Extended family photos bring everyone into the frame at once: grandparents, their grown children, the grandkids, and sometimes aunts, uncles and cousins who only get together a few times a year. They are some of the most meaningful photos a family will ever own, and with a little planning, an extended family session can feel relaxed and even fun, no matter how many people are involved. Here is how our team plans extended family sessions with our clients, from building a grouping list to choosing outfits and a location that work for every generation.
What Are Extended Family Photos?
Extended family photos are portraits that include more than one household. A typical session brings together grandparents, their adult children and their families, and often the grandchildren as their own group. Some families include aunts, uncles, cousins and great-grandparents, and family reunions can grow even larger. Along with one or two full group photos, an extended family session usually includes each household on its own and a series of smaller groupings, so everyone goes home with photos that matter to them.
Families often plan these sessions around a milestone: a grandparent’s birthday or anniversary, a holiday visit when everyone is finally in town, or simply the realization that it has been years since the whole family was photographed together.
How to Group Family Photos for a Large Family
The single most helpful thing you can do before an extended family session is make a grouping list. It keeps the session moving, makes sure no one is forgotten, and lets each household know when they are needed. We walk through the list with you on your planning call, and a typical order looks something like this:
The full extended family, while everyone is fresh and the little ones are still cheerful
The grandparents with all of the grandchildren
The grandparents with their adult children
Each household on its own
Siblings together, then cousins together
Special pairings, such as mom and son, dad and daughter, or a grandparent with each grandchild
Just the kids, a favorite for holiday cards and gifts
We usually start with the biggest groups and work toward the smallest, so families with young children can finish their portraits early and take a break. If a grandparent or anyone else has limited mobility, we plan the order so they can stay seated in one comfortable spot while the groupings around them change.
Why Extended Family Photos Take Longer Than You Think
If there is one thing we would love every family to know before their session, it is that group photos almost always take longer than people expect. Each new grouping means gathering the right people, arranging heights and posture, and making sure every face can be seen, and that time adds up quickly with a large family. Little ones need breaks, someone always wanders off to grab a drink or chase a toddler, and outdoors the wind, changing light and crowds in public spaces can all slow things down.
None of this is a problem when the session is planned for it. Building in a little extra time keeps the pace relaxed, which is exactly what helps kids and camera-shy relatives enjoy themselves. It also helps to choose one point person in the family, usually whoever organized the session, who can help gather each group while we focus on posing and direction.
How Long Should an Extended Family Session Be?
Most of our family sessions run between 20 and 60 minutes. Smaller extended families at one location may need less time, while several households, a long grouping list or an outfit change usually call for the full hour or more. On your planning call, we will look at how many people and groupings you have and recommend a session length that never feels rushed. Our portrait pricing page explains how sessions and ordering work.
What to Wear for Extended Family Photos
Coordinating outfits across several households sounds daunting, but it gets much easier once everyone shares one color palette. Choose three or four colors that look good together, then let each household pick its own mix from that palette. A family in sage and cream, another in navy and soft blue and a third in rust and camel can all look beautiful side by side in the full group photo, without anyone needing to match exactly.
Encourage everyone to avoid large logos, neon colors and busy patterns that pull attention, and to choose clothes they can comfortably sit, kneel and hold a toddler in. You are always welcome to send us phone photos of outfit options before your session. Our guide to what to wear for family photos walks through palettes for every season, and our family Christmas picture outfits guide has ideas for holiday sessions.
Choosing a Location for a Large Family
A great location for an extended family session has room for everyone to stand together, open shade or soft light so no one is squinting, and a nearby bench or wall where grandparents can sit. Easy parking and restrooms matter more than you might expect when several generations are involved. Spring and fall are the most popular seasons for outdoor sessions in Atlanta, while in the heat of summer we usually recommend an indoor location such as a natural light studio. Our guide to indoor photo locations in Atlanta has options with space for larger groups.
If the family dog is part of the plan, an outdoor location gives pets the room they need. Our list of pet-friendly locations for family photos near Atlanta is a helpful place to start, and some families also choose a grandparent’s home, which adds a layer of meaning that only grows with time. For ways to include your dog in the group, browse our family photo ideas with dogs.
Family Reunion Photos
Family reunions are a natural time for extended family photos, since everyone is already in one place. Reunions can mean dozens of people, so a clear plan matters even more: we typically start with the full reunion group, then move through each branch of the family and finish with the households and pairings that matter most to you. If you would also like candid coverage of the reunion itself, mention it on your planning call and we will talk through what makes the most sense for your gathering.
Tips for a Smooth Extended Family Session
Share the grouping list with everyone ahead of time, so each household knows when it is needed.
Ask everyone to arrive a little early, since one late arrival delays the full group photo for everyone.
Bring water and small snacks for kids, and plan the session around naps when you can.
Ask relatives to keep their phones tucked away during the session, so every face is turned toward our camera.
Let us direct the groupings. You can relax and enjoy your family, and we will make sure every combination on your list is captured.
Plan Your Extended Family Photos With Our Team
Extended family photos are worth the effort it takes to get everyone together, and the right plan makes the session feel easy. As an Atlanta family photographer, our team guides every grouping, keeps the pace relaxed for kids and grandparents alike, and helps you choose outfits and a location that suit your family. You can see more of our work in our family portfolio. Gathering everyone for the holidays? Our family Christmas portraits page shows how a full holiday session works.
Choosing what to wear for family photos is the question we hear most once a session is on the calendar. The good news: you don’t need matching outfits or a closet full of new clothes. A simple color palette, comfortable fabrics and a few pieces that fit the season and setting will carry the whole family. Here’s how our team plans family photo outfits with our clients, from color palettes and fabrics to what works for each age and season.
What to Wear for Family Photos: The Quick Answer
Pick 2 to 3 colors plus one neutral, and let each person wear their own mix of them.
Coordinate, don’t match. Different shades and textures look richer in photos than identical shirts.
Choose solids and small, soft patterns, and save bold prints for one person at most.
Dress for the setting and the season, with layers you can add or remove.
