Fall Portrait Tips
Fall photos need leave, right?
Southern California has a beautiful fall season. We do! It lasts about 2 weeks and then winter hits.
So, if you’d like to get fall family portraits, you’ll need to act fast.
Contact your photographer well in advance. It might end up being an “on call” type of situation.
Fall is such a fun time of year. Here are a few tips to prepare you and your family for your upcoming fall portraits.
Locations
Your photographer will know the local areas that have trees with autumnal colors.
Parks in Hesperia and Apple Valley have large trees and make perfect locations.
Mojave Narrows is plentiful as well.
Head out to a local pumpkin patch like Live Oak Canyon or similar place to grab the cutest fall photos.
Make a day of it.
After your session, visit the local stores and restaurants. Don’t forget to grab a jug of apple cider. Yum!
Another location idea is to ask a family member. Do you know anyone with a home that has big trees that change color. Ask them if you could get your portraits done there. Take a bottle of sparklin cider to gift them, as a thank you.
The time of day matters. You’ll want to get your portrait done early in the day or in the evening- think golden hour. Mid-day is usually warmer, however, the sun can create some unflattering shadows. And, you’ll all be dressed warm and don’t want to overheat.
I spread her hair out to give it a Medusa vibe.
If you’re lucky to have large trees in your own yard, your photographer can take your portraits at your own home.
We have a huge mulberry tree in our yard. The leaves turn different shades of yellow and start to fall in early November.
Last year, I seized the day and held a portrait session in my own backyard. The commute was easy too! Ha
Use an old porch to take a simple portrait with a pumpkin.
Outfits & Clothing
What to wear, what to wear?
First decide on colors. If you want to lean into the Fall Foto look, think warm colors. Oranges, yellows, browns, etc.
Clothing also depends on where you want your session to take place.
If you decide on the beach, wear clothing that are flowy. Light yellow dresses for girls, peach shirts for boys. The beach usually has a breeze, so you want your clothing to show movement.
On the other hand, if you want photos taken in the mountains, flannel and jeans are the go-to. Boots and scarves are often worn, too.
You can go even further and make it a picnic with a rustic blanket and wooden basket. Don’t forget to fill a thermos with hot cocoa.
Coordinated outfits are great for family photos. If it’s a couple session, wearing opposit colors is great.
If you’re bringing Fido along, get him a mathcing bandana.
Feed Everyone
This is a huge one.
I cannot tell you how many times I’ve taken photos of children and they don’t want to cooperate because they were hungry.
The parent’s always tell me they’re going to dinner afterwards, which is sweet.
Getting your photos taken isn’t the highlight of little lives, or most adults.
You can help a photographer by feeding everyone ahead of time, we’ll be super thankful.
Feed everyone a light breakfast, then go out to eat afterwards. A granola bar and yogurt will do the trick.
When to Expect your Photos
Depending on how many sessions your photographer has going on, (it’s the busy season) they might edit your photos within a week. If they’re super busy, it could take upto a month.
For seasonal portraits, clients usually receive their photos within 2 weeks. We know you really want to post them on social media along with ordering prints, cards, and wall art.
It never hurts to ask your photographer if they are taking more time than you anticipated.
And, if you order wall art, it will take a little longer.
“It’s fall. I’m dying and everything hurts.”
That’s it. Those are a few simple tips for getting your fall portraits done.
Here’s the rundown on a session with me.
Why you need Senior portraits. Give a gift they really want.
And, if you’d like to book your fall session with me, click here.
Or give me a call.
Cheers to fall,
Annette
