Fall Family Photo Sessions: Capturing Autumn’s Beauty

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Fall Family Photo Sessions: Capturing Autumn’s Beauty. Fall in Spokane brings a stunning array of colors, making it the perfect backdrop for family photos. At Kelly Tareski Photography, we love capturing the magic of autumn during our fall family sessions.

This season offers unique opportunities to create lasting memories against a canvas of golden leaves and crisp air. We’ll guide you through choosing the ideal location, styling your family, and incorporating creative poses to make your fall photo session truly special.

Where to Capture Autumn’s Magic

Selecting the perfect location for your fall family photos will make all the difference in capturing the season’s enchanting beauty. We’ve explored countless spots in Spokane and its surroundings to find the most picturesque settings for our clients.

Parks and Nature Reserves

Manito Park stands out as a prime location for fall family photos. Its diverse landscapes, including the Japanese Garden and Rose Garden, offer a variety of backdrops with stunning fall foliage. The park’s maple trees turn vibrant shades of red and orange, creating a breathtaking scene for family portraits.

Riverside State Park provides a more rugged and natural setting. With its winding trails along the Spokane River, this location showcases the essence of fall in the Pacific Northwest. The park’s pine trees mixed with deciduous varieties create a rich tapestry of autumn colors (perfect for those seeking a more adventurous backdrop).

Rustic Charm of Local Farms

Green Bluff, just north of Spokane, transforms into a photographer’s dream during fall. This collection of family farms and orchards offers a quintessential autumn experience. Many farms allow photography sessions, providing opportunities to incorporate pumpkin patches, apple orchards, and rustic barns into your family photos. The warm, earthy tones of harvested fields and fruit-laden trees create a cozy, nostalgic atmosphere that resonates with many families.

Urban Fall Vibes

For those seeking a more urban feel, downtown Spokane offers unique opportunities for fall family photos. The Riverfront Park area, with its mix of natural elements and urban structures, provides an interesting contrast. Fallen leaves on park benches and along the riverbank add splashes of autumn color to the cityscape. Additionally, the historic buildings in the downtown area, with their classic architecture, serve as elegant backdrops when adorned with seasonal decorations.

When choosing your location, consider your family’s personality and interests. A nature-loving family might prefer the trails of Riverside State Park, while a more urban-oriented family might enjoy the blend of nature and city life at Riverfront Park. Whatever your preference, the perfect setting to create lasting memories of your family amidst the beauty of fall awaits (and we’re here to help you find it).

Now that we’ve explored the best locations for your fall family photos, let’s move on to the next crucial aspect: styling your family to complement these beautiful autumn backdrops.

How to Style Your Family for Fall Photos

Embrace the Colors of Fall

The right outfit choices can elevate your fall family photos from good to great. A color palette that includes warm, earthy tones like deep reds, burnt oranges, mustard yellows, and rich browns will harmonize beautifully with the changing leaves. This creates a cohesive look across your family’s outfits.

Mom might wear a burgundy dress, dad could sport a navy blue shirt with khaki pants, and kids could don mustard yellow or forest green tops. Avoid bright neons or pastels, as these can clash with the fall scenery and draw attention away from your faces (which should be the focal point of your photos).

Layer Up for Comfort and Style

Fall weather can be unpredictable, so layering is essential. It keeps you comfortable during the shoot and adds depth and texture to your photos. Start with a base layer like a solid-colored tee or long-sleeve shirt, then add a cardigan, sweater, or light jacket.

Men can pair a plaid button-up with a solid vest. Women can opt for a flowy dress with a cozy cardigan or a stylish jacket. Kids look adorable in cable-knit sweaters or hooded jackets. These layers provide warmth and give you options to switch up your look throughout the session (perfect for creating variety in your photos).

Accessorize Thoughtfully

The right accessories add personality and warmth to your fall family photos. Scarves, hats, and boots are perfect for autumn and can tie your outfits together. A chunky knit scarf or a felt hat can add a pop of color or texture. For footwear, consider leather boots or closed-toe shoes in neutral colors to complete the fall look without drawing too much attention.