Start with Mom’s outfit (or whoever loves clothes most), then build everyone else around it.
Make sure everything fits and feels comfortable, especially for little ones.
How to Build a Color Palette for Coordinating Family Photo Outfits
The easiest way to coordinate family photo outfits is to start with one piece you love, usually a dress, sweater or patterned shirt, and pull 2 to 3 colors from it. Add a neutral (cream, camel, gray, denim or navy) so everyone has an easy anchor.
From there, spread the colors around the group so no one color sits all on one side. If Mom wears a dusty blue dress with cream flowers, Dad might wear a cream sweater, one child a soft blue, another camel, and the baby a cream knit. In the photos, the family reads as one group, and each person still looks like themselves.
A few palette ideas that photograph beautifully:
Sage, cream and camel
Dusty blue, navy and ivory
Mauve, navy and soft gray
Emerald, champagne and cream
Rust, olive and cream
Navy, burgundy and camel
What Is the Best Color to Wear for Family Photos?
The best colors for family photos are rich, slightly muted tones: dusty blues, sage and emerald greens, mauve and blush, camel, rust, burgundy and navy, paired with soft neutrals like cream and oatmeal. These colors flatter most skin tones, look natural in both sunlight and indoor light, and give the family photos a timeless feel.
Neutral family photo outfits (cream, beige, taupe and white) are lovely too, especially on a white or light set. Add one deeper accent color or a few textures, like a cable knit or linen, so the group has depth in the photos.
What Colors Don’t Look Good on Camera?
A few colors are harder to photograph well, so we suggest using them sparingly:
Neon and very bright colors reflect color onto skin and draw the eye away from faces.
Large areas of bright white can lose detail in sunlight. Cream and ivory give the same light, fresh look with softer detail.
Head-to-toe black for the whole family can blend together in group photos. Black looks elegant when it’s paired with cream, camel or one rich color.
Busy patterns and big logos pull attention to the clothes. Small florals, subtle plaids and textured knits are beautiful choices.
Fabrics, Fit and Patterns That Photograph Beautifully
Texture adds so much to family photos. Knits, linen, velvet, chiffon, tulle and soft cotton all catch light in a flattering way and move nicely when kids are walking, twirling or being lifted.
Fit: clothes that fit well look best on camera. Pieces that are a little loose in the waist or long in the sleeve tend to bunch when you sit or hug.
Movement: flowy dresses and skirts look lovely in motion, and we often use movement in posing with families.
Patterns: one patterned piece per photo group is plenty. Let it be the outfit you build the palette from.
Wrinkles: steam everything the day before and bring layers on hangers.
Family Photo Outfit Ideas for Every Age
What Should Mom Wear for Family Photos?
A dress or skirt in one of the palette’s richer colors is a classic choice for Mom, and it often becomes the outfit the rest of the family builds around. Midi and maxi lengths make sitting on the ground or a settee easy. Many moms choose to dress up a little more than the rest of the family, and in our experience that looks beautiful in photos. Bring one pair of comfortable shoes for walking and one you love for the photos.
What Do Men Wear for Family Photos?
A sweater, button-down or quarter-zip in a neutral or one palette color works for nearly every setting. Chinos or dark, well-fitting jeans keep it polished, and a blazer or a velvet jacket dresses it up for holiday photos. Check that sleeves and pant lengths fit, since those show in seated poses.
Kids and Teens
Comfort comes first for kids, since a happy child photographs best. Soft dresses, cardigans, sweaters and knit sets in the palette colors are great choices. Teens look most like themselves when they help choose their outfit within the palette.
Babies and Toddlers
Simple knits, rompers and soft dresses in a palette color or neutral look sweet in photos and keep little ones comfortable. Bring a second outfit or a backup in case of spills.
What to Wear for Extended Family Photos
For extended family and large group photos, give everyone the palette ahead of time with a few example pieces, and ask each household to choose 1 or 2 of the colors. Mixing colors across households keeps the group balanced in the photos. Grandparents look wonderful in the softer neutrals of the palette, and one or two rich accent colors spread through the group tie it all together.
Planning photos with grandparents, aunts and cousins too? Our guide to extended family photos covers groupings, timing and outfits for large families.
What to Wear for Family Photos by Season
Spring Family Photo Outfits
Spring family photo outfits look fresh in light, soft colors: blush, butter yellow, sage, dusty blue, lavender and cream. Light cotton, linen and chiffon dresses, chinos and light knits are perfect for mild spring days. Spring weather in Georgia changes quickly, so a light cardigan or jacket in a palette color is a smart extra.
Summer Family Photo Outfits
For summer family photos, we recommend an indoor location. Atlanta summers are hot and humid, and an air-conditioned studio or venue keeps everyone fresh, comfortable and smiling for the whole session. Our guide to indoor portrait locations in Atlanta has a few favorites, and indoor family photo ideas can help you picture the look. Light fabrics like linen and cotton in white, cream, soft blue or sage look clean and bright indoors.
Fall Family Photo Outfits
Fall is one of the most popular seasons for family photos, and warm, earthy colors photograph beautifully against fall leaves: rust, mustard, olive, burgundy, camel, cream and denim. Sweaters, cardigans, boots and textured scarves add depth. For palettes and layering ideas, see our guide to fall family photo outfits.
Winter and Christmas Family Photo Outfits
Winter family photo outfits can lean richer and dressier: navy, emerald, burgundy, cream and champagne in velvet, satin, cable knits and wool. For holiday sessions, a touch of plaid or sparkle on one or two people is festive and still timeless. Our family Christmas picture outfits guide has palettes and real examples from our holiday sessions, and you can see more in our family Christmas portraits.
Dress for Your Location: Studio, Outdoors or At Home
Studio and indoor sets: on a white or light set, almost any palette pops. Rich colors (navy, emerald, burgundy) and soft neutrals both look elegant, and dressier outfits feel right at home.
Outdoors: look at the colors around you. Soft blues, creams and blush stand out against green trees, and warm tones glow with fall leaves. Choose shoes you can walk in on grass or gravel.
