Inside a Fall Family Session: Prep, Wardrobe, and What Really Happens

Welcome to Fall Photo Season in Minnesota

Fall in Minnesota is like nature showing off—and honestly, who can blame her? The leaves are doing their thing, Target has gone full pumpkin-palooza, and everyone’s pretending it’s not 80 degrees in September while sipping a “seasonal” latte. You know what that means: it’s officially time to talk about fall pictures.

If you've ever scrolled through social media and thought, “How does everyone else have their life together enough for family photos this time of year?”—you’re not alone. But here’s the secret: they probably don’t. They just booked early and let me take care of the hard stuff. My fall family sessions are designed to feel more like a walk in the park (literally) than a photo shoot. No stiff poses, no fake smiles, and no matching buffalo plaid.

Whether we’re chasing toddlers through Tamarack Nature Center or cozying up in your backyard, my goal is to make the process simple and actually fun. Because fall pictures should capture your real life—not just the version with everyone looking at the camera.

Let’s Talk Prep: What You Actually Need to Know

Let’s be honest. When you start thinking about scheduling fall pictures, it can feel a little like trying to plan a wedding with toddlers involved. So let me simplify this for you. You don’t need a vision board. You don’t need matching outfits from head to toe. You just need a photographer who’s been doing this for over 15 years and knows how to make it easy for you.

When to book your session?
As soon as you even think about fall pictures, it’s time. Fall in Minnesota is a bit of a diva. One minute it’s sunny and golden and the next you’re digging out snow boots. Most people want that magic mid-October golden hour look, which means I start booking those prime spots months in advance. If you’re curious when the trees are at their peak, the Minnesota DNR Fall Color Finder is a lifesaver for tracking the season.

What time of day is best for fall pictures?
Evening light in the fall is everything. That golden glow that hits just before sunset is not just flattering, it’s forgiving. You’ll feel it. Your kids will look extra angelic. And your gallery will thank you. I plan sessions to take advantage of that evening magic, usually starting about two hours before sunset. Yes, even if it cuts into bedtime. I promise it’s worth it.

Location, location, location.
Minnesota has no shortage of beautiful fall backdrops. You don’t need to drive three hours to a secluded forest. I’ve got a list of tried and true spots that photograph beautifully, and I’m happy to help you pick one that fits your vibe.

Tamarack Nature Center is always a favorite. It has fields, trails, trees doing their autumn show-off routine, and it’s stunning on a weekday evening. Como Park offers a little more structure and charm, but it can get wild on weekends. If you like the idea of something quieter, your own backyard is a fantastic option. I’m serious. Kids are comfortable there. You’re comfortable there. And that comfort shows up in your gallery more than any Pinterest-worthy location ever could.

If your favorite spot requires a permit, I’ve got you. I typically cover standard permit fees. If it’s a more exclusive or high-demand location with a higher cost, I’ll let you know and we’ll decide together if it’s worth the splurge.

What about weather?
Let’s just say fall is unpredictable in the Twin Cities. I build flexibility into my schedule for reschedules when we need them. If it looks like rain or the wind is about to launch a toddler into the next zip code, we’ll move things around.

What if my toddler melts down, my partner isn’t thrilled, or someone gets jelly on their shirt five minutes before we leave?
First, welcome to real life. Second, I’ve seen it all. And fall pictures don’t require perfection. They just require showing up. I’ll take care of the rest.

So whether you’re dreaming of colorful leaves, cozy sweaters, or just want a photo where everyone is in the same frame, prepping for fall pictures doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. I’ll walk you through every step. All you have to do is show up and let the season do the heavy lifting.

Wardrobe: Dressing for Fall Without Looking Like a Flannel Ad

Ah, fall outfits. The season where everyone suddenly panics and wonders if their entire closet is “photo-worthy.” If you've ever stood in your bedroom muttering “We have nothing to wear” while holding a child in one arm and a pair of mismatched shoes in the other, welcome. You're in good company.

Let’s start with this: you don’t need to reinvent your wardrobe. And no, you don’t need to dress like you’re auditioning for a pumpkin spice commercial. I provide a full studio wardrobe with pieces that photograph beautifully. I’ve curated it with real families in mind—moms, dads, babies, toddlers. There are options that are flattering, classic, and (this is key) actually wearable.

