My Best Tips for Planning a Unique Fall Photo Session
The Magic of Fall
Many families love getting their photos taken in the fall. The foliage is just gorgeous, the weather is perfect, and there is a coziness in the air that just translates so well to photos. Because fall is such a great time of year for photography, the photos can feel a little repetitive- especially if this isn’t your first rodeo. Don’t get me wrong- I love a classic fall session! However, if you’ve had a few of them, you might be wondering what you can do to make this fall different. Luckily, I’m nothing if not an idea woman, and I have a few tricks up my sleeve to make your fall photos feel special this year.
Location Ideas
The easiest way to mix up your fall photos is to schedule your photo session at a new location. I have set locations for my fall minis, but you can book a session outside of my mini-dates if you have another location in mind. Here is a list of location ideas to get you started!
Corn Maze
Pumpkin Patch
Apple Orchard
The Farmers Market
Along a creek or waterway
At a vineyard or botanical garden
A historic street with old houses and iron fences
At a campground for a cabin or campfire session
At your family’s favorite coffee shop or downtown area
The comfort of your own home with your front porch decorations and cozy family room
Theme Ideas
Themed sessions are so fun year-round. Themes facilitate authentic engagement with your loved ones. It’s a great way to create real memories while capturing your unique dynamics.
Cozy Picnic
Imagine blankets, pillows, vintage picnic baskets, flowers, finger foods, sparkling water, and fall colors all around you.
Artistic Expression
If you have a family of artists, you can create something together or do a craft together during your session. You might even have a color war with these colored powders.
Baking with Love
I love to bake in the fall. If that’s your vibe, we can do an at-home session. I would love to capture your loved ones baking pumpkin bread or making caramel apples.
Pumpkin Carving
I know this sounds a little out there- but I promise we can make this cute! If your family carves pumpkins every year, memorializing this tradition will make you smile for years to come.
Campfire Hangout
I don’t recommend this session for families of young kids because of safety concerns. But this is a great idea for school-age kids and teenagers. You can make s’mores, read around the campfire, tell spooky stories, and get cozy all wrapped up in warm blankets.
Halloween Fun
Your kids are only little for so long- they will only dress up for a short time. I know often we do family photos in cute, curated outfits, but maybe this is the year you show off those family costumes! Including costumes is also great for Halloween-loving couples.
A Scenic Drive
Who remembers being a teenager and driving around for the sake of feeling independent? I have so many memories of driving with my friends and taking the scenic route with my boyfriend. There is still something so nostalgic about driving for no reason. If this strikes a cord, we can use your car or a vintage rental for something extra sentimental.
Fruit Picking
There are so many delicious foods to pick in the fall- apples, pears, blackberries, grapes, and pumpkins to name a few. With a few “you-pick” farms in the area, we can have a lot of fun capturing this quintessential fall activity.
Outdoor Movie Night
Think of warm quilts, fresh popcorn, and your favorite people. Whether you set up an outdoor projector or you stick to a smaller, portable screen, your family will love this experience.
Front Porch Vibes
We can create some photo magic just with your front porch. I’m seeing potted mums, warm drinks, cozy sweaters, and board games. This is a fun idea if you love decorating your porch for fall!
Prop Ideas
Props are things you can use to pull a theme session together, or as stand-alone items you want to use in your normal fall sessions. They’re a super easy way to add a pop of personality to your photos.
Boardgames
Books and leather journals
Quilts, throw blankets, and pillows
Flowers
Lanterns, candles, and fairy lights
Pumpkins
Silk scarves
Football
Wooden toys
Bubbles
Helium balloons
Woodland animal stuffed toy
Halloween masks
Musical instrument
Baskets and wooden crates
Vintage bike
Fishing poles
Signs, banners, etc.
Giant lollipops, cotton candy, and other unique candy
Warm drinks in cute cups (i.e. coffee, hot cocoa, tea, apple cider)
I hope that’s enough to get you started when it comes to planning out your fall photos this year! If you’re still looking to book those fall photos, make sure you reach out to get on the calendar. Spots are limited and bookings happen fast!
