Book Fall Family Photos in the Twin Cities Before It's Too Late

Look, I’m not here to romanticize fall. I’m not lighting a cinnamon-scented candle while writing this. Personally? I don’t swoon over brown leaves or chilly mornings. But you know who does love fall? Literally everyone else in the Twin Cities.

That’s why fall family photos in the Twin Cities are a thing. A big thing. Even if I’m not out here posting leaf emojis, I am out here booking up fast—because families love the cozy vibes, the colors, and the not-yet-snow-covered scenery. And honestly? I get it.

Fall works. It’s cooler (but not frozen), the light is soft and golden, and your kids are less likely to sweat through their shirts before we even start. It might not be my favorite season, but it’s a wildly popular one—for good reason.

If you’ve been considering it, this is your heads-up: the best dates go quickly. Especially those coveted weekend evenings. So if you’re wondering when to book a fall photo session in MN, the short answer is: right now.

This post will walk you through why fall photos work so well, what you actually need to know to plan them, and how to get on my calendar before all those pumpkin-loving families beat you to it.

Why Fall Works So Well for Family Photos

If you’ve been thinking about scheduling fall family photos in the Twin Cities, you’re definitely not alone. This time of year fills up fast—and for good reason.

Let’s talk logistics first. The weather finally chills out (literally), which means you and your kids can actually wear layers without melting. Fall outfits tend to photograph beautifully—think cozy textures, subtle patterns, and colors that play really well with the warm tones outside. You don’t have to reinvent your wardrobe to make it work—just lean into comfortable and classic.

The other major bonus? The light. Golden hour hits earlier in the evening this time of year, which means we can shoot during that dreamy, glowy window and still get everyone home before bedtime goes off the rails. Honestly, that alone might make fall the best time for family photos—especially for families with younger kids.

And while I won’t go full Pinterest on you about leaves, I will say this: the backdrop does a lot of the work for us. Whether it’s a nature preserve, a local park, or your own backyard, fall creates an easy, relaxed atmosphere that helps everyone feel a little more themselves on camera.

So yes—fall might feel like a short-lived season in Minnesota, but it packs a lot of perks into a pretty tiny window. And when it comes to getting genuine, beautiful images of your family? It just works.

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Why This Season of Life Is Worth Documenting

There’s this thing that happens when you’re in the thick of family life. Days blur. Routines take over. You go from "just trying to get through bedtime" to realizing months have passed and you’re not totally sure how your baby outgrew those pajamas or when your oldest stopped needing help zipping their coat.

That’s the sneaky thing about this stage—it moves quietly. It’s loud, chaotic, demanding, hilarious, exhausting... and it still somehow slips past you without a proper goodbye.

So when families reach out to schedule fall family photos in the Twin Cities, yes—some of it is about the season. The light is great, the weather is reasonable, and everyone looks adorable in layers. But the deeper reason? It’s about documenting this specific stretch of time—because once it’s gone, it’s gone.

Not in a dramatic, “you’ll regret this forever” way. Just in the normal, deeply human way that all things change.

Maybe it’s your toddler’s gap-toothed grin. Maybe it’s the way your second grader still absentmindedly holds your hand. Maybe it’s finally getting a photo with you in it—one where you’re not blinking or cropped out or buried under a pile of children.

Photos don’t make time stand still (and honestly, would we want them to?), but they do give you something to hold onto. Something to pass down. Something to remind you, in the middle of everything, that this season—this loud, messy, beautiful season—was yours.

That’s why people book these sessions. Not for the fall leaves, but for the moments happening inside the frame.

And if you’ve been putting it off, just know—your future self will absolutely want this.

The Fleeting Beauty of Fall in Minnesota

(And Why You Shouldn't Wait to Book)

Fall in Minnesota is a bit of a trickster. One day it's crisp air, crunchy leaves, and golden light—and the next? It’s 40 degrees, windy, and every tree is suddenly naked. Blink, and it’s gone. But for a brief window, it really shows off.

And that brief window? It books fast.

Fall Colors Don't Wait for Anyone

Fall family photos in the Twin Cities are popular for a reason: we get that perfect mix of warm tones, cozy vibes, and a soft evening glow that just hits different this time of year. But the season is short—ridiculously short. Peak color usually happens in mid to late October. But “usually” is doing a lot of heavy lifting here. Some years, everything turns early. Other years, it all hangs on into November. And sometimes? A well-timed windstorm can take the entire season off the trees in 24 hours. It’s rude, honestly. If you're trying to time it just right, you can keep an eye on the Minnesota DNR Fall Color Finder—they update it regularly during the season.

It’s not just the beauty of fall—it’s the unpredictability of it—that makes planning ahead so crucial.

Twin Cities Locations That Shine in the Fall

We’re lucky around here. The Twin Cities are full of spots that absolutely explode with color in the fall—vibrant yellows, fiery reds, soft golden fields—it’s like nature goes into full show-off mode.

Let’s start with a local favorite: Tamarack Nature Center in White Bear Lake. It turns into a glowing mix of golden grasses, bright leaves, and woodsy trails. It’s gorgeous. But here’s the thing—everyone knows it. Weekends are a circus. Between families out for walks, half a dozen photographers, and kids darting around everywhere, it’s not exactly a peaceful setting for your family photos. I don’t shoot there on weekends anymore—it’s just too much. Weekday evenings are a bit more manageable, but even then, we may need to wait a few minutes here and there to let a background clear. It’s doable—but not private.

