Family photo ideas summer
15+ Perfect Looks To Inspire You!
Be inspired with these 15+ chic, stylish, and precious summer family photo outfits that will make your photos that much more amazing and memorable!
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@kaleyfromkansas15+ Summer Family Photo OutfitsIt’s that time of year…the weather is warming up, daily sunshine is in full force, and the magic of summer is on it’s way!
If you are thinking of scheduling a family summer photoshoot session this post will inspire you with the best outfit ideas that are stylish and perfectly curated for the whole family (nothing tacky that will make you cringe in years to come, lol!).
Looking for year round inspiration? Check out these Spring Family Photoshoot Outfits and Winter Family Photoshoot Outfits.
What should I wear for a family photo in the summer?When it comes to summer photoshoot outfits, there are many options to choose from. Opt for simple pieces like summer dresses, basic blouses, and tailored pants or shorts. Select clothes made with light and airy fabrics like linen and cotton. And, go with neutral and muted colours with minimal patterns as they don’t appear too overwhelming in photos. For accessories, dainty and subtle jewellery is great!
Whether you love the light, neutral colours of the season or prefer to add in pops of color and floral patterns there’s an idea here for you!
@christineandrewFamily Summer Photoshoot Outfit Ideas:I’ve split the photo ideas below into a few different categories – airy neutrals, pops of color, summer florals, and the unexpected, for something a little different than what you might expect for summer family photos (but it totally works!).
What are the best colors to wear for outdoor family pictures?When it comes to making color choices for family photos, stick to neutrals or muted color tones like blush, sage green, mist blue, or faded marigold.
Pastels and neutrals are so pretty against the bold green hues of trees in full bloom during the summer, and they won’t overpower the photos.
Overly bold or neon colors along with busy patterns can draw too much attention in photos and take away from the family and the overall scene. If you really love color, there are ways to add “pops” of color in a great way, you’ll see below!
Airy Neutrals@jamiemaephotographyI love the light, creamy colors on mom and baby in this photo. The look gives a summer vacation vibe that is relaxed and casual.
If you aren’t a fan of dresses, this is a pretty and feminine look that features pants instead, and makes for a great outfit combination for a summery beach photoshoot.
create the look:
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@jilliangouldingphotographyThis family photoshoot is absolutely precious and combines airy neutrals perfectly. The mamas outfit pops with her white flowing dress, and the gingham pattern combined with light tan and subtle greys creates a great mix of tones.
The overall look can be lightened up even more if you put dad in light tan pants or shorts.
create the look:
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@vanessawylerBright and airy neutrals blend perfectly with a blush color in this family summer photoshoot. I love how the clothing is delicate and subtle making the greenery in the background really pop.
This is a lovely lakeside look or one for a summer family picnic.
create the look:
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@nicolekirshnerphotographyHere is another combination of neutrals in this sweet summer family photoshoot at the beach in California. The mix of tan and beige tones with subtle pops of white blends beautifully with the beach scene, and I love the casual barefoot look.
If you live near a beach you should definitely take advantage of it and take your summer family photos by the water!
create the look:
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@missenochaThis mama and daughter summer photo is absolutely captivating.
I love the peasant-style matching dresses that give an ethereal and vintage look against the lavender field in the background.
You can tie this whole look together for a family with other siblings in light neutral tones and linen fabrics, and dad in a white linen button up shirt with khaki chino pants.
create the look:
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Pops of ColorFor this next set of photos, I’ve chosen outfit combinations that combine neutrals with subtle summery pops of color.
I do not recommend overly bright colors as they can be too distracting in family photos, instead go with subtle and muted color tones as they work really well with neutrals.
@wildlands.photoThe little pops of green here is the perfect way to add color to your summer family photos. Green is such a summery and earthy color and can really compliment the surroundings.
This family outfit combination is casual and relaxed while still looking polished enough for memorable photos.
create the look:
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@amberfillerupFor a fun and casual summer photoshoot, linen fabrics with subtle hints of color is the way to go. I love the combination of the mustard jumpsuit, pink top, and neutral linens along with matching sandals.
Tip: If you aren’t used to being in front of a camera, plan your family photos to involve an activity like fruit-picking so you get more candid images and don’t feel overly posed.
create the look:
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@kortniellettThe gorgeous shade of purple here goes really nicely with the neutral stripe and floral dress on the little girls, and the colors pop against the summery green meadow.
