in striped gray cardigan and navy pants with classic sneakers against white background.
Youth fashion look featuring pink moto jacket, white top, blue jeans and black sneakers.
Urban street style with black plaid shirt, backpack and Adidas sneakers.
Casual street fashion featuring gray sweater, dark jeans and white Adidas sneakers by stone pillars.

For women – in the colder months, it is nice for your outfits to have movement so big drapey sweaters, the long sweaters, and wearing an open long sleeve over a shirt or long dress gives us some texture and movement that adds to the photo.

Cozy fall outfit with long charcoal cardigan, white tee, distressed jeans and brown ankle boots.
Casual street style with beige knit sweater, distressed jeans and nude loafers.
Casual fall outfit featuring buffalo plaid shirt, tan cardigan, skinny jeans and brown ankle boots.
Stylish winter outfit with long beige cardigan, white blouse, dark skinny jeans and suede booties.
Cozy striped cardigan paired with white tank top, fitted jeans and neutral ankle boots.
Sage green sweater styled with distressed jeans, tan booties and matching handbag.
Layered winter look with oversized gray sweater over plaid shirt with skinny jeans and brown boots.
Casual winter style with striped poncho, white tee, distressed jeans and gray ankle boots.
Burgundy maxi dress paired with plaid blanket scarf in cozy fall setting.

If you are shooting a maternity session, you can still rock the maxi dresses and skirts that always look so perfect on every body type with fall accents added on top; a scarf, a long sweater, a knitted hat, etc. And of course any outfit that accentuates the bump works well!

Maternity style featuring striped shirt and rust cardigan in outdoor autumn setting.
Winter maternity look with beanie hat, cozy sweater and boots at Christmas tree farm.
Boho maternity style with long white cardigan and charcoal maxi dress in rustic field setting.
Maternity photo in a field wearing a gray maxi dress and white lace cardigan.
Fall fashion look with striped top, green cardigan and distressed jeans against colorful autumn foliage.

With guys, adding layers with subtle patterns, stripes, or textures make a simple outfit stand out great.

Casual outdoor portrait of man in gray pullover sweater and beanie hat in mountain setting.
Modern casual men's outfit with gray zip jacket, olive shirt and khaki pants.
Man in navy sweater and burgundy pants striking casual pose against light background.
Casual men's style with red plaid button-down shirt layered over white tee and jeans.
Urban men's fashion look featuring black zip hoodie, gray t-shirt and dark wash jeans.
Street style photo of man in gray cable knit sweater and jeans against teal door.

When it comes to dressing anyone in your family, we move A LOT in your session. We do some seated photos, some standing photos, and we walk around a bunch to get different views of the location we are at. Dressing in something that you are comfortable in and that you can move in makes a big difference. Also, if you feel self conscious in your outfit or if doesn’t feel like you, it will show in your photos. Your full smile won’t be there or you will be tugging on a piece you are wearing. I love to shop small and shop local, Hope Boutique has some amazing pieces for women especially when it comes to sweaters, pants, and layering. Their inventory is always changing and she gets new pieces in weekly. Here are a few pieces that have been in the Hope Boutique this Fall so far! *and these photos are taken by WRP!*

Casual portrait of woman in olive green sweater sitting on brick steps.
Woman in black sweater and patterned leggings sitting on red-trimmed storefront steps.
Model wearing chunky cream knit sweater and gray pants poses casually against textured wall.
Back view of person wearing brown tank top and wide-leg gray pants standing near wall.