Yesterday I gave some advice about taking the pain out of your family photo session. Today I’d like to give a few pointers for making the most out of an autumn family shoot.
Autumn is one of the most popular times of the year for arranging portrait sessions and it’s easy to understand why. After all, nature is doing it’s thing with all those vibrant colours, the light is still lovely and bright while the sun isn’t so high and you get the chance to play up your wardrobe with accessories in the crisp weather.
Here are my top tips for planning an awesome autumn photo shoot!
1. Make use of accessories and clothing that play up the “autumn” feeling. For example, opt for leather boots, cable knit scarves and comfy cardigans look amazing on the whole family and can really bring a picture to life. Tip: neutrals do really well against all that foliage.
2. Timing is everything. Start paying attention to that shift in weather as summer melts into fall. Once the leaves start changing, call up your photographer (hopefully me!) and book a session. I know that I like to plan autumn sessions, so chances are I’ve got a session ready for you.
3. Location is key. If it’s autumn, you better believe we’re playing outside in the gorgeous weather. I have a lot of locations to choose from that have particularly pretty backdrops. I’m also open to your suggestions, if your back garden or summer cottage has lovely surroundings I can just as easily come to you!
4. Plan for a mid-afternoon to early-evening session, when the light is just gorgeous. The days are shorter at this time of year, so we need to plan accordingly to get that gorgeous golden hour light. (I know I said that morning sessions can be ‘safer’ with little models but afternoons can also work well if your little ones still nap. If we schedule for after they’ve had a rest we can still have happy little people to work with!)
5. Play in the environment. Chances are there are leaves on the ground or a few buds lingering around. I may have you throw leaves up into the air or something similar. Remember, this shoot is all about capturing your family bond and having fun, so let loose and get into the season!
6. Pack the necessities. It can get chilly in autumn, so you may want to bring some necessities on hand. I recommend a lip balm, moisturizer, warm packs for your hands, tissues, and, of course, warm apparel.
7. Wear comfortable shoes and accessories. Since we’re going to be outside, we’ll probably do lots of walking. If those boots look amazing, but kill your feet, scratch them. If the scarf looks adorable on Timmy, but it’s scratches his face and makes him unhappy, trust me, it’s better left at home. 🙂
Autumn is well under way but there’s still time to get in touch and book your session before the last of the leaves fall.
Contact me via the form right here on the blog or by emailing me directly for more information on my available times!
Jo Jackson Photography 
Happy autumn from Oulu.