Fake Fall Has Arrived: Time to Start Planning your (actual) Fall Photos!
From pumpkin spice lattes to Princess Di uniforms, the symbolic markers of the autumnal season have entered the scene. Paired with crisp mornings in the forecast for the foreseeable future, it does feel like we are well into fall, except, well, it's still August. In this neck of the woods, we all know not to get too excited, since we'll likely get another blast of heat and humidity before we can really hunker down into the cozy "ber" months. But don't shed tears into your spiced beverages, let's channel all that fresh fall energy into planning for fall photo sessions!
Timing
When to do your fall photos is going to depend on your desired vibe and how far you're willing to travel. In the far eastern counties of WV, we won't see peak leaf colors until late October or early November. However, if you travel an hour or two west into the wild, wonderful mountains, you'll find that color much earlier. Most states have a travel bureau who tracks these color changes so leaf peepers (and photogs) can plan accordingly, so be sure to check that out for your desired location.
Perhaps you're trying to cling to those last bits of summer and your idea of fall photos involve the golden hues given off by a field of sunflowers. Thanks to the cooler temperatures, this year most sunflower fields won't peak until after Labor Day and will be photo-friendly for a couple weeks.
And maybe, colorful backdrops aren't your thing and you're looking for more of a dark, moody vibe with grey skies and skeleton trees. Bundle up, because you'll be targeting for late November or early December.
Outfits
I am a firm believer that your photos should reflect your true personality, so wear what makes you feel amazing!
I know what you're thinking: easier said than done, right? And what if I have little people to dress? Even worse, what if I have a big person I need to dress?!
Outfit planning can be stressful, but it can also be kind of fun! The key is to prep in advance. If you're planning for more than yourself, lay everyone's pieces out together to see if they mesh. Everyone doesn't have to match exactly (unless, of course, that's the look you're going for), but get a feel for if the colors compliment each other, that patterns aren't competing with each other, and that you've got some personality infused in your picks. After that, try on EVERYTHING and snap a few cell phone pics. Make sure pieces fit, no special undergarments are needed, and that everyone feels absolutely fabulous in your selected ensemble. If you feel comfortable and confident in your clothes, that tends to be reflected in your photos. And for anyone in your party who may be prone to spills, always pack a backup plan!
Make it Fun
The crisp fall air makes everyone a little frisky, so take advantage of that! Some of the best fall photos happen when people are frolicking about, playing in the leaves, and enjoying the feeling of not being drenched in sweat. With my clients, I always ensure we do some buttoned-up proper-like images, but I also always make sure we have time allotted to just play. If you think you're too old to play in the leaves, this fall, I challenge you to take a leap and dive right into a fresh-raked pile .
Book Now!
Fall openings book fast, so send me a message and we can work on creating the perfect experience for your fall photos!
