Thinking About Fall Family Photos? Read This First 🍂
Every year, fall sneaks up on us.
One minute it’s September and you’re thinking, I have plenty of time to book family photos. Then suddenly the leaves are changing, October is flying by, and you’re wondering how every photographer’s calendar is already full.
If fall family photos have been on your mind this year, here are a few things to know before you book.
You Don’t Have to Wait for Peak Fall Color
One of the biggest misconceptions about fall family photos is that you need to wait until every tree is bright orange and red. You don’t.
Some of my favorite fall sessions happen while there is still plenty of green mixed in with those warm autumn tones. It photographs beautifully, gives us gorgeous variety, and still gives your gallery that cozy fall feeling everyone loves.
Plus, fall in Westchester County can be unpredictable. Mother Nature doesn't exactly check my photography calendar before deciding when the leaves should change. 😂
Your Kids Do NOT Need to Be Perfect
I need the parents in the back to hear this one.
Your children do not need to stand perfectly still, look directly at my camera, and smile on command for your entire session. Actually, I'd rather they didn't. I want your kids to be themselves. We'll play, move around, laugh, snuggle, and probably get a little silly. I'll guide you when I need to, but some of my favorite images happen in between the perfectly posed ones. So if you're thinking, My toddler would NEVER cooperate for family photos, please don't let that stop you.
I've got you.
Don't Stress Too Much About What Everyone Should Wear
You don't need five perfectly matching outfits.
In fact, please don't. 😉 For fall family photos, I usually recommend coordinating colors instead of matching everyone exactly. Warm neutrals, creams, browns, denim, muted greens, rust, burgundy and other earthy tones photograph beautifully outdoors in the fall.
The goal is for everyone to look like they belong together without looking like you all came in a matching family value pack. And if you're stuck? Ask me! I'm always happy to help my clients figure out what will photograph well.
Your Session Doesn't Have to Feel Like a Photoshoot
This is a big one. Yes, we'll get the photo where everyone is looking at the camera. Grandma will thank us.
But that's only part of it. I also want the laughing photos. The cuddles. The kids running toward you. The little looks between everyone that happen when you forget for a second that I'm standing there with a camera.
My approach to family photography is a mix of guided and candid moments, so you don't need to show up knowing what to do. That's my job.
Your job is just to show up and love on your people.
Don't Wait Until You "Need" the Photos
There will always be a reason to wait.
Maybe you want to lose a few pounds first. Maybe your toddler is going through a phase. Maybe life feels completely chaotic right now. But here's the thing: your family isn't going to look exactly like this forever.
Kids grow. Faces change. Teeth fall out. Hair gets longer. Personalities get bigger.
And someday, the things that feel completely ordinary right now are going to be the things you wish you could go back and see again.
That's why I love family photography so much.
Fall Family Photos in Westchester County, NY and Greenwich, CT
My 2026 fall family sessions are happening October 17th and October 24th, and at the time I'm writing this, I have just a few sessions remaining.
We'll be creating a mix of those classic everyone-looking-at-the-camera photos and the fun, natural moments that actually feel like your family.
If you've been thinking about booking fall family photos this year, this might be your sign to finally get them on the calendar.
Because October will be here before we know it.
And those remaining spots won't be there forever. I can't add more days. Once they're gone...they're gone. 🍂
Ready for your fall photos?