I also send out a monthly style guide with outfit boards and clickable shopping links. Whether you're pulling from your own closet or browsing my suggestions while sipping coffee in your pajamas, the guide makes it easy to coordinate outfits without second-guessing every color combination. And yes, neutrals will always be the unsung heroes of fall pictures. They let your connection shine through and won’t go out of style by the time your photo ends up above the fireplace.

For moms, I always recommend something with movement—long dresses that catch the breeze a little or soft textures that photograph beautifully. You don’t need to show up in sequins, but leaning into elevated everyday wear can make all the difference in how you feel when you see your gallery.

For kids, keep it simple. Soft knits, neutral tones, minimal logos. I have plenty of options at the studio if you’d rather not shop at all. Most of the pieces fit children under five and are designed to complement the adult wardrobe selections I offer.

Dads, you’re not being left out. Button-downs, henleys, solid sweaters—you’ll get suggestions too. And yes, I know you’ll say you “don’t need anything,” but we’re still going to make sure you look good standing next to your people.

At the end of the day, the outfits should feel like you—just the polished version. Think cozy without being costumey, coordinated without being matchy-matchy, and comfortable enough that you can move, cuddle, and maybe chase a runaway toddler through a leaf pile.

Fall pictures aren’t about dressing up to be someone else. They’re about showing up as your real self, just a little more pulled together than usual. And I’m here to help with every piece of it.

What Really Happens During a Fall Family Session

Here’s the truth: no one shows up to their fall pictures with kids who are 100 percent camera-ready. And that’s exactly the point. I’m not here to capture a performance. I’m here to photograph your family as it is right now—playful, wild, a little unpredictable, and completely yours.

You don’t need to prep your kids like they’re about to meet the Queen. They don’t need rehearsed smiles, a script, or a crash course in standing still. In fact, I’d prefer they skip all of that. The best images come when they’re free to explore, move, and interact in a way that feels natural to them.

My approach is child-led, which is just a fancy way of saying I follow their lead. If your toddler wants to pick up every crunchy leaf on the trail, we’re going to let them. If your preschooler decides they’re only going to laugh while running full speed, I’ll be running too. And if your baby just wants to be in your arms the entire time, well… that’s probably where you wanted them anyway.

I give gentle direction when it helps and stay quiet when it doesn’t. We’ll do some group shots, some playful movement, some snuggles. And yes, we’ll get those frame-worthy moments where everyone is together. But in between, I’m always watching for the good stuff—the way your child reaches for your hand, the giggle they save just for their sibling, the quiet moment when someone rests their head on your shoulder without being asked.

No need to overthink it. You’re not here to “perform.” You’re here to be with your people in a beautiful spot during one of the best seasons Minnesota has to offer.

And let’s not forget the grown-ups. You’re part of this too. I’ll guide you just enough so you’re not left wondering what to do with your hands. You’ll laugh, you’ll move, you’ll probably say something ridiculous to get your kid’s attention—and I’ll catch the moment right after, when everyone forgets the camera is even there.

That’s what fall pictures are really about. They’re not staged. They’re not filtered perfection. They’re a real-life snapshot of your family—leaves, wind, movement, and all.

Why Fall Pictures Matter

(Even if You’re Still Sweating in September)

We love a good Minnesota fall. It gives main character energy, but with a strict expiration date. One minute it’s golden leaves and cozy layers, the next you’re shoveling snow off your porch steps and wondering why you didn’t just book the session when you thought about it back in August.

But beyond the colors and the cooler air, fall pictures capture something bigger. For a lot of families, fall marks a shift. New school routines. A baby on the way. Your youngest finally learning to zip their coat. It’s the season where everyone is growing, even if it doesn’t always feel that way in the day-to-day blur of school drop-offs and forgotten water bottles.

And while the photos may live on your holiday card or get shared with grandparents, that’s not really why we do this. These are the images that fill your walls, your shelves, your family albums. They’re the ones your kids will flip through one day and say, “Oh, that was the year I lost my first tooth,” or “Remember how I used to wear that jacket everywhere?”