Choose one or two statement pieces per person to avoid overwhelming the overall look. Props like a cozy blanket to wrap around the family or a basket of apples can add a charming touch to your photos.

Coordinate, Don’t Match

Gone are the days of identical outfits for family photos. Instead, try to coordinate your looks. Choose a color scheme and have each family member wear different pieces that fit within that palette. This creates a cohesive look without appearing too matchy-matchy.

For example, if you’ve chosen a palette of burgundy, navy, and cream, one person might wear a burgundy sweater, another a navy dress, and a third a cream-colored top with burgundy accessories. This approach allows each family member’s personality to shine through while still creating a harmonious overall look.

With these styling tips in mind, you’re ready to create a visually appealing look for your family that enhances the natural beauty of the fall season. Now, let’s explore some creative poses and props that will bring your autumn photo session to life.

Bringing Fall Photos to Life

Embrace the Fallen Leaves

Fall’s iconic carpet of colorful leaves offers a perfect natural prop for photo sessions. We encourage kids to toss handfuls of leaves into the air, creating a shower of autumn colors around them. This action shot captures the joy of childhood and showcases the vibrant hues of the season.

For a serene pose, families can lie down in a circle on a bed of leaves, with their heads touching in the center. This creates a beautiful, symmetrical composition that highlights family connections. The contrast between outfits and colorful leaves makes for a striking image.

Seasonal Props for Festive Flair

Incorporating seasonal elements adds depth and context to fall family photos. Pumpkins are a classic choice (and not just for Halloween). The variety of pumpkins, soft autumn light, and family-friendly atmosphere make it an ideal location for capturing the essence of the season. Placing a few pumpkins of varying sizes near the family creates a cozy, autumnal atmosphere. For a fun twist, each family member can hold a small pumpkin or gourd, showcasing individual personalities through their choices.

Apples also make fantastic props for fall photos. A basket of apples can lead to candid moments of families picking apples together or a more posed shot with the basket as a centerpiece. These props add visual interest and evoke the warmth and abundance associated with the harvest season.

Capture Authentic Family Moments

The most cherished photos often come from unscripted moments. Families should engage in activities they enjoy together during the photo session. This could involve a walk through a leaf-strewn path, with parents swinging a young child between them. Or, families can bring a favorite game to play outdoors – the laughter and interaction this generates translates beautifully into photographs.

For families with older children, incorporating their interests can create uniquely personal fall photos. A musician in the family might bring an acoustic guitar for an impromptu outdoor jam session. The key is to choose activities that feel natural and bring out genuine smiles and interactions.

Creative Poses for Family Dynamics

Different family dynamics call for varied poses. For families with young children, we suggest playful poses like piggyback rides or group hugs. These poses capture the energy and closeness of families with little ones.

Families with teenagers might prefer more relaxed poses. Sitting together on a picnic blanket or leaning against a rustic fence can create a casual, yet connected feel. These poses allow for individual expression while still showcasing family unity.

Utilize Natural Light

Fall’s golden hour (just before sunset) provides magical lighting for photos. Every photographer will tell you that the best time of day to do photos is starting/ending within 1-2 hours of sunset or sunrise. The interplay of light and shadow through fall foliage can create stunning effects, adding depth and dimension to your family portraits.

That’s a Wrap!

Fall family sessions offer a unique opportunity to capture the warmth and beauty of the season. We’ve explored the best locations in Spokane, from vibrant Manito Park to the rustic charm of Green Bluff, each providing a perfect backdrop for your autumn memories. Styling your family in coordinated, layered outfits that complement the fall palette will enhance the visual appeal of your photos.

At Kelly Tareski Photography, we understand the importance of preserving these fleeting moments. Fall family sessions celebrate your family’s love and connection against the backdrop of nature’s most colorful season. Our experienced team knows how to capture the genuine smiles, playful interactions, and tender moments that make your family unique.

Don’t let this magical season slip away without documenting your family’s story. Book your fall family session with Kelly Tareski Photography today. We’ll help you create stunning images that you’ll treasure for years to come (and our personalized approach ensures a stress-free, enjoyable experience from start to finish).