At home: pick colors that suit your home’s decor so the photos feel cohesive, and plan for cozy, relaxed pieces like knits and soft dresses.
What to Wear to Spring and Christmas Mini Sessions
Mini sessions are short and run back to back on set dates, so we suggest one outfit per person, ready to go when you arrive. The same palette rules apply: 2 to 3 seasonal or neutral colors, coordinated in different shades. Our holiday sets at Prospect Farms use a warm, neutral palette so families stand out, which means rich colors and creams both look beautiful. See what to wear to your mini session for more tips, and Christmas mini sessions for this season’s details. Bring snacks or treats for little ones, and relax: we’ll guide the posing.
Bringing the Family Dog?
We love including dogs in family photos! A regular portrait session is the best fit for family photos with your dog, since it gives everyone extra time to settle in and a location that suits a pup. Coordinate a collar, bandana or bow with your palette, and see our pet-friendly locations for family photos near Atlanta and family pictures with dogs tips. For pose ideas that include your pup, see our guide to family photo ideas with dogs.
Shoes, Accessories, Hair and What to Bring
Shoes: they show in full-length photos, so choose ones that go with the palette. Boots, loafers, clean sneakers and simple flats all work.
Accessories: delicate jewelry, a hat, a scarf or a hair bow can finish an outfit. Keep it simple so faces stay the focus.
Glasses: wear them if you usually do. We’ll angle the light to keep glare down.
Hair and makeup: come ready, with everything done the way you like it. Professional hair and makeup is a lovely treat for Mom.
Touch-up kit: a hairbrush, hairspray, makeup, lipstick, lint roller, wipes and a few bobby pins.
For little ones: snacks or small treats and a favorite comfort item for between photos.
How We Help You Plan What to Wear
Wardrobe questions are part of planning every family session with our team. Each regular portrait session includes a complimentary planning call where we talk through your palette, location and how many outfits to bring (most sessions have time for 1 to 2). You’ll also fill out a Retouching Preferences Questionnaire, so your photos look like you. After your session, we reveal your fully edited images at your Ordering Appointment on Zoom, where you choose your favorites. You can see session details on our portrait photography prices page and more about family sessions on our Atlanta family photographer page.
Family Photo Outfit FAQ
Should Families Match for Family Photos?
Coordinating looks better than matching. Identical outfits can look a little dated in photos, while a shared palette with different shades and textures looks polished and lets each person’s personality show. The exception is a fun holiday look, like matching pajamas, which can be a sweet extra.
What Not to Wear for Family Photos?
Skip neon colors, large logos and graphic tees, busy patterns on several people, and clothes that are too tight or too loose. Plan around anything uncomfortable too, since comfort shows on faces, especially for kids.
Can You Wear Jeans for Family Photos?
Yes. Dark, well-fitting jeans are one of the easiest neutrals for family photos. Pair them with a sweater, button-down or blouse in a palette color, and keep the rest of the family in a mix of denim and palette colors so it doesn’t read as a uniform.
Can You Wear Black or White for Family Photos?
Yes, in balance. Black looks elegant paired with cream, camel or one rich accent color. For a white look, cream and ivory photograph with more detail than bright white, especially outdoors. A black and white family palette is striking on a light studio set.
How Many Outfits Should We Bring?
For a regular portrait session, most families plan on 1 to 2 outfits. For mini sessions, plan on one. We’ll talk it through on your planning call.
What Should We Wear for Family Photos in the Studio?
Studio and indoor sets are a great place to dress up. Velvets, satin, tailored pieces and rich colors all photograph beautifully indoors, and a light set lets almost any palette stand out. If anyone in the family is also updating a professional photo, our guide to what to wear for headshots has tips for that session too.
Ready to Plan Your Family Photos?
We’d love to help you plan your family’s session, from the color palette to the perfect location. Schedule a call with Jaimie and we’ll talk through outfits, timing and everything else.
The best family Christmas picture outfits start with a simple color palette: two to four colors that coordinate with each other and with your holiday setting. Neutrals like cream, camel and soft gray look timeless, while deep green, burgundy, red and navy feel festive. Coordinate everyone within that palette, choose soft textures like knits and velvet, and keep logos and busy prints out of the picture. For outfit ideas in every season, see our guide to what to wear for family photos.
We have photographed Christmas portraits for families across Metro Atlanta, from our Christmas mini sessions to full holiday sessions at home and at styled sets like Prospect Farms. Here is what we have seen photograph beautifully, year after year.
How to Dress for Family Christmas Photos
Pick your palette first. Choose 2 to 4 colors before anyone shops. It is the single easiest way to make a family look pulled together.
Start with one outfit. Many families build around mom’s outfit or a child’s favorite dress, then pull colors from it for everyone else.
Coordinate without matching. Mix solids with one or two subtle patterns, and vary the shades within your palette.
Dress for the setting. Look at your backdrop and choose colors that stand out from it.
Add texture. Knits, velvet, corduroy and soft layers add warmth and depth to holiday portraits.
Check comfort. If the kids can sit, bend and be held comfortably, you will see it in their faces.
The Best Colors for Christmas Photos
There is no single best color for Christmas photos. The best palette is the one that complements your setting and your family. These combinations photograph beautifully:
Cream, camel and gold: soft, elegant and timeless, especially beside white or flocked trees.
Evergreen and neutrals: deep green with cream, oatmeal or denim feels festive without looking costume-like.
Burgundy and cream: rich and warm, a classic holiday look that flatters most skin tones.
Classic red: perfect for a bold Christmas card. Let one or two people wear red and keep everyone else in neutrals.
Navy, gray and white: calm and polished, a lovely choice for winter portraits.
Match your palette to your set. Our 2026 Christmas mini session set in Kennesaw features white and gold Christmas trees in a warm, neutral palette, so richer colors like evergreen, burgundy and navy stand out beautifully, and creams and camels look soft and timeless.
Coordinate Your Family Without Matching
Coordinated outfits look intentional and still let each person’s personality come through. Identical outfits tend to blend family members together in photos. Some easy ways to coordinate:
Give each person one or two colors from the palette and let everyone wear them in different ways.
