Updated October 13, 2026
For a spring or fall family photoshoot, dress in layers: vests, knits, scarves and hats that are easy to take on and off, and bring a blanket to wrap around you. Kids have to be warm to be comfortable and have a good time. I’m Katie Donnelly, a Paris family photographer, and here is a session at the Eiffel Tower where the outfits were PERFECT.
What You’ll Find in This Blog:
Why Layers Matter for Spring and Fall Family Photos
Spring is here my friend (I say that as I can still see my breath in the air in the early AM, HA!) and it’s time to start thinking about booking your spring and summer photo sessions and what to wear to them. With kids, especially littles, they have to be warm to be comfortable and having a good time. To make sure they’re warm, and still super cute, I recommend lots of layers and to bring blankets or scarves to wrap around you guys! It’s a really cute addition to the photos and brings in a bit of color if your outfits are less-colorful.
A Fall Family Session at the Eiffel Tower Where the Outfits Were Perfect
Here is a fall session that was PERFECT! The outfits didn’t cover anyone (notice that the little guy doesn’t have any collars so they can’t get in front of his face when he’s squirming around) and everyone was cute and warm enough. Vests are great for this as well as items that you can easily take on and off like hats and scarves!
6 Outfit Tips for Chilly Mornings
- Layer up. A vest over a knit, a scarf, a hat.
- Bring a blanket. It keeps everyone warm and brings in a bit of color if your outfits are less colorful.
- No collars on babies. They end up in front of the face when little ones squirm.
- Choose pieces you can take on and off quickly, like hats and scarves, for variety.
- Pick two or three colors and repeat them: here, navy, grey and a pop of red tartan.
- Make sure everything fits now. Read how to choose the perfect outfits for your photo session.
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Shop the look: find layers, knits and blankets among my favorite pieces on ShopMy, and read our ultimate guide to what to wear for a Paris photoshoot, how to layer like a Parisian and the fall packing guide for Paris.
Planning a spring or fall trip to Paris?
These are two of the loveliest seasons for portraits. Family sessions with our English-speaking team start at €150, and our complete what to wear guide is yours as soon as you book.
Or first see how a Paris photoshoot with us works.
Spring and Fall Family Photo Outfit Questions
Layers in two or three coordinating colors: vests, knits, scarves and hats. Bring a blanket or scarves to wrap around you for warmth and a touch of color.
Warm layers without a collar, so nothing gets in front of their face when they squirm, plus a soft hat.
Dress in layers you can take on and off, and bring a blanket. Kids have to be warm to be comfortable and have a good time.
Yes, both are lovely. Mornings can be chilly, so plan your outfits around layers.
“She did a fantastic job wrangling our group of 8 (4 teenagers) in 26 degree weather! My mother was beyond delighted when she received the canvas and book from our trip.”
Melanie L., family photoshoot
5-star Google review
About the author
Katie Donnelly, Paris Photographer
Katie Donnelly is an American photographer who opened her Paris studio in 2013 and was voted Best Portrait Photographer in Paris in 2017. She and her English-speaking team photograph families, couples and solo travelers at sunrise, so visitors go home with relaxed, real portraits instead of rushed selfies. Meet Katie and the team.
Ready to Book Your Paris Photoshoot?
Cute and warm enough. That is the whole secret.
- When: Mornings, just after sunrise, when the city is quiet
- Who: Families, couples, engagements and proposals, and solo travelers, with an English-speaking team
- Your photos: Viewed the same day at our studio in Saint-Germain-des-Prés
- Session fee: From €150. Inquire for our full price list.
Tell us your dates and we will help you plan the rest.
Or first see how a Paris photoshoot with us works.
