Planning for five people
Five people means more outfits to coordinate, more schedules to manage and more chances that someone is looking away. A little planning helps: choose the date and time early, agree on a palette in advance, pick a location that suits the youngest child and share the plan with everyone involved. A family of five can be two parents with three children, or any five-person group, so adapt the ideas below to fit.
Fall colors for a family of five
Photographers commonly suggest earth tones and muted shades for fall, such as cream, camel, rust, olive, burgundy, mustard and denim. Choose three to five colors in total and keep them similar in brightness. For a calmer look, build the group around neutrals, as described in our guide to neutral fall family photo outfits. For the colors themselves, see photo shoot colors that work.
Outfit ideas for five
Here are two sample plans. Adapt them to your season and climate.
Plan A: earth tones
- Parent one: olive sweater and dark jeans
- Parent two: cream knit and tan trousers
- Child one: rust sweater with denim
- Child two: mustard cardigan over a cream dress
- Child three or baby: cream romper or knit with a small rust accent
Plan B: plaid anchor
- Start with a plaid shirt containing burgundy, navy and cream.
- Other family members wear solid burgundy, cream, denim blue and camel pieces.
- Keep patterns to one or two people.
With five people, try not to put everyone in the same color or style of top. See coordinating family photos for the full method.
Pose ideas for a family of five
Ask your photographer for guidance, but these arrangements are common:
- Parents standing, kids in front: simple, and it gives everyone a clear face.
- Seated cluster: parents on a blanket or bench with children close together.
- Staggered heights: arrange people at different levels so faces are not stacked in a straight line.
- Walking together: hold hands and walk toward the camera, which tends to produce natural expressions.
- Parents carrying the youngest: keeps the smallest child safe and close.
- Playful moments: tickling, spinning or reading a book together.
Mix posed and candid shots so the gallery has variety. For more arrangements that avoid a stiff lineup, see unique family photo poses.
Locations
Pumpkin patches, orchards, parks with fall foliage, open fields, backyards, front porches and lakeshores are all popular. Check with farms or orchards first, since some require a fee or permission for photography. Choose a place with room for children to move and, ideally, a nearby restroom.
Timing and light
Many photographers recommend the hour after sunrise or before sunset, often called golden hour, because the light is warm and soft; our guide to when is the best time to take photos explains how to work out those hours. Consider nap times and meals when choosing a slot, since tired or hungry children are harder to photograph. Keep the shoot reasonably short.
Keeping kids happy
- Feed everyone beforehand.
- Bring snacks, water and wipes.
- Give children simple tasks, such as holding a leaf or a hand.
- Let the photographer lead so parents can relax.
- Stay flexible; a few great images are better than forced ones.
Our pre-shoot checklist covers packing and the night before.
Trends vs timeless
Each year brings new trend predictions for family photography. Whatever the trends are, many photographers advise choosing classic, comfortable outfits so the photos still feel right years later. Large logos and trendy graphics tend to date images quickly.
FAQ
What colors should we wear for fall photos?
Earth tones, neutrals and muted jewel tones are the most common suggestions.
How do I get five people to look at the camera?
Choose a short session, work with a photographer who is comfortable with kids, and accept that candid shots may be better than perfect ones.
Where should we start with outfits?
Start with one anchor outfit, then build the rest around it. Our guide on how to dress for a family photo shoot explains how.