While we can’t see another parent in the photo, I would dress them in a neutral top and tan or denim bottoms.
create the look:
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@kaleyfromkansasI love this vintage-inspired family photoshoot outfit combination for summer.
The white dress works to anchor the earthy neutral tones on dad and the pops of mustard on the little ones.
A simple summer meadow is all you need for a successful photoshoot. The deep greens of the trees make the perfect natural backdrop and I love the little flowers in the photo as well.
create the look:
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Summer Florals@breanneweston
This family summer photoshoot outfit combo is more bold than the other looks, but it works so well with the flower fields as the backdrop.
The mom wears a bright flower print dress which compliments the solid colors on the kids. The dad is in dark neutral tones which helps to anchor the whole look.
create the look:
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@kortniellettFlorals, on florals, on florals is the theme for this sweet family photoshoot.
I love the combination of different colours and patterns, while it might seem like it could clash, the patchwork mix of florals really works here!
Remember, there are no set rules for outfits when it comes to your summer family photos, just go with what speaks to the personality of you and your family, and you’ll feel most comfortable.
create the look:
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@savannamalloryNever be afraid to match exact patterns when it comes to family photos. The “mommy and me” look can be so cute and you can bring in neutrals tones on other family members to balance the look.
These matching citrus pattern dresses are so summery and the added lemons are the perfect accessory!
create the look:
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@allibridgephotoThe feminine floral pattern and pops of subtle color create a lovely look in this summer family photo.
The blue and teal tones of the girls dresses compliments the floral pattern on mom, and the boys are in light earthy brown tones.
I love how the overall look reflects the stream of water in the background — so light, summery, and pretty!
create the look:
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The Unexpected
The last few looks aren’t what you might expect from summer family photos, but they totally work!
I love going with a more unique look that makes a statement, but still has a feminine and family-friendly appeal. Maybe you’ll find your favorite look below!
@juliaberolzheimerYes, you can totally wear black for summer family photos! I love this look for a sunset photoshoot as the sun goes down and gives off that stunning glow. The black pops against the vibrant green background and the dresses are so feminine and pretty.
I would pair the black dresses with neutrals on other siblings or a partner, in earthy beige and greys.
Or, have the others wear some black as well.
create the look:
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@melindanitaphotographyJeans might seem too casual for family photos. But, summer pictures don’t have to be overly formal! I love the jean combination with the light and airy floral top on mom here.
The jeans on dad also look nice with a polished shirt, and baby is beyond cute in all neutrals.
create the look:
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@christineandrewLastly, we have another wonderful casual look for a family photoshoot in the summer. The scene is a picnic, and there is a mix of denim, white, and blush. We see how a white t-shirt can go a long way when paired with the proper bottoms. Here, it works so well on the mama and her little one.
create the look:
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Which Summer Family Photo Outfit Was Your Fave?I hope you have been inspired by these chic, stylish, and laid-back looks in our family photo outfits summer edition! Which outfit was your favorite?
Be sure to pin the photo below to save this post for later and check out our other family photoshoot posts for other seasons!
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More Photoshoot Outfit Ideas:
18+ *Modern* Fall Family Photo Outfits for Outdoor + Indoor Sessions
18+ Spring Family Photo Outfits You’ll Love
Winter Family Photoshoot Outfits
Photoshoot Ideas for Birthday Celebrations
15+ Neutral Family Photo Outfits For Every Season
Family Beach Pictures, What To Wear + Modern Outfit Ideas!
What to Wear for Summer Family Pictures
Updated May 2019
If you are planning family pictures for this summer and starting to think about what to wear, you are in the right place! With summer just around the corner, What to wear in family pictures is the most common question I am asked as a family photographer.
And as a mother myself, I know getting my crew picture worthy and coordinated is no small task.
For general tips on coordinating your family outfits, no matter the season, you may enjoy starting here where I share my favorite tips for dressing your family. These tips will help you get an idea of the dos and don’t of what to wear for family pictures. These tips are helpful whether you are planning a summer family portrait session or pulling together outfits for a Christmas mini session.
For what to wear tips specific to family pictures in the summer, read on!
