What to Wear for Summer Family Photos | Light, Location & Stress-Free Planning

Summer family photos in Utah are golden. Literally. The warm hues of summer light create a magical backdrop, enhancing the joy and connection in your family portraits. The long days filled with bright sunshine allow for extended photo sessions that capture the essence of summer fun.

Long evenings, glowing sunsets, and vibrant wildflowers in the mountains — the summer landscape is breathtaking, making it one of the most popular times to book a session. These elements not only set the tone for your photos but also provide a rich tapestry of color and emotion, allowing every family member’s personality to shine through in each shot.

Consider incorporating elements of family tradition into your photo shoot, such as favorite outdoor games or activities that your family enjoys during summer. This adds a personal touch and creates authentic moments that can be beautifully captured in your family photos.

What to Wear for Summer Family Photos

Summer is about breathable fabrics and warmth. Choosing the right outfits can significantly impact the comfort and enjoyment of your photo session. Light, airy fabrics not only keep everyone cool but also flow beautifully in the summer breeze, adding a dynamic quality to your images.

Best Summer Colors: When selecting colors, think about the environment where you’ll be shooting. Earthy tones often blend well with natural settings, while soft pastels can add a light, playful touch.

• Cream: Cream is a classic choice that reflects warmth and complements many backgrounds.

• Warm beige: Warm beige pairs beautifully with green landscapes and floral backdrops.

• Olive: Olive offers a natural vibe, making it a great choice for outdoor sessions.

• Soft rust: Soft rust provides a warm contrast against cooler backgrounds, adding depth to your photos.

• Muted blue: Muted blue is perfect for coastal or lake settings, evoking a sense of calm.

• Sage green: Sage green blends beautifully with nature, helping to create a cohesive look.

• Soft floral patterns: Soft floral patterns can add a whimsical feel to your photos while still being understated.

Avoid overly bright colors that reflect onto skin in harsh sun. Instead, opt for colors that enhance your family’s natural skin tones and work harmoniously with the outdoor environment.

Best Fabrics: Choose fabrics that are lightweight and comfortable. The right material can make all the difference in how everyone feels during the shoot.

• Linen: Linen is an excellent choice due to its breathability and texture, giving an effortless summer look.

• Lightweight cotton: Lightweight cotton is soft and comfortable, perfect for active families who want to move around during their session.

• Gauze: Gauze can add a dreamy effect, especially when layered, creating movement in your photographs.

• Flowy skirts and dresses: Flowy skirts and dresses not only provide comfort but also look stunning in motion. Flowy is my favorite, so definitely try and go for this look!

• Relaxed button-down shirts: Relaxed button-down shirts are versatile and can be dressed up or down, making them ideal for capturing family dynamics.

Shoes matter more in summer because we often walk to scenic spots. Choose comfortable footwear that complements your outfits, such as stylish sandals or casual sneakers. The right shoes will keep everyone happy and engaged during the session. If you would rather bring extra pairs of shoes, I would recommend bringing an easy pair to slip on and off as well as the ones you want to wear for your summer family photo session.

Best Summer Photo Locations

Best Summer Photo Locations: Choosing the right location is crucial for a successful photo session. Higher elevations are stunning in summer due to their vibrant colors and breathtaking views.

Higher elevations are stunning in summer:

Consider locations like Park City, where the mountain backdrop provides a fantastic setting for family photos.

• Park City: There are a ton of lovely locations downtown and out in nature in Park City.

• Big Cottonwood Canyon: Big Cottonwood Canyon offers beautiful landscapes and a variety of natural settings, perfect for capturing candid moments.

• Alpine Loop: The Alpine Loop showcases stunning mountain vistas and is especially beautiful when wildflowers are in bloom.

Wildflowers bloom mid to late summer in the mountains, adding vibrant splashes of color to your photos. There are some incredible locations with wildflowers that I am so excited to photograph photos at. I would love to help you plan your summer family photos here.

Southern Utah can be very hot — sunset sessions are essential there. The golden hour light enhances the landscape and creates a warm glow in your photos, ensuring everyone looks their best.

How to Prepare for Summer Photos

Proper preparation can make your photo session enjoyable and stress-free. Start by bringing water to keep everyone hydrated, especially on hot days.

• Bring water. Staying hydrated is vital, especially for young children and older family members.

• Plan for later bedtimes, as golden hour is later in the summer. This ensures that everyone is well-rested and ready to enjoy the session.

• Use light layers if needed, as temperatures can fluctuate during the evening. Layering allows for easy adjustments without sacrificing style.

• Avoid heavy makeup in heat — natural looks are best. Opt for light, breathable makeup that enhances your natural beauty without feeling cakey. If you are looking for someone to do your hair and makeup for your summer family photos, I have tons of great recommendations.

Summer sessions are relaxed, warm, and full of golden light. Embrace the casual vibe and enjoy the experience; it will reflect in your photos. What I love most about summer sessions is that since it doesn’t get dark until later, we can plan a weekday family session for sometime after dinner. This is super helpful for timing with little kids or adults who work a regular 9-5 job.

Ultimately, capturing beautiful summer family photos is about planning, comfort, and enjoying the moment. With the right outfits, location, and preparation, your family can create lasting memories that you will cherish for years to come.

Lastly, remember to have fun! The best summer family photos come from genuine moments of laughter and connection, so enjoy your time together.

If you are looking for a spring family photos session, this outfit guide should help.