How to Prepare for Fall Family Photo Sessions

Let’s Roll!

How to Prepare for Fall Family Photo Sessions. Fall family photo sessions are a cherished tradition, capturing the warmth and beauty of the season. As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, it’s the perfect time to create lasting memories with your loved ones.

At Kelly Tareski Photography, we know that preparation is key to a successful autumn photoshoot. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make your fall family portraits truly spectacular.

Where to Capture Fall’s Magic

Embrace Nature’s Palette

Parks and nature reserves offer excellent choices for fall family photos. The perfect backdrop can elevate your portraits from good to extraordinary. Look for locations with a variety of deciduous trees that provide a rich tapestry of autumn colors. The Spokane area boasts several parks that transform into vibrant canvases during fall. Manito Park, for instance, features vast lawns, a couple areas, a large duck pond, and a formal rose garden called “Rose Hill.”

Rustic Charm of Farms and Orchards

For a quintessential fall atmosphere, consider local farms or orchards. These settings provide not only beautiful backdrops but also opportunities for interactive photos. Green Bluff (just north of Spokane) offers a collection of family farms and orchards that provide a quintessential autumn experience. Many farms allow photography sessions, providing picturesque settings for families to pose among apple trees or pumpkin patches. The natural, rustic elements add depth and character to your photos.

Urban Fall Charm

Don’t overlook urban settings for your fall family photos. Many cities, including Spokane, decorate their downtown areas with autumn-themed displays. Riverfront Park, with its mix of urban elements and natural beauty, can provide a unique backdrop that combines fall foliage with architectural interest. The contrast of nature against city structures creates visually striking images.

Home Sweet Home

Sometimes, the perfect location is right outside your door. Your own backyard or neighborhood can offer familiar comfort and personal significance to your family photos. If you have trees that change color or decorative elements that evoke fall, these can serve as excellent backdrops. Plus, shooting at home can be particularly advantageous for families with young children (who might feel more at ease in familiar surroundings).

Location Scouting Tips

When selecting your location, consider factors like accessibility, parking, and potential crowds. It’s wise to scout locations in advance to ensure they look as expected and to plan your shots. The best location is one that not only looks beautiful but also feels comfortable for your family, allowing for natural, relaxed expressions that truly capture your family’s unique dynamic.

Now that you’ve chosen the perfect location for your fall family photos, it’s time to focus on what you’ll wear. The right outfits can complement the autumn scenery and make your photos truly pop.

What to Wear for Fall Family Photos

Embrace Autumn’s Color Palette

The right outfit choices can make your fall family photos stand out. Select colors that complement the autumn scenery without overshadowing your family’s personalities. Vary shades of blush and rose on moms and girls and pair with tan, light grey, cream or heather green to give your images a feminine feel with a little romantic touch. Avoid overly bright or neon shades, as they can clash with natural surroundings and create unwanted color casts.

Layer for Comfort and Style

Fall weather often changes quickly, so layering is essential. It keeps you comfortable during the shoot and adds depth to your photos. Men can pair a cozy sweater over a collared shirt, while women might choose a cardigan over a dress. Scarves, vests, and light jackets provide variety in your shots without full outfit changes.

Accessorize Thoughtfully

The right accessories elevate your fall family portraits. Include textured elements like knit hats, leather boots, or wool socks peeking out above booties. These details add visual interest and a cozy autumn feel to your images. However, don’t overdo it. Choose one or two statement accessories per person to avoid cluttering the frame. For children, consider fun additions (like a small pumpkin to hold or a favorite stuffed animal in fall colors).

Coordinate, Don’t Match

Identical outfits for family photos are outdated. Try a coordinated look that allows each family member’s personality to shine. Create cohesion by picking a color theme and working within it for the set of outfits. Colors should be similar in brightness. This approach creates a harmonious look without appearing overly staged. If you’re unsure about color combinations, ask your photographer for guidance. Many professional photographers offer styling advice as part of their services.

Avoid Distracting Patterns

While patterns can add interest, use them cautiously in fall family photos. Large, bold prints or logos can distract from faces and the natural beauty of the season. If you incorporate patterns, choose subtle, smaller prints like tiny florals or muted plaids. It’s best to limit patterns to one or two family members, with others in solid, complementary colors.

Your chosen photo location should influence your outfit choices. For a pumpkin patch or apple orchard, lean into more casual, rustic styles. A formal park setting might call for slightly dressier attire. Always consider practicality – if you’ll walk through leaves or sit on the ground, choose fabrics that won’t easily show dirt or wrinkles.

Now that you’ve selected the perfect outfits for your fall family photos, it’s time to consider the timing and logistics of your session. Planning these details will ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

When and How to Plan Your Fall Photo Session

Optimal Timing for Fall Photography

The golden hour provides the most flattering natural light for outdoor photography. This magical time occurs shortly after sunrise or before sunset. During these periods, the sun’s rays become softer and warmer, which enhances your family’s features and the autumn scenery.

We recommend you schedule your session about 1-2 hours before sunset. This timing allows for ample shooting time while taking advantage of the day’s most beautiful light. However, if you have young children who might become cranky in the evening, consider an early morning session instead.

Capturing Peak Fall Colors

To capture vibrant autumn hues, you should time your session with peak foliage. In Spokane, Washington, family pictures outdoors are best taken between the months of May and October. Keep an eye on local foliage reports or consult with your photographer to determine the best week for your session.

Popular locations can get crowded during peak fall weekends. If possible, consider scheduling your session on a weekday to avoid the crowds and ensure a more relaxed atmosphere for your family.

Preparing Children for the Photo Shoot

A successful family photo session often depends on how well-prepared and comfortable your children are. Start talking about the photo shoot positively well in advance, framing it as a fun family adventure rather than a chore. Let them participate in choosing their outfits or a special prop they’d like to bring.

On the day of the shoot, ensure everyone is well-rested and fed. Pack snacks and water to keep energy levels up during the session. If you have very young children, consider scheduling the session around their nap times to ensure they’re in good spirits.

Enhancing Your Photos with Props and Extras

The right props can add a personal touch and seasonal flair to your fall family photos. Consider bringing items that reflect your family’s personality or the autumn season. Some ideas include:

• A cozy blanket for sitting on the ground or wrapping around shoulders
• Pumpkins or apples for a harvest theme
• Vintage suitcases or baskets for a rustic look
• Your family pet (if the location allows)

However, be selective with props. Too many can distract from the main focus – your family. Choose one or two meaningful items that complement your outfits and the location.

Don’t forget to bring a small bag with touch-up essentials like hairbrushes, lip balm, and tissues. These can be lifesavers for quick fixes between shots.

Final Thoughts

Fall family photo sessions offer a unique opportunity to capture the season’s warmth and beauty with your loved ones. The perfect location, coordinated outfits, and well-planned logistics set the stage for memorable photographs. Professional photography elevates these moments, transforming them into timeless keepsakes you’ll treasure for years.

At Kelly Tareski Photography, we specialize in capturing precious fall family moments. We offer flexibility and expertise to bring your vision to life, from our picturesque five-acre property to on-location shoots in Spokane’s most beautiful autumn settings. Our goal is to make your fall family photo session an enjoyable and stress-free experience.

Don’t let this fall season pass without preserving your family’s unique story. Book your fall family photo session with Kelly Tareski Photography today. We will help you create stunning images that will warm your heart for generations to come. How to Prepare for Fall Family Photo Sessions.