Keep patterns to one or two people, and choose small, subtle prints.
Mix fabrics and textures, like a cable knit next to a velvet dress next to a crisp button-down.
Keep shoes in the same family of tones, like browns and tans or blacks and grays.
Gathering the whole family for the holidays? Our guide to extended family photos covers groupings, timing and outfits for large families.
Dressy Outfits or Christmas Pajamas?
Both can work beautifully. Dressier outfits, like sweaters, knit dresses, velvet and button-downs, give holiday portraits a polished, classic feel that lasts for years on the wall. Christmas pajamas bring a playful, cozy mood that is perfect for a holiday card.
Matching pajamas are adorable when they are intentional. Mismatched pajamas work too when they share a color palette. If you love both looks, choose the one that fits the images you want most, since a mini session is short and focused.
Outfit Ideas for Every Family Member
Moms
Flowing midi dresses, sweater dresses, and knit tops with a skirt or tailored pants all photograph beautifully. Pieces with some movement are lovely for candid moments with the kids.
Dads
A sweater over a collared shirt, a quarter-zip, or a crisp button-down in a palette color. Dark jeans or chinos keep the look polished and comfortable.
Kids
Little dresses, cardigans, sweaters and corduroy are easy wins. Choose pieces they can move and sit in, and let them pick one fun detail, like a bow, a vest or festive socks.
Babies and Toddlers
Soft knits, rompers and simple outfits in your palette. Bring a backup outfit or two in case of spills.
Couples
Choose one shared color and let each of you wear it differently: a burgundy sweater with a cream dress, or a green knit with camel and denim.
What to Leave Out of Your Christmas Photos
Large logos, graphics and words, which pull attention away from faces.
Neon and very bright colors, which can cast color onto skin.
Very busy or large patterns on more than one person.
Brand-new shoes that pinch, and anything that needs constant adjusting.
Trendy pieces you may not love in a few years. Timeless looks age best on the wall.
Indoor and Outdoor Christmas Photos in Atlanta
Most holiday portraits in Atlanta happen in November and December, when mornings and evenings can be chilly. For indoor sets, dress for the look you want and leave the heavy coats in the car. For outdoor sessions, plan layers: a coat, cardigan, jacket or scarf that coordinates with your palette keeps everyone warm and still looks lovely in photos.
Most of our Christmas mini session sets this year are indoors, so your session goes ahead rain or shine. See our mini session FAQs for everything you need to know before your session.
Getting Ready for Your Christmas Session
Try every outfit on a few days ahead and take a quick phone photo of everyone together.
Steam or iron outfits the night before.
Pack a small touch-up bag: comb, hair ties, lip color, lint roller and wipes.
Bring snacks and a backup outfit for little ones.
Arrive dressed and ready, especially for mini sessions, which run back to back.
What Is the Best Color to Wear for Christmas Photos?
Neutrals like cream, camel and soft gray, and rich holiday colors like evergreen, burgundy, red and navy all photograph beautifully. The best choice complements your setting: richer colors stand out against white and gold trees, and neutrals feel soft and timeless on almost any set.
Should Our Family Match for Christmas Pictures?
Coordinate without matching exactly. A shared palette of 2 to 4 colors looks cohesive while letting each person’s personality show. Matching pajamas are the fun exception when they are intentional.
What Should We Wear for Family Photos in December?
Soft, warm textures in a winter palette: knits, velvet and corduroy in cream, camel, green, burgundy or navy. For outdoor sessions, add coordinating coats or scarves.
Can We Wear Christmas Pajamas for Our Photos?
Yes. Matching pajamas are adorable when they are intentional, and mismatched pajamas work when they share a color palette. For portraits you plan to frame, many families choose dressier outfits.
What Should Babies Wear for Christmas Pictures?
Soft knits, rompers and simple outfits in your family’s palette. Comfortable babies are happier babies, so skip anything scratchy and bring a backup outfit.
Book Your Christmas Portraits
Ready to put those outfits to work? See 2026 dates and details on our Christmas mini sessions page, or contact us to plan a full holiday portrait session for your family. Our Atlanta family photographer page explains how full family sessions work.
Your dog is part of the family, so it makes sense that so many of our clients want their pup in the frame. Including a dog takes a little more planning than a typical family session, though, and the location you choose shapes how relaxed everyone feels, from the kids to the four-legged family member who would rather be chasing squirrels. Below are the pet-friendly spots around Atlanta that we like to recommend for family photos with dogs, along with the tips we share with every family who brings their pup along.
Pet-Friendly Parks for Family Photos With Dogs in Atlanta
Public parks give dogs room to explore and give us a variety of backdrops within a short walk, which keeps the session moving before anyone gets restless. Most Atlanta parks require dogs to stay leashed, so plan on keeping a leash on for the whole session, and check each park’s current rules before you go.
Piedmont Park
Piedmont Park is one of Atlanta’s most recognizable settings, with open lawns, tree-lined paths, rolling hills and views of the Midtown skyline. Dogs stay on a leash outside the park’s fenced dog parks and stay out of the lake and playing fields. Weekends get busy, so a weekday session or a time closer to sunrise or sunset gives your dog fewer distractions and gives your family softer, more flattering light. You can see more of the park in our Piedmont Park engagement photos.
Freedom Park and Historic Fourth Ward Park
On the east side of the city, Freedom Park offers a long stretch of meadows, shaded paths and public art, which gives your photos a relaxed, natural feel without leaving town. Historic Fourth Ward Park is more polished, with modern walkways, bright green lawns and a pond, and it pairs beautifully with a city look. Both parks ask that dogs stay leashed, and pets stay out of the pond at Historic Fourth Ward Park. Our Old Fourth Ward engagement photos show how the neighborhood looks on camera.
Chastain Park
Chastain Park in Buckhead has wide open space, a shaded trail and plenty of room for a dog to stretch its legs between portraits. It works especially well for families who want a calm, neighborhood feel while staying close to the city.
