As the leaves begin their transformation and the air turns crisp, it’s the perfect time to seize the beauty of autumn with a family photoshoot. From pumpkin patches to colorful fall foliage, this season offers a stunning backdrop for your cherished family portraits. As a Raleigh, North Carolina, portrait photographer, I know how to help ensure your photos reflect the warmth and charm of fall itself. If you’ve got a fall family photoshoot coming up, here are 3 tips to prepare your family for fall photos.

Tip 1: Secure Your Spot Early

Ah, fall—a season that photographers and nature enthusiasts adore. Its colors and soft, golden light make it an ideal time for capturing family photos. However, it’s worth noting that fall photoshoots are in high demand, and prime slots tend to fill up fast. For example, my Mini Sessions are typically booked two to three months in advance. Portrait sessions also tend to become scarce, especially by early September. To ensure that you snag the date and time that suits you best, booking early is the way to go.

Tip 2: Plan Your Outfits Thoughtfully

Fall is all about layers, textures, and those warm, earthy tones that make us feel cozy. When choosing your family’s attire, you don’t necessarily need to splurge on brand-new outfits. However, it’s essential to plan your wardrobe thoughtfully. Coordinating your family’s outfits elevates your photos’ visual appeal and helps everyone feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera. Whether you decide to stick with your current closet options or opt for something new, starting your shopping early can save you from the last-minute scramble and the stress of hunting down multiple pieces for everyone. To simplify this process, I provide a Client Experience Guide to all of my portrait clients with outfit inspiration.

Tip 3: Make Time for the Moment and Embrace Self-Care

It’s not uncommon for moms to arrive at a photoshoot feeling frazzled because they had a laundry list of tasks earlier in the day, leaving little time to fix their hair or iron their clothes. The truth is, you’ve invested a significant amount of time, effort, and heart into capturing these photos. You owe it to yourself and your family to allow ample time for everyone to look and feel their best, including you! While it might not be possible to clear your schedule entirely, try to avoid too many activities on the day. This way, you’ll be able to give yourself the time you need and help everyone arrive feeling ready to shine. As a little extra tip, consider treating yourself to professional hair or makeup services. It’s a fantastic way to enhance your look and take a bit of the getting-ready pressure off your shoulders.

Pro Tip: Create a Fun Celebration

Let’s face it—family photos might not always be met with the same level of enthusiasm from everyone involved. Convincing kids and spouses to embrace the photoshoot can sometimes feel like trying to give a cat a bath. Rather than being disheartened by any lack of excitement, why not turn it into a fun family affair? After the photoshoot, plan a little celebration. Whether it’s indulging in a sweet treat or allowing the little ones to enjoy a special reward at home, celebrating afterward can transform the experience into a cherished memory for the entire family. It’s a way to acknowledge the effort put into capturing these precious moments and create lasting positive associations with family photos.

With these 3 tips to prepare your family for fall photos, you’re fully equipped to embrace the magic of the season and create beautiful memories that will adorn your home for years to come. Fall photoshoots aren’t just about the pictures. They’re about capturing the joy, connection, and love your family shares, and these images will reflect that essence beautifully!