1.SELECTING COLORS
Most summer family pictures take place outdoors where the grass is green. And the leave are green. You can pretty much guarantee the color green in your background. It is important to keep this in mind when selecting the colors you plan to wear. Some colors look great against a green background while others don’t. I often caution my families to be careful when selecting a color scheme with red in the summer because the combination of red and green can accidentally leave your picture feeling Christmassy.
Neutral colors are a great choice for summer family pictures outfits. Tan, cream, navy or brown all look perfect paired with greenery.
navy and cream outfit color scheme
navy and yellow outfit color scheme
Shades of blue also look at home when paired with greens. Especially when mixed with warm neutrals such as tan and brown.
Turquoise and Tan outfit color scheme2.ANCHOR COLORS | Warm and Cool Neutrals
Summer usually brings to mind brighter colors. I love bright colors and tend to wear them on a day to day basis. But in family pictures they can quickly become overwhelming. You will notice in most of my ‘what to wear outfit inspirations’ that a brighter or bolder color is always paired with a neutral. Pinks are often paired with tans. Aquas are paired with navy… This help keep your outfits and your final portrait feel balanced and grounded.
If you are working with a color and aren’t sure which neutral tone will look best, first decide if the color is a warm or cool tone.
Warm colors are with the reds, yellows and oranges on the color wheel. While cool colors are with the blues, greens and purples. If you are working with a warm color, it is best to use a warm neutrals such as tan, beige or brown. Cool colors work well with cool neutrals such as gray, navy blue or black. Of course just like any rule, there are times to break it and exceptions. For example, red can look striking with black or navy. But if you are stuck on pairing your color and neutrals, this little ‘rule’ can help guide your decision.
3.POPULAR COLORS FOR SUMMER 2019
The possibilities are endless when deciding what colors to wear for your summer family photos! Whether you gravitate toward classic and timeless color combinations or love a bold and trendy look, this season’ s colors have a look to fit every style. Check out this season’s hottest colors below and then use them with the color tips above.
It just may spur an idea you wouldn’t have considered.
Traditional pastels paired with a soft navy and muted mustard for a classic look.
For a more earthy look, try this color palette.
Bold and vibrant jewel tones if you prefer a little more color in your life.
4.TEXTURES – WHEN IT’S JUST TO HOT OUT FOR LAYERS
Layers are the magic touch to any outfit. They add texture, visual interest and a wow factor. But in the summer, layers just aren’t practical to wear. Even in the evenings, the temperature can remain in the mid 80s. Not the type of weather you want to layer up in.
To get the same effect, try adding textures to your outfit. Lace, fringe, beading or tulle all are ways to add texture and visual interest to your outfits with adding layers.
5.THE WIND IS YOUR FRIEND
Movement always looks great in pictures. Whether it is a family walking through the park. A dad tossing his daughter in the air. A little girl twirling like a princess.
Or a girl standing on the beach as the wind tousles her hair and blows her dress behind her. Movement helps bring the image to life, tell a story and add visual interest.
When deciding what to wear for summer family pictures, consider light weight fabrics that will move and flow in the breeze. Flowing maxi skirts, dresses or tutus are all great options.
If you know you will be at a location that is fairly windy, like the beach, it can be helpful to select a longer dress. This helps prevent the dress from blowing upward and showing off more than you would like!
Pink and Tan outfit color scheme6.WHERE TO SHOP
FOR THE FAMILY
H&M – I love when you can shop at one store for mom, dad, boys and girls. It helps simplify the ‘what to wear’ process. Once you find and outfit you love, it is easy to find outfits for the rest of the family in the same color scheme.
Norstroms– Another perfect place for one stop shopping! Nordstroms (or Nordstroms rack) also offer fashion for moms, dads, boys and girls.
FOR MOM
Anthropology – if unique and eclectic is your style, Anthropology is a can’t miss! You can find the nearest Anthropology in Beachwood, Ohio.
The Red dress
Alter’d State– One of my personal favorite stores to shop! Their Bohemian chic style is perfect for your carefree summer session at the beach. And if you are local, they have a store in Summit Mall, Akron Ohio.
Free People
FOR THE LITTLE ONES
Persnickety – Persnickety specializes in clothing for children. If your style is bold and vibrant, you will love their clothing. They use bold patterns and striking color combinations to create unique and memorable outfits for your little ones.
Chasing Fireflies -also specializes in children’s clothing from everyday wears to formal holiday outfits.