Sweetwater Creek State Park
If your family loves the outdoors, Sweetwater Creek State Park in Lithia Springs adds wooded trails, rushing creek views and historic mill ruins. Georgia State Parks require dogs to stay on a leash six feet or shorter, and the park requires a parking pass, so plan for both before you arrive. Our Sweetwater Creek State Park engagement photos give you a preview of the setting.
Parks Around Marietta and Cobb County
Some of our favorite sessions happen at smaller parks outside the perimeter, where open pastures, wooden fences and rolling hills create a countryside feel without a long drive. These parks tend to be calmer than the in-town favorites, which helps dogs that feel overwhelmed by crowds. If you live in Cobb County, our Marietta photographer page has more ideas close to home.
River and Creek Views Close to Atlanta
Water adds so much to a portrait, and you don’t need to drive to the lake to find it. The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area runs right through the metro area, and spots like Cochran Shoals, Island Ford and Vickery Creek near the historic Roswell Mill offer river views, wooded trails and rocky creek banks. Dogs are welcome on a leash six feet or shorter, including in the water.
Bring water for your pup and a towel in case your dog decides to go for a swim, and plan the session for the cooler, softer light of the morning or late afternoon.
Gardens and Farms Where Dogs Are Welcome
Cator Woolford Gardens
Tucked away near Druid Hills, Cator Woolford Gardens is a small estate garden with a grand stone staircase, winding stone paths and seasonal blooms, and dogs are welcome. Because the gardens are compact, you can enjoy a lot of variety in a short session without much walking, which suits dogs and young children alike.
The gardens ask visitors to reserve a time for photo sessions. Since that reservation is made ahead, we usually suggest reserving once the forecast is clearer, so your family and your dog can enjoy a beautiful day there. You can see more of the grounds in our Cator Woolford Gardens photos.
Prospect Farms
Prospect Farms in Lawrenceville rotates its outdoor sets with the seasons, from flower fields to rustic farm backdrops, and dogs are welcome on the outdoor sets across the property. The indoor sets are reserved for people, so plan on enjoying the farm’s outdoor spaces with your pup. Sets change throughout the year, so check with Prospect Farms for what’s currently available, and take a look at our Prospect Farms photos for a feel for the property.
Mayberry Acres
Mayberry Acres in Canton is a farm property with barns, gardens, greenhouses and a creek, and families north of the city will love having a farm setting close to home. Its sets change with the seasons, so ask us about it while we plan your session, and we’ll look at the current pet guidelines together.
Private Property and Your Own Backyard
If your dog gets nervous around other people and animals, a familiar setting can make all the difference. Photographing at home, in your backyard or on a family property means fewer distractions, more freedom to move and a setting that already feels like yours. If you’re renting a property for your session, check with the host first, since rentals such as Airbnb ask guests to get the host’s permission before a professional photo session.
Indoor Studios and Pets
During Atlanta’s hot summer months, we usually recommend an indoor location, which takes a little extra planning with a dog. Pet policies vary from studio to studio, so ask the studio about pets before you reserve your time. Our guide to indoor portrait locations in Atlanta is a helpful place to start.
How to Choose the Right Spot for Your Dog
Every dog is different, and the right location is the one where your pup feels comfortable enough to relax. A few things to consider as you choose:
Leash rules: Most parks require a leash at all times, and fenced off-leash areas are better for play than portraits. Check the rules before you go so there are no surprises.
Crowd levels: If your dog is easily distracted, choose a quieter park or a weekday time, when fewer people, dogs and squirrels are competing for attention.
Comfort and safety: Look for shade, water nearby and even footing, and save hot pavement and steep, rocky trails for another day.
Season and time of day: Spring and fall are lovely seasons for outdoor sessions in Atlanta. Early morning and the hours before sunset bring the softest light and cooler temperatures, which keeps everyone, especially your dog, comfortable.
How a Family Session With Your Dog Works
We love including dogs in family photos, and a regular portrait session is the right fit for it. Pets do their best with a little extra time to settle in, and a full session gives your family more time in front of the camera and more variety in your photos. A longer session also lets us move around the location at an easy pace, which makes a big difference with a curious pup.
The most important thing to bring is an extra person. We always recommend a pet handler, a friend or family member who holds the leash, keeps your dog comfortable and steps in whenever your pup needs a break, so you can relax and enjoy your own portraits. Many families include their dog for the first part of the session, and then the handler takes the dog home or out for a walk while we finish the family portraits.
Parks are full of distractions, from squirrels and cars to other people and their dogs, so we also ask you to bring your dog’s favorite treats and a squeaky toy. Your handler can hold them up just above the camera to catch your dog’s attention, which is how we capture those bright, alert expressions looking right at the lens. A few waste bags and a bottle of water round out the bag.
Where can we take family photos with our dog in Atlanta?
Piedmont Park, Freedom Park, Historic Fourth Ward Park, Chastain Park and the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area all welcome leashed dogs. For a garden or farm setting, Cator Woolford Gardens and the outdoor sets at Prospect Farms welcome dogs too.
How do you take family photos with a dog?
Bring a pet handler, your dog’s favorite treats and a squeaky toy. Your handler keeps your dog comfortable between portraits and holds up treats or toys just above the camera so your dog looks our way, while we guide your family through natural poses and capture the moments in between.
What should we wear for family photos with our dog?
Choose two or three coordinating colors for the family, and let your dog join in with a collar, bandana or bow in one of those colors. Dark fur shows most on light fabrics and light fur on dark ones, so keep a lint roller handy. Our guide to what to wear for family photos has palettes for every season.
Can we bring our dog to Christmas mini sessions?
We love including pets, and a regular portrait session is the right way to do it. Pets do their best with a little extra time to settle in, and a full session gives you more time in front of the camera and more variety in your photos. For holiday photos with your dog, book a regular portrait session like our family Christmas portraits, and see our Christmas mini sessions for this season’s mini details.
Your dog is part of the family, so it makes sense that they belong in your family photos too. Dogs bring an easy, joyful energy to a session, and the photos where everyone is laughing at something the dog just did are often the ones families treasure most. Posing with a dog does take a little planning, though, because your pup has no idea why everyone is suddenly standing so still.
