The magic of fall family photos

The leaves are changing color, the weather is getting cooler, and that means one thing: it's time for a fall family photoshoot! If you're looking for some inspiration on what to wear or just some general tips on how to have a successful photoshoot, you've come to the right place. In this blog post, we'll give you all the information you need to capture beautiful fall family photos!

What time of year is best for fall pictures?

The best time of year for fall pictures in East Tennessee is typically in the weeks following the autumnal equinox, which falls on September 22nd. This is the time of year when the leaves are beginning to change color, and the weather is usually mild.

Of course, there are always variations from year to year and if you can't schedule your shoot for the autumnal equinox, don't worry! The leaves will often be at their peak color from mid-to-late October but may continue to change until early-to-mid November. So if you're flexible with your timing, there's no need to worry!

But don't wait too long to book your fall photoshoot! Waiting too long to book can be risky, as the best photographers will fill up their available dates quickly. However, if you forget to book in advance or your schedule doesn't allow it, don't despair! There are still plenty of great opportunities for photos even after the leaves are gone.

What is the best time of day for family photos in the fall?

The best time of day for family photos is in the evening when the golden hour light will add a beautiful warm glow to your photos. This will also give you the most flattering light and prevent any harsh shadows from appearing in your photos.

What is the best location for a fall family photoshoot?

There are endless possibilities when it comes to locations for your fall family photoshoot. If you're looking for inspiration, here are a few of our favorites:

• In the woods
• In an open field or meadow
• At a local park
• In your own backyard!

No matter where you choose to have your photoshoot, the most important thing is that you feel comfortable and relaxed. After all, the point of a family photoshoot is to capture your unique relationship and bond. So pick a location that means something to you or that you simply enjoy being in.

What about a mini-session?

Some photographers offer mini sessions. What are they? Usually, they're 15-30 minute photoshoots that happen at a predetermined location chosen by the photographer. Mini sessions are great if you are pressed for time, have a tight budget, or don't need much variety. But they aren't the only option and might not be the best option for everyone.

Consider these three reasons for booking a standard session instead:

Reason 1: You have young children

Children are unpredictable. If they're sleepy, grumpy, or just shy, 15 minutes probably won't be enough time to turn that attitude around into a sweet picture.

Reason 2: You want more variety

If you book a mini-session, you may not get the variety of photos that you're looking for, and you may feel rushed during the shoot. Standard sessions typically last 45-60 minutes, which gives plenty of time to capture a wide range of photos that you'll love.

Reason 3: You want something more unique

If you don't want your fall family pictures to look exactly like everyone else's, a mini-session probably isn't the way to go. Mini sessions are typically at a predetermined location, sometimes even with set props or backdrops so there's not much opportunity for individuality or creativity.

Can I take some of my own fall family photos?

Absolutely! If you can't book a session during peak week when the fall colors are looking their best or if you just want to have some fun there's no reason why you can't take some of your own family photos. Just grab whatever photo gear you have and snap away!

If you're not sure how to get started, here are some of our top tips:

Start with light

Go outside one hour before sunset (aka golden hour) and have your family stand with the sun at their backs so they don't have to squint while looking at the camera. This will give you the most flattering light and will usually help prevent harsh shadows. Also, you won't go blind!

Mind your surroundings

Great fall color is found in trees, yes, but you can't necessarily just stand beside it. Unless the tree is short or your subject is very tall that color won't do you any good until you are 30-50 yards away from it. So find some color and then create some space by walking 30 yards or more in front of it, if possible.

Click, click, click

Now that the light and color are taken care of, you can begin! Start clicking that shutter and keep going until the sun goes down or your subject gets bored. Use whatever gear you have. Phone camera? Go for it. DSLR? Awesome. Take whatever lens you have on the camera, zoom it out as far as it will go (if it zooms at all), make sure your subject is still in the shot (you might have to back up a bit), and create some memories.

What about the photographer?