Next up: Como Park. This one’s a classic. It has that perfect mix of nature and structure, from tree-lined paths to ivy-covered buildings, and little hidden pockets of perfect light. It’s busy, yes, but I know where to go to keep it feeling personal.

If you’re looking for something less crowded and a bit more low-key, Long Lake Regional Park in New Brighton is a great choice. It offers plenty of open space, pretty tree lines, and a relaxed feel that works especially well for families with young kids who want room to move.

And sometimes the best location? Your own backyard or a neighborhood trail. It doesn’t have to be fancy to be meaningful. The place your kids play every day might just be the perfect backdrop for capturing what your life actually looks like right now.

The Reality of My Calendar

Here’s the behind-the-scenes truth: by the time the trees start to turn, my calendar is already full. I open booking in early July for families on the waitlist, and by August, most of the prime spots—especially weekend evenings—are long gone.

And yes, I keep a few weekday sessions open and a few backup dates for weather hiccups (because let’s be real: we’re in Minnesota). But this isn’t the season you want to leave to chance. Fall is beautiful. Fall is short. Fall is… kind of ruthless.

You Can’t Schedule the Leaves, But You Can Schedule the Session

If you want those colorful, playful, connected family photos before it all turns gray, you’ve got to get ahead of it. Booking early gives you options. Options = less stress. Less stress = better photos. Simple math.

Whether you’re dreaming of vibrant fall foliage at a favorite Twin Cities park or just want a low-key evening session before the cold sets in, I promise: now is the time to lock it in.

FAQ: Planning Your Fall Family Photos in the Twin Cities

How early should I book?
If you’re reading this in July, you’re right on time. If it’s August, get moving. By September? You’ll be choosing from what’s left. Fall is my busiest season, and sessions—especially weekend evenings—go fast. I always recommend joining the waitlist so you get early access when my calendar opens.

What if it rains?
Welcome to Minnesota! I build in a few backup dates each season for weather reschedules. Fall doesn’t give us unlimited flexibility, but I do everything I can to make it work. If we need to shift due to rain, wind, or “surprise! It’s snowing in October,” I’ve got you.

What should we wear?
Don’t stress—I’ve got you covered. Every client gets access to my monthly style guide with shoppable outfit ideas, and if you want to borrow something beautiful, my studio wardrobe is available for mamas and littles under five. Fall is great for layering, but don’t overthink it. Keep it comfortable and true to your style.

How long do sessions last?
Long enough to get what we need, short enough to keep your kids from revolting. Most sessions are 45–60 minutes, but I keep it flexible. We’ll follow the kids’ lead and pivot as needed.

Do you photograph extended families?
I focus exclusively on immediate families so the session can be relaxed, connection-focused, and chaos-free (well, mostly).

My kids are wild. Will this even work?
Yes. I plan for movement. Wild kids are my people. You do not need perfectly behaved children to get beautiful, honest photos. Just don't expect wild kids to sit posed and poised for 1) that's not them and 2) that's not fun for anyone.

Where can I see available dates?
Once my fall calendar opens (typically early July), everything is available to view online—but waitlist folks get first dibs. So if you’re even thinking about it, hop on that list. Click the button below to see more information on fall sunset photo sessions.

Fall Family Outdoor Photos

So… Is This Your Year?

Maybe you’ve been meaning to do this for a while. Maybe every fall you scroll through Instagram, see everyone’s family photos, and think, “We should really do that next year.” And then—life. School starts, weekends fill up, the leaves turn, and suddenly it’s late October and you’re Googling photographers while standing in line at Target buying Halloween candy.

I get it. That’s exactly why I’m writing this blog post now.

Because every single year, without fail, I get at least three—okay, let’s be honest, more like ten—people reaching out last-minute, hoping to sneak in a fall session. And I totally get the instinct. But it’s not going to happen. By that point, all the good photographers are booked, the dates are long gone, and the trees? Bare.

And here’s the other thing I hear a lot:
“We just need one quick photo.”
Yeah… no. That’s not what I do. I’m here to tell the full story of your family—not give you one rushed image sandwiched between two other sessions. Your family deserves more than that, and honestly? So do I.

Fall moves fast in Minnesota. The color, the light, the weather—it all changes in what feels like five minutes. And when it comes to fall family photos in the Twin Cities, the window isn’t just short... it’s competitive. My calendar fills early every year because families know fall just works—cooler temps, beautiful backdrops, and kid-friendly evening light.

You don’t need perfect outfits or perfect behavior. You don’t need to wait for a “better time.” You just need to plan ahead.

So if you’re ready—or even just thinking about it—let’s talk about your family’s fall session. I’ll help you plan it, style it, and actually enjoy it.

Because this might finally be your year. And I’d love to be the one to photograph it.

Michele is a Twin Cities family photographer with 15 years of experience capturing real, joyful, slightly chaotic (in the best way) moments for families who want more than just one perfect photo. She’s known for her child-led approach, calming presence, and ability to make even the most camera-shy feel at ease. While she’ll admit she’s not a die-hard fall fan (brown leaves? meh), she knows exactly why families love fall photo sessions—and she’s really, really good at making them happen.

When she’s not photographing families in cozy layers surrounded by peak foliage, she’s updating her monthly style guide, organizing the studio wardrobe, or gently turning away last-minute requests from folks hoping to “just grab one quick shot.” (Spoiler: that’s not how she works.)

Michele serves families across Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the surrounding suburbs with a relaxed, detail-driven experience that’s all about connection, ease, and genuinely good photos.

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