Below are seven family photo ideas with dogs that we use during our Atlanta family sessions, along with how to set up each pose and the small tricks that help your pup look their best. These dog and owner poses work just as well for couples as they do for larger families, and whether you want one classic portrait for the wall or a gallery full of candid moments, they give you a starting point to talk through with us before your session.
Before You Pose: Bring a Handler and a Few Favorite Treats
The most helpful thing you can do is bring an extra person whose only job is your dog. A friend or family member who isn’t in the photos can hold the leash between poses, step in when your pup wanders and keep everyone relaxed. If your dog gets tired or overwhelmed partway through, your handler can take them home so the rest of the session continues at an easy pace.
Pack your dog’s favorite treats, a squeaky toy and a few waste bags. During each pose, your handler stands just behind our team and holds a treat or toy above the camera, which draws your dog’s eyes and ears toward the lens at the same moment everyone else is smiling. Parks are full of squirrels, other dogs and interesting smells, so having something your dog truly loves on hand makes a real difference.
This is the portrait that goes on the wall and in the holiday card. Everyone gathers close together, and your dog sits front and center or between two family members, with smaller breeds held in someone’s arms. Of all the family portrait ideas with dogs, this one suits nearly every family and every pup, which is why we usually start here while everyone is fresh and your dog is still curious about the camera.
How to set it up:
Stand or sit close together so there are no gaps between family members, and we’ll help you hold the leash so it stays close and as discreet as possible.
Ask your dog to sit or lie down in front of the group; if they know “stay,” this is the moment to use it.
Let your handler call your dog’s name from behind the camera so their ears perk up just as everyone smiles.
Choose a simple backdrop, such as a tree line, a garden path or a wooden fence, so your family and your dog stay the focus.
Grown children and larger families can use the same approach. Arrange everyone in a loose group with the dog in the middle, and give your pup a moment to settle before we begin. For more on planning larger groups, see our guide to extended family photos.
2. The Walk-and-Talk Pose
Walking together gives everyone something to do, which is often the fastest way to relax both people and dogs. Your family strolls side by side along a path while chatting, holding hands or looking down at your dog, and we photograph the natural movement as it unfolds. Most dogs are happiest on the move, so this pose tends to bring out relaxed body language and a happy, open-mouthed expression.
How to set it up:
Walk a little slower than feels natural, which keeps everyone in step and the leash loose.
Let your dog lead slightly ahead, or walk between two family members for balance.
Talk to each other and to your dog, since genuine conversation reads beautifully in photos.
Walk toward us and then away from us, so you have both a classic view and a sweet over-the-shoulder moment.
This pose suits shaded garden paths, park trails and quiet sidewalks. For pet-friendly spots around the city, see our guide to family photos with dogs in Atlanta.
3. The Cuddle and Snuggle Pose
For families who want to highlight their bond with their pet, getting down to your dog’s level is a lovely choice. Kneeling or sitting together on the grass, on a blanket or on a bench brings everyone’s faces closer together and makes room for small, affectionate moments, such as a child resting their head on the dog’s back or a dog leaning into a hug.
How to set it up:
Kneel or sit on a blanket so your dog can settle in between family members.
Let kids hug the dog gently or rest their heads on the dog’s back.
If your pup loves belly rubs, go ahead and give them one; the laughter that follows is often a highlight of the session.
Save this pose for a calmer moment, ideally after your dog has had a chance to burn off a little energy. It works especially well with dogs who love affection.
4. The Paw Shake Pose
If your dog knows a trick or two, include them. A paw shake, a high five or a sit and stay shows off your dog’s personality and gives the rest of the family something genuine to react to. These interactive moments tend to produce the warmest expressions, because everyone is focused on the dog and the camera fades into the background.
How to set it up:
Have one family member kneel and ask for a paw shake while the others gather around and watch.
Reward right away with a treat, which keeps your dog eager to repeat the trick.
Stick with the tricks your dog already knows well, since a session is a fun place to show them off.
If your dog isn’t trick-trained, a gentle scratch behind the ears or a hand resting on their chest creates the same warm connection.
5. The Playful Action Pose
High-energy dogs often shine brightest when they are free to be themselves. Tossing a toy, jogging a few steps along an open path or simply laughing together while your dog bounces around creates bright, joyful photos full of wagging tails and happy expressions. Kids usually love this part, too, and it gives everyone a chance to shake off any stiffness from the more posed portraits.
How to set it up:
Keep play within leash length, since the parks we recommend require dogs to stay leashed.
Bring a favorite toy and let one family member play with your dog while the others cheer them on.
Plan this pose toward the end of the session, after the calmer portraits, since an excited dog may need a few minutes before sitting still again.
Choose an open lawn or a wide path with room to move.
6. The Dog’s Perspective Pose
Sometimes the dog deserves to be the star. In this pose, your dog sits front and center, closest to the camera, while the family gathers just behind or rests a hand on your dog’s back. The result is a portrait that is all about your pup, with the people who love them framing the story.
How to set it up:
Have your dog sit or lie down while family members kneel or stand just behind them.
Rest a hand gently on your dog’s shoulder or back, which connects the family to the moment and helps your dog stay put.
Ask for a few portraits of your dog on their own, too.
This is a lovely way to honor a senior dog or celebrate a new puppy.
7. The Holiday or Seasonal Pose
Seasonal sessions are a sweet way to create cards and keepsakes that include every member of the family. A festive bandana, a cozy sweater or a little bow tie adds charm without overwhelming your dog, and outdoor backdrops such as fall leaves or spring blooms set the season naturally.
How to set it up:
Choose subtle, pet-friendly accessories your dog is comfortable wearing, and try them on at home first.
In the fall, look for colorful trees and leaf-covered paths; in spring, flowering trees and gardens.
Coordinate your dog’s accessory with your family’s outfits; our guide on what to wear for family photos has color palettes that work well.
