5 Easy Tips for Moms to Capture Perfect Fall Family Photos

Fall is the perfect time to capture family memories surrounded by beautiful autumn colors. Whether you’re planning to use these photos for holiday cards, gifts, or just to document another year, the golden hues and cozy vibes make for stunning backdrops.

Here are five tips to make sure your fall family photoshoot goes smoothly and results in beautiful, timeless shots.

1. Start with a Family Pep Rally

Not everyone loves having their photo taken, especially kids, who might get restless halfway through. Before you begin, take a few minutes for a "family pep rally." This could be as simple as hyping everyone up with a fun playlist, telling jokes, or giving small rewards for enthusiastic participation. The goal is to make the experience feel like a fun family event, not a chore.

• Bonus Tip: Promise a sweet treat after the photoshoot! Making a pumpkin dessert together afterward (think pumpkin cookies or mini pies) can turn the photoshoot into a fun new family tradition. It gives everyone something to look forward to and keeps spirits high.

2. Coordinate Outfits

Choosing the right outfits can make or break a family photo. For fall, aim for neutrals like cream, gray, soft brown, or navy blue. These shades complement the vibrant autumn foliage without clashing. Consider avoiding orange, yellow, or red if they don’t suit your style or home’s color scheme. Instead, opt for rich earth tones like burgundy, olive green, or denim.

• Pro Tip: Mixing textures, like knit sweaters, scarves, or even leather jackets, adds a warm and cozy feel to your photos. Don’t go for perfectly matching outfits; instead, coordinate colors to create a harmonious look.

3. Get a Tripod

If you don’t want to miss a single moment or worry about someone being left out of the shot, a tripod is your best friend. Using a tripod ensures every family member is included and helps prevent blurry images. Many tripods have smartphone attachments, so you don’t need a fancy camera to get great shots.

• Pro Tip: Use your camera or phone’s timer or a remote shutter release so everyone can relax into the shot without rushing back and forth to hit the button.

4. Find the Perfect Location

Location is everything. The beauty of fall is that nature provides all the backdrop you need, whether it’s a pumpkin patch, an apple orchard, or a woodland trail filled with fallen leaves. These places offer plenty of opportunity for candid moments as kids play in the leaves, parents sip warm drinks, or the whole family picks out pumpkins.

• Bonus Tip: Look for locations that offer both open spaces and cozy nooks to give your photos variety. A field might offer wide, sweeping shots, while a woodland trail could provide intimate, close-up moments.

5. Find the Best Light

Everyone talks about the “golden hour” – that magical time just before sunset when the lighting is soft, warm, and flattering. But if your family’s schedule doesn’t allow for the golden hour, don’t worry! Overcast days are also perfect for taking photos, as the clouds act as a natural diffuser, providing soft, even lighting. If you’re shooting in the middle of the day, look for shady areas to avoid harsh shadows.

• Pro Tip: If the sun is high and direct light is unavoidable, position your family with the sun behind them. This creates a soft halo effect and avoids squinting faces.

Bonus: Other Helpful Tips for a Great Fall Photoshoot

• Bring Props: Add seasonal touches like cozy blankets, baskets of apples, or even a small chalkboard with the date written on it. These props not only add visual interest but can also help relax kids who might not be comfortable posing.
• Candid Moments: Don’t focus too much on perfect poses. Candid shots of your family laughing, playing, or sharing a quiet moment are often the most treasured. Encourage movement and interaction between family members to capture those authentic, unscripted moments.
• Capture the Details: Zoom in for close-ups of little hands holding leaves, kids’ boots kicking up the dirt, or the whole family walking hand-in-hand. These detail shots add depth to your photoshoot and provide a fuller picture of the day.

With these simple tips, your fall family photoshoot is sure to be a success. Remember, it’s not just about the final photo—it’s about creating a fun, memorable experience for your family. Enjoy the process, and you’ll end up with photos that capture your family’s unique personality and the beauty of the season.

Now that you're ready for your photoshoot, grab this list of 25 ideas for creative fall photos.

Happy snapping!