Four Tips For A Successful Fall Photo Session
Tip #1: Book Early
Heading into the fall season can be exciting and yet so stressful as parents. Trust me, I get it. Learning the new school schedules, fall sports dates, already thinking about Halloween costumes, and wait…my kids don’t have pants that fit!! And, I actually tell myself that it gets easier as they get older…but I’ll admit this is not true. The start of the school year is SO busy.
That’s why I recommend booking your fall family photo session early! You can lock in the date, get it in your family calendar, and move on with enjoying the last days before school starts.
And, here in the PNW our weather gets more unpredictable the closer we get to winter. By booking your session early, you give yourself plenty of time to reschedule if needed due to weather, and chances are you will still have the availability of a warmer evening for your photos.
By booking early, you will also guarantee your family a prime weekend date, and that you will have all of your photos back in time to make those coveted holiday cards without feeling stressed. You may even be able to take advantage of Black Friday deals if you have your pictures done in the early fall.
Tip #2: Plan Your Outfits Early And Be Flexible As Weather Changes
Wardrobe selection is an area that you should not procrastinate…because it just increases the stress.
But the good news is that you can look at your own clothes before going shopping. I would highly recommend sourcing your closets before buying special new items. The good news is I have lots of tips on selecting each member of the families wardrobe and shoes. And, if you’re currently buying back to school clothes for the kids, consider what you’d love to see in your family photos, and go ahead and grab those items and neutral shoes now (I’m loving the matching converse the siblings are wearing in the above photo!).
Since the weather is a bit unpredictable here in the PNW, be prepared with light jackets (jean jackets photograph quite well), scarves, cardigans, and hats if needed. In addition, a favorite family blanket can be great to have on hand to sit on and cuddle in during your session if the evening is chilly.
Then, once you have your items collected, you can relax knowing you’re ready for your family photo session.
Tip #3: Tell Everyone The Session Will Be FUN
As long as everyone goes into the session relaxed, and ready to have a fun time your session be a big success. Don’t stress the small stuff…the sibling squabbles as you all get ready, or the wrinkle in your son’s shirt. By remaining relaxed, and focusing on spending time together rather than on everything being perfect, you will create memorable family photos that you will treasure.
When you communicate with your partner and kids, that the primary goal of the photo session is to have fun together as a family, everyone will feel less stressed, and enjoy having their photos taken. If you can do that you’ll end up with photos that you LOVE. I promise!
To learn more about what it means to have a FUN session with Hunnicutt Photography, check out this recent blog post.
Tip #4: Don’t Stress
Your family photo session should be a fun and relaxing time to bond with your partner and children. Now, this may sound like a repeat of tip #3, but it’s that important that I’m mentioning it twice!!
I know that amazing family photography is an investment that you are giving to yourself and your family. And that you want everything to be perfect. The truth is, that family photo sessions can be fun, relaxing, and give you lots of love and joy filled images to treasure for years to come.
The best way to get to that goal, is to let me do all the work while you relax and love on your people. I have put together lots of tips for how to prepare for and have a successful session which you can read here. Then all you need to do is get the session on your schedule, get ready, and have a blast!
If you’re not sure where to have your session, first decide if you’d like to have your photos done at your home or on location. Then check out this list of favorite Portland area photo locations. I’m happy to discuss the best options and time for your fall session.