You can find more information about Kristen Fotta Photography by clicking here. Or I’d love to chat! Just send me an email at hello@kristenfottaphotography.
com.
Summer family photo session | 103 ideas
Summer family photo shoots in nature are great if you prepare for shooting in advance. Bright pictures, pierced by the sun's rays, endlessly warm the soul on cold evenings, reminding of happy moments.
Contents
- How to choose a place and time?
- Tips from professionals
- Secrets of successful shots
- Pictures with children
- Photo ideas
How to choose a place and time? nine0019
The abundance of sunny days and bright colorful landscapes are the perfect decoration. As a background, a lake, river, sea or other body of water looks amazing, captivating the eye with a play of halftones and freshness of splashes. However, having settled down near the water, you should not immediately take up the camera. It is necessary to first explore the nearby territory and find a secluded place where no one can interfere with the event. Pillows, blankets and baskets often act as accessories, although you can completely do without them.
The main decoration of the picture is the reflection in the water, your own shadow on the sandy beach, sincere emotions, smiles and joy, the replacement for which still does not exist in the world. nine0003
Luxurious shots are obtained in protected areas, in the field and in forest clearings. When photographing outdoors, you should give up frilly dresses, large jewelry and high heels in advance. On a natural background, an outfit in the style of ethno or boho looks harmonious, and flowers are the best decoration. Clothing should be comfortable, loose and easy to move.
The most successful time for shooting is considered to be the early morning or evening hours. Pre-dawn and pre-sunset minutes captivate with a gentle and rich glow, giving a golden backlight, forming soft shadows and pouring an amazingly fabulous haze around. In hot weather, the participants will not look so cheerful, and the blinding rays will make them squint.
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Tips from professionals
When going to a photo session with the whole family, you should follow a few simple rules.
- Choose clothes of similar tones for all participants, while the style, even if it is cowboy or classic, should be the same.
- Women's and men's clothes have different colors.
- Neutral colors should prevail for parents, bright colors for children.
- Having a common accessory is a good idea. nine0008
Secrets of successful shots
In the summer, ideas gush forth in a powerful stream. You can, for example, chase butterflies, play with animals, go on excursions, take a sea cruise on a snow-white ship, go camping with an overnight stay by the fire.
The following options are traditionally used to get memorable photos:
- horse rides; nine0008
- boating,
- kite flying,
- campfire songs with guitar,
- ball games,
- fishing,
- feeding ducks, swans, fish;
- relaxation in a hammock or on a swing decorated with flowers.
Photos greatly decorate fruits, juicy vegetables, sweets and other foods. Beautiful shots are obtained with umbrellas, garlands, balloons. As a highlight, you can use inscriptions with colored crayons on the asphalt or entrust the role of letters to the participants of the event. Photos with easels or slates look very elegant. nine0003
When going on vacation, be sure to stock up on food, such as sandwiches, fried chicken and drinks, as posing in nature and looking for good options takes a lot of effort and does not improve mood. Alcohol should be completely excluded. Red faces and slanting eyes can nullify all efforts. Of course, you should always have tissues, clean bags and plenty of water with you.
Pictures with children
Image quality depends largely on locations and poses. The family look, known as the Family look, involves the use of a single style for all participants in the photo shoot. Gamma in clothes and shoes must match the theme, interior and exceed 3 colors.
If a photo session in nature coincides with a memorable date, for example, a child’s birthday, then large numbers, for example, 1,2, 3 and others, colorful balls and bubbles, colored smoke, will look good as decorative elements. Children look cute with ice cream, cotton candy and lollipops, appetizing and brightly standing out against the blue sky, emerald green or sand. nine0003
Family activities for children are usually held in the garden, in the garden, in the city park, in the forest. in the steppe, in the mountains, among the hills and by the river or pond. The easiest way is to capture a family celebration in the courtyard of your own private house, in which case all the problems of transporting and changing the clothes of the participants of the event disappear.
Photographing with elderly family members is best done in the format of a walk. Pictures from several generations or shots surrounded by close family friends acquire special value over the years and occupy the main place in albums.
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A picnic in nature is still a favorite subject for summer photography. The perfect prop is a beautiful bedspread, on which a basket of colorful fruits and various props take center stage.