These sessions are more than just “let’s get a good family photo.” They’re a chance to pause the motion, if only for an hour, and see your family exactly as it is right now. Not posed. Not polished. Just real, connected, and perfectly in-between the milestones.

And after the session, when you receive your gallery, you’ll have the option to preserve those images in ways that actually live in your home. Wall frames, heirloom albums, matted prints—tangible reminders that your family is worth documenting.

Because someday isn’t guaranteed. But today is here. And it’s full of stories worth keeping.

FAQ: You Asked, I Answered

When should I book my fall pictures?
As soon as you’re thinking about it. My fall calendar starts filling up in July, and by the time the leaves are peaking, I’m usually fully booked. If you have a specific weekend or location in mind, let’s get it on the calendar sooner rather than when the weather app starts showing maple leaf emojis.

What happens if it rains?
This is Minnesota. Weather is basically a wildcard. I keep an eye on the forecast leading up to your session and always build in some flexibility. If it’s just overcast, we go for it. If it’s pouring or dangerously windy, we reschedule. Easy as that.

What should we wear?
You’ll get access to my studio wardrobe plus a full style guide with curated outfit boards and shopping links. I also offer outfit options for littles under five, and suggestions for the whole family that won’t make you look like you’re starring in a fall clothing ad. Think soft textures, earth tones, and pieces you actually feel good wearing.

Can we bring the dog?
Yes, but let’s chat first. Some locations allow pets, some don’t. I’ve photographed enough pups to know they’re part of the family too, but a quick heads-up helps me prep accordingly.

How long does a session take?
Enough time to get what we need without dragging it out. I don’t use a stopwatch, but most sessions fall in the 45 to 60 minute range depending on the kids, the location, and how many leaf piles we end up jumping in.

Do you help with printing the photos?
Yes. After you’ve chosen your digital images, you’ll have access to your gallery store filled with gorgeous ways to display your photos—from custom wall frames to heirloom albums and matted prints. No high-pressure sales meetings, just beautiful options at your fingertips.

Don’t Just Take My Word for It

Here’s what one of my fall families had to say:

“Michele was amazing! We also have a toddler, and she somehow managed to capture some amazing sibling photos, even with a grumpy 2 year old!! We can't wait to do more family photos in the future!”
—Allison M.

If you’ve ever brought a two-year-old to a photo session, you know they call the shots. Sometimes literally. And that’s okay. We roll with it. Whether your toddler wants to show off their best smile or stage a full leaf pile protest, I’m there for all of it.

This session had everything you’d expect from a classic Minnesota fall afternoon—crunchy leaves, warm light, and a very opinionated two-year-old. And guess what? We still got the shot. We got lots of shots, actually. Because that’s the thing about fall pictures: perfection is never the goal. Connection is.

The goal isn’t to have the most cooperative kid on the trail. It’s to walk away with images that reflect your family as they are right now—grumpy faces, goofy giggles, and everything in between.

Before the Leaves (and Your Kids) Change Again

If you’ve made it this far, you probably already know fall pictures aren’t just about getting a photo for your holiday card. They’re about making space to document your people as they are right now—before someone outgrows those boots, before that baby face turns into a big-kid grin, and before fall disappears in a swirl of homework folders and cold weather gear.

I’ll help you choose a location that works for your family, give you outfit ideas that don’t involve panic-shopping the night before, and guide you through a session that feels like time well spent.

Fall doesn’t last long around here. And neither do my session spots. If you're ready to book or want to get first dibs next time, head to the link below to join the waitlist or grab your spot.

You bring the crew. I’ll bring the camera. Let’s make something beautiful out of your messy, real, completely lovable season.

Click here to book your fall session

Michele is a Minneapolis-based family photographer with over 15 years of experience capturing the real, unfiltered magic of parenthood—grumpy toddlers, windblown hair, and all. Known for her simple, classic aesthetic and gently guided, child-led sessions, she helps families document their lives in a way that feels both effortless and meaningful. Michele offers styling support, access to a thoughtfully curated studio wardrobe, and knows the best fall photo locations across the Twin Cities (and which ones to avoid on a Saturday). When she’s not photographing families in fields full of leaves or helping moms pick outfits that don’t involve bribery, you can find her editing in her Northeast Minneapolis studio or cheering on her own teenagers from the sidelines.

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