Every year, families scramble for fall family photos. In Charlottesville, particularly, it’s the gold medal of seasons for a reason. A few reasons. And if you’ve never had fall family photos (or maybe this is your first year as a family with kiddos!) you might be wondering what all the fuss is about.

Why does everyone want photos in the fall anyways?

From a photography standpoint and from a practical standpoint, let’s lay it all out:

1. BETTER TIMING FOR BETTER LIGHT

In the summer, the idea of just starting a session at 7:45PM for sunset can be really stressful for families with little kids, and that’s the last thing we want. 

But in the fall, the sun starts setting closer to 5:30-6:30, so we can start a session earlier, which means both beautiful light and happy (little) campers. 

2. SIMPLE, MEMORABLE ACTIVITIES

Fall has the most fun and simple activities to incorporate into your session – think anything from jumping in piles of leaves to carving pumpkins, picking apples to sharing cider on a blanket when it’s not 90 degrees outside. When we can incorporate activities that your family enjoys, it makes the whole experience less stressful and more fun!

3.  WINNING WARDROBE

Cooler temps mean the cutest accessories, and lots of warm, lovely colors and layers. I’m pretty partial to boots and sweaters, myself, plus these colors and styles tend to be more flattering and comfortable than their short and sleeveless summer counterparts.

4. COMFORTABLE TEMPS

Choosing a fall session between September-November means all the vibes of fall without stretching into the colder months that follow. You have to know your kids and what they can handle, but usually, super cold weather means red noses and kids who won’t take their parkas off. Set yourself up for success by planning for a shoot before the winter chill rolls in.

5. HOLIDAY CARDS AND GIFTING

Here’s the hard truth – if you just want a “nice photo” for the holiday card, I’m probably not the photographer for you.

HOWEVER, if you want photos that give you all the feels, that you can display in your home, give as gifts to family members, AND use one or two on your Christmas card, then fall is the time to do it.

This gives you (and me) plenty of time to choose your favorites, design and order gifts (I can help with that part, too!) and allow for assembly/shipping time outside of holiday rush.

If you want to send out cards at the beginning of December, that means ordering them by mid-November. Which means taking the photos in September or October.

I know, I know, so much planning.

But it doesn’t have to be complicated and I will literally walk you through every step.

GET EARLY ACCESS

If fall photos are on your agenda this season, make sure you’re on my email list to get access to my calendar early via the annual fall booking party that’s happening on August 7th.

On that morning, I’ll send out a link to the Firefly tribe for first dibs on prime fall weekend spots. They are limited and snatched up quickly, so I want you to be able to have priority on dates that work best for your family.

BONUS: a portion of all sessions booked on party day will be donated to a local family-supporting charity in Charlottesville .

Ready to book a fall family photo session with me this year? Reach out here with any questions and jump on the list for access to booking party links!

SIDE NOTE

What if the session itself could be a gift? (*gasp) I’ve had many families give their parents an extended family session over the holidays and it is so so special. Reach out about gift certificates and capturing some family fun at home while everyone is together.