It's no secret that children love to frolic in nature, soiling their clothes with grass. In order not to spoil a family photo, you need to take a replacement kit with you, which should always be at hand. It is desirable that the clothes contain yellow, which is always associated with childhood and looks advantageous in photographs. nine0003
Ideas for a photo
Summer photo shoot - ideas for a photo shoot in nature in summer
A summer photo session will fill up your album with beautiful and bright pictures of various subjects. In summer, you can take pictures in interesting images that cannot be realized in a studio.
In nature, you can make an unusual shooting - the topics of the photo shoot depend only on the imagination. There are no borders: photosets can be held in forests, cities and villages, at festivals, picnics and concerts.
The summer photo shoot at the sea looks original. A beach holiday will give you not only a good mood, but also beautiful photos in the rays of sunlight. nine0003
rustic photography
A summer photo shoot in the village will not turn out to be ordinary or boring, because there are a huge number of ideas for photos. Colorful pictures can be taken in the field, on picturesque rural streets, near a dirt road. In each of these places you can hold an original photo shoot on any topic.
In the village, you can implement the following options for photo shoots in the summer:
- with animals (horses, rabbits, dogs) nine0007 with flowers
- outdoors (you can pose by the road, in the garden)
- in the house or in the yard of the house (original pictures are obtained with rare attributes, for example: a samovar, a spindle, an old car)
Even the most ordinary ideas for a summer photo shoot will be interesting if you choose the right accessories.
You can turn the area in front of the house into a professional photo shoot site - jugs, ordinary rakes, firewood and other household attributes are suitable as props. If you are photographed by the whole family, children (both girls and boys), to complete the image, you can give vegetables (zucchini, eggplant, tomatoes) or a fruit basket in your hands. nine0003
It is better to choose clothes for a photo shoot depending on the idea and theme. The best and most versatile solution would be dresses and shirts made of lightweight materials. The color scheme should not be bright. Calm tones will create a homely mood and give photos a rustic charm.
Photographing outside the city
In nature outside the city, unlimited opportunities for photo shoots open up. Both during the day and in the evening, you can take colorful photos of a couple, a child, or organize an individual summer photo shoot. nine0003
If in the studio you can beat only certain ideas, then in nature there are no boundaries.
Unusual images for a photoset can be realized in a forest and a garden, near a lake and a river, in a field, in a meadow.
To make the photo session beautiful and interesting, it is worth considering the following nuances:
- the outfit of both boys and girls should correspond to the chosen topic and the location of the photoset (for photographing in the field, loose-fitting dresses are the best option, in the forest - simple and practical outfits) nine0008
- in makeup, you can use both saturated and neutral colors (for example, if the photoset is held in a clearing with poppies, you can apply shadows of dark tones and scarlet lipstick)
- bouquets of flowers, hammocks, bicycles and other bright paraphernalia can be used as props
- for family photos, you can choose the same clothes (girls will be fine in puffy dresses, and boys in multi-colored suits)
During the day in the summer, you can create original photos while walking or relaxing on the banks of the river - such a shooting theme is suitable for both a guy with a girl and a family. The couple can be photographed at sunset by the lake.
City photography options
On the streets of the city and in parks, a summer themed photo shoot can be done in the following styles:
- industrial
- trash
- plot
- casual nine0008
City summer photo sessions can be held at any time of the day. It is better to shoot a family with a child during the day. You can also work on creating individual and paired photo stories in the evening.
With a child, the best photos are obtained during family vacations in parks and festivals. Great pictures can be taken on playgrounds, while walking. Little boys and girls can not pose at all - the photos will turn out natural and relaxed.
An individual photo shoot in the city looks unusual against the backdrop of railway tracks, abandoned buildings, roads and cars.
Sea photography
A truly sunny summer photo shoot can be done while relaxing on the sea. The pictures of a guy with a girl at sunset are picturesque. Warm sand, sun and beach, combined with good poses for photo shoots, will help create original shots at sea.
For a successful beach photo session, it is better: nine0003
- decide in advance on the place of photographing on the beach
- make natural makeup
- use sunglasses, pareos, panama hats and other accessories that match the theme of the photoset
You can add a beach chair, flowers or cocktails to the frame. The main thing in such summer photography is to choose a warm sunny day.
A summer photo session will allow you to keep memories of pleasant moments - beautiful photos will cheer you up for many years.