For a cozy holiday look with your dog, an in-home session is a wonderful option. Our team comes to you, so your dog can relax on their own sofa in front of your own tree and twinkle lights, and nobody has to worry about the weather. Dogs aren’t able to join our indoor Christmas mini session sets, so families who want their pup in holiday photos book a private session instead, either at home or at an outdoor location. In-home sessions are also a comfortable choice during Atlanta’s hot, humid summers. You can learn more about in-home sessions on our Atlanta family photographer page.
Tips for Posing Two Dogs or a Big Dog and a Small One
Families with more than one dog, or with a gentle giant and a tiny sidekick, can use every pose above with a few adjustments. Position the larger dog toward the back or side of the group and the smaller dog in front or in someone’s arms, so both faces are easy to see. A second handler is a big help, since getting two dogs to look at the camera at the same moment takes a little teamwork, and a treat held above the lens for each one keeps both pups engaged.
Where to Take Family Photos with Your Dog
Leash-friendly parks, gardens and river trails give dogs room to explore and give your family a beautiful backdrop. Our guide to pet-friendly locations for family photos near Atlanta covers the spots we like to recommend, from Piedmont Park to Cator Woolford Gardens, along with the leash rules and timing to keep in mind. Spring and fall are the most popular seasons for outdoor family photos in Atlanta, and the soft light of the late afternoon flatters people and pups alike.
Family Photo Ideas with Dogs: Common Questions
What Are Some Cute Poses to Do with Your Dog for Photos?
Some of the sweetest poses are the simplest: kneeling to your dog’s level for a cuddle, walking together along a path, letting your dog sit front and center with the family just behind, and showing off a favorite trick like a paw shake. Seasonal accessories such as a bandana or bow tie add an extra touch of personality.
How Do You Get a Dog to Look at the Camera?
Bring a handler who stands just behind the photographer and holds a treat or squeaky toy above the camera. Calling your dog’s name or making a fresh sound at the right moment usually earns a quick look, and rewarding right away keeps your dog interested. Short, playful bursts with plenty of rewards help your dog stay engaged throughout the session.
Why Won’t My Dog Look at the Camera?
Parks are full of new sights, sounds and smells, and a camera pointed their way is unfamiliar to many dogs. Giving your dog a few minutes to sniff around when you arrive, exercising them beforehand and keeping their favorite treats within reach all help. Photos of your dog gazing up at you can be just as meaningful as the ones where they look at the camera.
Should I Bring My Dog to Family Photos?
If your dog is part of your everyday family life, we think they belong in your family photos. Pets are welcome at our outdoor and in-home sessions. Plan for a handler, bring treats and waste bags, and keep in mind that your handler can take your dog home partway through, so the rest of the session continues at an easy pace.
Can We Bring Our Dog to a Christmas Mini Session?
Dogs aren’t able to join our indoor Christmas mini session sets. If you’d love holiday photos with your pup, book a private family session instead, either outdoors or at home in front of your own tree.
Plan Your Family Session with Your Dog
We love photographing families with their dogs, and we’ll help you choose the poses, location and timing that suit your pup’s personality. Schedule a quick call with Jaimie to talk through your ideas, or reach out through our contact page.
Fall family photos are a cherished tradition, and the outfits you choose shape how those photos feel for years to come. If you are wondering what to wear for fall family pictures, this guide brings everything together in one place: the best colors for fall, color schemes that work well together, how to coordinate the whole family, fall family photo outfit ideas for every age, and what to leave in the closet. For spring, summer and winter ideas, see our full guide to what to wear for family photos.
The short version: pick two or three colors that suit the season, build around one favorite outfit, add layers and texture, and keep logos and busy patterns out of the frame. We have helped many families plan their fall family photo outfits, and the tips below are the ones we come back to again and again.
Best Colors for Fall Family Pictures
Fall is the season of warm, earthy color. The best colors for fall family pictures sit comfortably next to golden leaves, dry grass, and soft late-day light. Most families land in one of three directions: calm neutrals, rich jewel tones, or a neutral base with a warm accent.
Neutral Fall Family Photo Outfits
Neutral fall family photo outfits are the easiest place to start. Cream, oatmeal, camel, taupe, olive, and chocolate brown feel calm and timeless, and they let faces and expressions carry the photo. Neutrals also look natural in almost any setting, from wooded trails to open fields.
If an all-neutral palette feels too quiet for your family, add one deeper shade, like olive or rust, to give the group a little depth.
Rich Jewel Tones
Burgundy, emerald, deep teal, navy, and mustard add richness and contrast against orange and gold leaves. Jewel tones look especially good in fabrics with some texture, like a chunky knit sweater or a velvet dress.
Warm Accents: Rust, Mustard, and Burnt Orange
Rust, burnt orange, mustard, and deep maroon work best as accents. One or two people in an accent color, surrounded by neutrals, gives the photo a natural focal point and keeps the group balanced.
Fall Family Picture Color Schemes That Work Well Together
Fall family picture color schemes are easier to build when you start from a combination that already works. A few favorites:
Cream, camel, and olive with a touch of rust
Navy and mustard with cream and olive
Burgundy, blush, and ivory with brown boots
Deep teal, charcoal, black, and denim
Chocolate brown, tan, and oatmeal
The family in the photos on this page built their outfits around deep teal, black, charcoal gray, one crisp white shirt, and denim. It is a simple scheme, and it stands out beautifully against a carpet of fallen leaves.
Matching Colors to Your Location
Your setting can help narrow the palette:
Wooded trails and parks: earthy tones and jewel shades complement the trees and leaves.
Open fields and tall grass: soft neutrals and warm accents glow against golden grass.
City streets and brick: jewel tones and bold accents stand out against brick, stone, and metal.
How to Coordinate Fall Family Outfits
Coordinating fall family outfits is much simpler with a plan. These steps work for a family of three or an extended family of fifteen.
Start With One Anchor Outfit
Pick the one outfit you love most, often a patterned dress or a favorite sweater, and pull the rest of the family’s colors from it. This keeps the palette connected and saves a lot of second-guessing.
