Planning a family fall photo session has never been easier! Fall is hands down one of the best times of year to take family photos. The leaves are turning those gorgeous golden shades, the air is crisp (but not freezing!), and there’s just something special about capturing your family against a beautiful autumn backdrop. If you’re thinking about booking a session this fall, I’ve got some fun tips to help you plan!
But first, remember to book your session in advance. September-November is my busiest time of year. I am often shooting daily and have limited availability come those months. So book in the summer, if you can to get on my calendar.
1. Timing is Everything
When planning you fall family photo session, there are a few things to keep in mind for the perfect light. Fall light is a dream to shoot in, especially around golden hour. But as the days get shorter, the start times for your session will change. Here’s a quick rundown:
- September: You’ll want to plan for around 6:30 PM.
- Late September to early October: Start time drops to 5:30-6:00 PM.
- Mid to late October: Sessions will kick off around 5:00-5:30 PM.
- And once daylight savings time hits, we’ll be shooting as early as 4:00-4:30 PM.
No matter when you book, the lighting will be gorgeous, but it’s good to plan ahead so we can capture those magical moments!
2. Epic Locations? Done
Looking for that perfect spot? You’re in luck! The Western Slope has some seriously epic photo locations. If you need some inspiration, I’ve put together a blog post with some of my absolute favorite spots on the Western Slope. Whether you’re after mountain views, golden aspen groves, or some winding roads lined with trees, we’ll find the perfect backdrop to help you plan for your family fall photos.
3. What to Wear—Keep it Fun!
When planning your family fall session, what you wear will affect the outcome of your photos! Fall photos mean lots of bright yellows, golds, and reds in nature. So, let’s avoid blending in! If we’re shooting in a golden aspen grove, skip the yellow outfits—it’s way too easy to disappear into the background. The same goes for red and burgundy if we’re around trees in those shades. Neutrals are a great choice—think soft creams, grays, or even beige. Add a pop of color (maybe a deep orange or green), and you’ll look amazing while still standing out from the leaves. Here’s an inspiration board to help you when choosing the perfect outfit.
4. Make it a Tradition
Pro Tip: Turn your fall photo session into a yearly family tradition. I promise you, you won’t regret having these photos every year! It’s such a fun way to document how much your kids grow and change year after year. You’ll end up with a beautiful collection of photos to look back on, and it’s something everyone can look forward to. (I even wrote a blog on why annual family photos are so important—check it out!) Plus, the kids will have a blast, and you’ll get to enjoy a fun experience together.
5. Let the Kids Have Fun
Some of the best shots come when the little ones let loose! Toward the end of the session, I always love to give the kids some time to play. Have them throw leaves in the air, or let them run around a bit. Trust me, those carefree, joyful moments turn into the most genuine and adorable photos!
Ready for Your Fall Session?
A fall family photo session is the perfect way to make memories, capture your family’s unique personality, and have some fun while doing it. Want to see what past sessions have looked like? Check out some more of my favorites from previous family fall photo sessions!
Here are some more dreamy fall sessions:
