Top Tips to Make Your Fall Family Photo Session Easy (and Fun!)

1. Plan for Layers (But Don’t Overthink It)

Fall fashion was practically made for family photos. Layers add visual interest and texture to your images—think cozy knits, boots, linen dresses with cardigans, and soft scarves. But here’s your permission slip: you don’t have to buy everyone a whole new outfit.

Start with a neutral palette and add pops of color or pattern here and there. Avoid logos, neon, and too many competing patterns. If you’re not sure what looks good together, I’ve got you. My studio wardrobe includes dresses for moms, shirts for dads, and adorable outfits for kiddos under 5. Or if you prefer your own clothing, check out my monthly Looks Book with 10 ready-to-go outfit ideas.

And yes, you can wear jeans if they’re not the baggy ones you garden in.

2. Timing is Everything

You’ve heard of golden hour, right? That magical hour before sunset when the light is soft, warm, and forgiving? That’s when we want to shoot. In the fall, golden hour comes early—sometimes as early as 5:00 p.m.—so weekday evenings can work well.

Planning ahead helps a lot. I open fall booking in July because these sessions fill up quickly (and moms are planners). Pick your date early so you get the best light and peak color. And yes, I’ll help you decide when the leaves will be showing off in your favorite location.

3. Let the Kids Be Kids

Here’s the thing: your kids don’t have to sit still and smile to get beautiful photos. In fact, I hope they don’t. I take a child-led approach, meaning we follow their lead, play games, get silly, and keep it light. Want to throw leaves in the air? Let’s do it. Need a minute to snuggle in mom’s arms? Even better.

The best images aren’t the ones where everyone looks perfect—they’re the ones that feel like you. So if someone’s shoeless by the end, or giggling uncontrollably while dad’s got them on his shoulders, trust me—we’re on the right track.

4. Choose a Location That Works for Your Family

I know it’s tempting to scroll Instagram and look for the most dramatic vista or the most colorful tree tunnel. But honestly? The best location is the one that feels right for your family.

That might be a golden field at Tamarack Nature Center, a tree-lined path at Como Park, or your own backyard where the kids feel most relaxed. I’ve photographed sessions on city sidewalks, in family gardens, and once in a patch of weeds that turned out to be pure magic. If you're not sure, I’ll guide you based on what vibe you're after—urban, forest, or field—and when the light will be best.

Also, let's not forget that some locations require permits (I’ll help you with that), and weekends can get busy—so I often recommend weekday evenings if you can swing it.  Because honestly there are some locations I will not photograph at during the fall on weekends.  It's too crowded, I've learned over the years it's not worth the hassle and stress to fight over space with other photographers and families.  

5. Trust Your Photographer (That’s Me!)

You don’t have to do this alone. When you book with me, you get access to a suite of planning tools: style guides, location suggestions, email tips, and even outfit consultations from the studio wardrobe.

We don’t have to schedule a two-hour strategy session.  I’m just an email away if you need help pulling outfits together or deciding between Como and your cul-de-sac.

And when we’re shooting? I’ll tell you where to stand, how to hold your baby so they don’t look like a marshmallow, and what to do with your hands. I’ve got you.