Choose Two or Three Main Colors
Select two or three main colors plus a neutral or two. For example, start with navy and mustard, then fill in with cream and olive for the rest of the group.
Mix Textures and Keep Patterns Simple
Texture adds depth. Knit sweaters, corduroy, denim, flannel, suede, and linen all photograph well in the fall. Patterns work best in small doses: if one person wears plaid or a floral print, keep the people standing near them in solid colors.
Let Each Person’s Style Show
A shared palette with different pieces, like a dress, a sweater, and a jacket in related shades, looks coordinated and still lets each person look like themselves. Accessories such as scarves or hats in the family colors help tie individual looks together.
Fall Family Photo Outfit Ideas for Everyone
These fall family photo outfit ideas are starting points. Mix and match them within your palette so the whole group feels connected.
Women’s Fall Family Photo Outfits and Dresses
Women’s fall family photo outfits often set the tone for the whole group, and dresses are a popular choice for good reason. They move well, add shape, and look lovely when you walk, twirl, or sit in the leaves.
Dresses: midi or maxi dresses in burgundy, mustard, rust, forest green, or a small-scale floral. Flowy fabrics with a little stretch are easy to move in.
Layers: cardigans, shawls, denim or suede jackets, and tailored blazers add warmth and texture.
Smart casual: dark jeans with a fitted sweater or a soft blouse, or a jumpsuit in a neutral shade.
Accessories: a scarf, a felt hat, or a simple necklace in one of your palette colors. One or two pieces is plenty.
Shoes: ankle boots, riding boots, or flats that are comfortable on uneven ground.
Outfit Ideas for Dads and Partners
Button-downs in chambray, flannel, or a solid color, with chinos or dark jeans
Crewneck or quarter-zip sweaters, or a sweater layered over a collared shirt
A vest, field jacket, or suede jacket for texture
Leather boots or clean loafers
Outfit Ideas for Kids and Toddlers
Girls: sweater dresses, dresses with tights, or a skirt with a cardigan, paired with boots
Boys: sweaters over collared shirts, henleys, or button-downs with chinos or corduroys
Toddlers and babies: soft knits, rompers, and overalls that let them crawl and play
Small accessories like a knit hat, a bow, or suspenders, as long as they stay comfortable
Choose clothes kids can move, sit, and play in. Comfortable kids are happier kids, and that shows in their faces.
Outfit Ideas for Grandparents and Extended Family
For extended family sessions, share your color palette with everyone ahead of time and invite each household to pull pieces from their own closets. Classic layers look wonderful on grandparents: a quality sweater, a crisp button-down, or a soft cardigan in one of the family colors. When everyone works from the same short list of colors, even a large group looks connected.
Outdoor fall family photo outfits need to work with the weather and the ground under your feet.
Layer for changing temperatures. Fall weather can shift from a warm afternoon to a cool evening, and layers let everyone adjust while keeping the palette intact.
Wear shoes that handle leaves, grass, and trails. Boots and flats are easier to walk in on soft ground.
Plan for movement. Walking, sitting in the leaves, and scooping up little ones are part of the fun, so choose pieces that bend and stretch.
Think about the light. Soft late-day light warms up earthy colors, and mustard, rust, and olive tend to glow in it.
Check the forecast. If the weather looks uncertain, our inclement weather policy explains how rescheduling works.
What to Avoid Wearing
Neon colors, which look harsh next to the warm tones of fall
Large logos, words, or graphics that pull attention away from faces
Busy patterns on several people at once
Everyone in bright white, which can look stark against the setting
Very trendy pieces that may date your photos quickly
Uncomfortable shoes or clothing that needs constant adjusting
FAQs About Fall Family Photo Outfits
What Are the Best Colors for Fall Family Pictures?
Earthy neutrals (cream, camel, olive, brown), jewel tones (burgundy, emerald, navy, deep teal), and warm accents (rust, mustard, burnt orange) all work well. Choose two or three main colors and add a neutral or two.
What Should We Wear for Fall Family Pictures?
A simple formula works for most families: denim or neutral bottoms for everyone, tops and layers in your two or three palette colors, and one accent color on one or two people. It comes together easily from most closets and always looks cohesive.
Should Our Whole Family Match?
Most families look their best when everyone coordinates within a shared palette and each person wears a different style of piece. Matching pieces can work too if that is the look you love.
Can We Wear Patterns?
Yes. One or two patterned pieces in the group, like a floral dress or a plaid shirt, add interest. Keep the people next to them in solids so the patterns have room to shine.
What Shoes Work Best for Outdoor Fall Photos?
Ankle boots, riding boots, leather boots, loafers, and flats all handle leaves and grass well. Clean, simple shoes keep the attention on your family.
Should We Bring a Second Outfit?
It is a good idea to bring a backup for little ones in case of spills or muddy knees. If you would like a full outfit change, mention it when we plan your session so we can build it into the timing.
How Do We Add Seasonal Touches Without Overdoing It?
Small details do the job: a scarf, a knit hat, a cozy cardigan, or a blanket to sit on. One or two seasonal touches per person is plenty.
Ready for Your Fall Family Photos?
Your fall family photo outfits are the first step, and we are happy to help with the rest, from choosing a palette to finding a setting that suits your family. If you are looking for an Atlanta family photographer to document this season together, we would love to hear from you.
Planning ahead for the holidays? Our Christmas mini sessions offer 10 minutes on a styled indoor holiday set, a quick and easy way to add a festive family photo to your season.
Hi! We're Jaimie & Kyle (+Associates) with Jaimie Dee Photography. We're Atlanta photographers based in the metro area and service clients all over the globe. Jaimie Dee Photography was established in 2008. We're primarily a wedding and portrait studio. Our images are crisp, clean & colorful and strike a balance between classic and candid styled portraits. Aside from the photography, we help you craft the perfect photo experience - from the beginning planning stages to the finished artwork hanging on your walls. When you're in front of our camera, we'll also offer you gentle guidance through a combo of stationary and movement based poses. We'll help bring out your inner diva too - even if you're shy! If you're looking for a photographer in the metro Atlanta area or beyond, we'd love to meet you!