If your camera has a timer function, place it on a tripod or even on the ground (you might have to prop it on some books or rocks just to get it above the grass), set the timer, and run! If you want to make the kids laugh, turn it into a game. Set the short timer (cameras often have a 10-second and a 2-second option) and then tell everyone you're going to race it.

Taking your own family photo can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it can also be challenging if you don't know what you're doing. Follow these tips to help make sure you get great shots of your loved ones. And finally, don't forget to have fun!

What should I wear for a fall family photo shoot?

One of the most common questions we get asked is what to wear for family photos. We were forced to ask, "Why?" After all, people get dressed every day without help from photographers and we honestly think they look great! So what is it about a photo session that leaves people guessing? We think two things have led to this outfit crisis:

1. There are too many conflicting opinions about the best outfits for family photos

We looked at what others have said about outfits ideas for family pictures and found no shortage of different opinions. And the advice often contradicts what others have said! How do you know who to listen to?

2. We all feel a bit insecure sometimes about how we look in photos

Whether we like to admit it or not, at times we all feel a bit vulnerable when it comes to our fashion decisions and how we look in our photos. Unless you're part of the fashion industry it's likely that you simply don't have the time, budget, or desire to keep up with all the latest trends and looks. And that's O.K.!

So what's a person to do? We've put together some general tips that will help you plan the perfect fall family photo outfits, no matter what your style or budget.

6 Tips for choosing outfits for your family photos

Tip #1 Be genuine

Remember, the most important thing is that you feel comfortable and confident in your clothes. If you're not comfortable, it will show in the photos. So take some time to try on different outfits and find what works best for you and your family.

Tip #2 Wear layers

One important thing to remember about fall family photos is that it might be cold! Then again, one of the best things about fall fashion is that you can layer clothes to create a look that's both stylish and warm. Wearing layers also allows you to easily take off or add a piece of clothing if you get too hot or cold.

Tip #3 Colors

Don't overthink colors. When choosing colors for your outfits, stick with one or two main colors to keep things simple. Earth tones and fall colors like red, orange, and yellow are popular choices for fall family photos but don't be afraid to go bold with something brighter if you want to create visual interest or stand out from the background a bit more.

Tip #4 Patterns and textures

If the entire family is wearing the same color scheme, try mixing up the textures and patterns. For example, if you're all wearing something in the blue family, one person could wear a chambray shirt, another could wear a striped tee, and someone else could layer a cardigan over their shirt.

Tip #5 Accessorize

If you're into it, accessorize! Scarves, hats, and jewelry can all add to the fun of creating your family photos. Just make sure not to go overboard - too many accessories can be distracting.

Tip #6 Ask for Help

Even with these tips, it's OK to get extra help. Ask your photographer for a custom recommendation! The time of day, location, time of year, or theme of your session could all potentially impact your outfit choices. Your photographer wants you to look great and the photos to look great as much as you do so you can trust them!

Fall Family Photo Outfit Examples

Now that you have an idea of what to consider when choosing your outfits, let's take a look at some specific outfit ideas.

For the ladies:

-A long dress in a warm color

-A pair of jeans and a cute top

-A cardigan or sweater with leggings

-Boots or booties

For the gentlemen:

-A button-down shirt with jeans or khakis

-A sweater or jacket

-Dress it up option 1: wear boots or even dress shoes

-Dress it up option 2: add a tie

For the kids:

-Cute dresses or skirts for the girls or long sweaters with leggings

-Jeans or khakis with a sweater or button-down for the boys

-Boots, booties, or sneakers

With these tips in mind, you'll be sure to have an amazing photoshoot with beautiful family photos you can cherish forever. You'll have the confidence you need to choose the perfect outfit for your family pictures! And above all, don't forget to have fun with it. Fall is the perfect time to take some family pictures with the people you love most. Get creative and enjoy yourselves!

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Your family changes each year like the leaves. Take time now to savor each moment. Contact us to book your fall family photoshoot. We would love to help you capture some amazing memories this season.