Spring Family Photos with Somerset Portraits
Spring is just around the corner here in Charlottesville. Even though there’s still a chill in the air, I had my first true sign of the season this week—spotting (and immediately buying) one of my favorite Trader Joe’s staples: cut daffodils.
That pop of yellow on the kitchen counter always signals it to me: longer days, softer light, and spring sessions right around the corner.
Now is the perfect time to schedule and plan your spring family photography session with me at Somerset Portraits. With dates filling quickly, a little advance planning—especially when it comes to wardrobe—goes a long way in creating timeless, effortless images.
Below are my best tips for what to wear for your outdoor spring family photos.
Soft, Natural, and Effortless
For spring family photography sessions, lean into fabrics that feel light and relaxed. Soft, breathable materials move beautifully and photograph exceptionally well outdoors.
Best fabric choices include:
- Linen
- Cotton
- Soft knits
- A touch of lace, if you want to go a little more traditional and formal
Avoid anything stiff or overly structured. Flowy fabrics add gentle movement and an organic feel that pairs perfectly with spring scenery.
Light, Airy Color Palettes
Soft, neutral tones photograph best in spring light and keep attention on faces and connection.
Go-to spring colors:
- Cream, ivory, and soft white
- Beige, tan, and khaki
- Light gray
- Sage, olive green or even soft yellows (I personally love yellow!)
- Dusty blue
- Blush or muted pastels
Try to steer clear of bold neons, heavy jewel tones, or high-contrast patterns, which can feel distracting in outdoor images.
Styling Women and Girls
Dresses are a beautiful choice for spring sessions—timeless, flattering, and effortless.
A few simple rules of thumb:
- Stick to solid colors and delicate florals
- flowy midi or maxi-length silhouettes
- Light layers like a warm cardigan or wrap for unpredictable spring weather
- Coordinate, don't match
- Clean and classic for men and boys
- Pick 2-3 complementary tones and mix soft texture and subtle variations to keep outfits cohesive
Easy, Affordable Outfit Options
To make styling simple, I'm sharing links below to some of my favorite affordable spring outfit options (under $50) available on Amazon right now. These are pieces that photograph beautifully and work seamlessly for the whole family.👇
Women:
Floral Smocked Boho Dress (works for maternity too), $29.99:
Zesica Floral Flutter Sleeve Dress, $35.99:
Men:
Coofandy Men's Light Sweater, $24.99
Men's Lightweight Slim Oxford, $17.99
Amazon Essentials Men's Straight-Fit, Wrinkle Resistant Khaki Pants, $31.70:
Girls:
Niyage Lace Flutter Sleeve Dress, $19.99
Niyage Flutter Sleeve Dress, $19.99
Yekaty Knit Cardigan, $11.99
Boys
The Children's Place Short Sleeve Poplin Button-Down Shirt, $11.99
French Toast Poplin Chino Pants, $12.26
If you’re planning a spring family, maternity, newborn, or baby photography session with Somerset Portraits, I’m always happy to help guide wardrobe choices so your images feel timeless, elevated, and unmistakably you.
Spring is coming—and I can’t wait to photograph your family 🤍
