Track the fall colors!
Fall photo sessions rely heavily on the beauty of the changing season to make an impact on photographs. Scheduling your session to coincide with peak fall in your area is essential! When do the leaves begin to change and reveal breathtaking foliage that makes the fall photo session so magical? Remember to check your online resources for peak fall in your region, resulting in a well-timed session.
Fall seems to take its sweet time getting here, and then suddenly, it is gone, leaving bare trees and early darkness in its wake. While I believe bare trees hold a certain beauty all their own, naked trees don’t provide the loveliness and richness that fall photography promises.
It’s also wise to scout your location within the week of your fall photo session. A windy night, torrential rain, or early frost may alter the appearance of your chosen location.
Fall photo session style tips
To make the most of your fall photography session, consider the weather and the background when choosing what to wear. As always, coordinate with your family in complimentary styles if this is a family portrait session, but do not directly compete with the amazing backdrop that the fall offers. Stick to neutrals and weather-appropriate attire. Discomfort translates in photos as exactly that. If you are uncomfortable during the photo session because you are chilly, it will show.
If you have your heart set on a beautiful maxi dress, take the time to try a pashmina or warm scarf to go with it and maybe switch to some boots. Just wear something that will let you be in the moment and doesn’t distract you from the fun task. Keep this in mind for the whole family. From my experience, a cold and uncomfortable kid is an uncooperative kid.
Don’t mix colors altogether!
A note on color. Although I believe a neutral-heavy palette will go well with the warmth of a fall backdrop, don’t be afraid to consult the color wheel. We know that blue is the opposite of orange; therefore, it makes sense that if you pair a blue tone with a background heavy in amber and variations of orange colors, it will look rich and beautiful in the photography. If this is a photography session for your young child, a pair of blue rain boots or their favorite blue shirt might be right for this situation. A dreary fall day can also be salvaged with bright, fun colors!
If your location is full of amazing yellow Ginkgo trees, consider a deep eggplant purple or maroon focus color. Maybe you are against the backdrop of deeply purple Japanese Maples, think about mustard yellows. If it fits you and your family to embrace color, there are many options to pick one that is appropriate. Just consult your color wheel and choose fall variations of those complementary colors. In conclusion, stay true to your personality, but be aware of the season and the color scheme you are working with.
Golden hour
An hour before sunrise and sunset offers such beautiful lighting called “The Golden Hour.” Schedule your session in that time frame. If the session doesn’t include children, then go for the dawn if it’s an attainable time slot for you. If you are looking for the warmth of sunset, let your photographer know that is what you are going for. Also, be sure to track the sunset time of your day. Because the days become shorter and shorter as the year concludes, the time slot will be considerably different at the end of September than in mid-October. Have that in mind and figure out when you call to schedule your session.
Fall photo session light effects
The light is so dreamy and magical in the fall that, used correctly, it can create an atmosphere of wonder in your photos. Discuss light and different effects with your photographer. A solar flare in the hands of a professional could give your photos a loveliness that brings the portrait and subject matter into focus. Because of the artful use of solar flare in the images below, the subjects are bathed in a surreal light that enhances the finished product. Also, while editing, your photographer can adjust saturation so that the rich colors of fall pop.
The Leaf Pile
Whether in a pile, raining down from trees, or being thrown, leaves are really fantastic. As a result, they add a tangible element to photography at this time of year. Children become engaged with the fall photography session in a way the other seasons cannot offer. Leaves can be used in many ways to bring the session to life. A competent photographer can capture the magic in the moment of play.
Ideas for using leaves, a fall photo session treat!
A leaf pile to play in If you can conjure up an awesome leaf pile out of the leaves around your photoshoot, go for it! As a result, both kids and adults get this chance to play and interact for a very special, real, and candid moment.
Throw leaves in the air Watching leaves fall like snow on breezy days during the fall is one of the elements of fall that makes it so whimsical. Recreate that effect by tossing leaves above your subject or having the photographer capture you throwing them in the air.
Change up perspective!
A photography session in the fall is the perfect time to get creative with your surrounding environment. Some trees will have already revealed their network of branches and using these in the shot may result in a perspective that makes the resulting photo seem more intimate and candid. Be sure to mention this to your photographer and think about this when scouting locations. Let nature frame you as the subject matter in the photo, in addition to this, the photographer will know how to focus their camera so the moment is captured perfectly.
What’s your plan?
If you are contemplating a fall photo session, now is the time to book your photographer! Be sure to research all the times and locations that might work perfectly for you, and be prepared to go with the flow. You will have great fun during these photoshoots, especially with children!
As always thank you for reading, and please comment with your own ideas and success stories! Ask questions if you have any! I love to hear from you!
