Tara Flannery is a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP), Photographic Craftsman, and Master of Photography based in Houston, TX. Tara Flannery Photography specializes in family portraits. See more family photos in the gallery. Contact me to book your family portrait today!
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Preparing for Fall Family Portraits
As the leaves start to change and the air turns crisp, fall is the perfect time to capture your family in a beautiful setting. Fall portraits offer a stunning backdrop of warm tones, creating timeless memories for years to come. But, preparing for a family photo session—especially if you have children—can be a little overwhelming.
Don’t worry! I’m here to help you feel confident and excited for your upcoming fall family portraits. With a bit of preparation, your session can be smooth, fun, and stress-free! Here are my top tips on how to get your family ready for picture-perfect fall photos.
1. Choose Comfortable, Coordinated Outfits
When selecting what to wear for your fall portraits, coordination is key! Aim for complementary colors that blend well with the outdoor autumn scenery. Think deep reds, earthy browns, warm neutrals, and even soft jewel tones like mustard yellows, deep greens, or navy blues.
Here’s the trick: don’t go too matchy-matchy! Instead of everyone wearing the same color, mix and match within a cohesive color palette. Layers like scarves, cardigans, and jackets not only add depth to the photos but also help you adjust to the unpredictable fall weather.
For families with children, comfort is crucial. Make sure the kids are wearing clothes that they feel comfortable moving in—nothing too tight or itchy. This will help them feel relaxed and playful during the session, which always results in the best shots!
2. Plan Ahead for Kids’ Moods
Family portraits can be fun for everyone, but let’s face it—kids can get tired or fussy quickly. The best way to ensure happy, camera-ready kids is to plan your session around their schedule. Pick a time of day when they are most energetic and rested, usually after a good nap or a meal.
It’s also helpful to bring along their favorite small snacks and maybe even a comfort item, like a toy or blanket, that can make them feel secure. And if they’re old enough, involve them in the process! Let them know that it’s going to be a fun day, and maybe even give them something to look forward to after the session.
3. Prepare with Light Grooming for a Natural Look
You want everyone to look polished but still natural. For your fall portraits, keep hair and makeup simple and soft. Avoid any drastic changes right before the session, like haircuts or new makeup looks, as these can feel unfamiliar on camera. For kids, make sure faces are clean and hair is brushed. If your child isn’t a fan of hair styling, don’t stress. A slightly tousled, natural look often adds charm to the photos.
Also, make sure little ones are fresh-faced—wipe away any leftover snack crumbs or smudges before we get started!
4. Bring Props to Make the Photos Personal
Props can add a fun and personal touch to your family portraits. Whether it’s a cozy blanket to sit on, a family heirloom, or even a basket of fall leaves for the kids to play with, simple props help create a relaxed atmosphere. Just make sure they’re easy to incorporate and won’t take too much focus away from the star of the shoot—your family!
5. Leave Room for Movement
Fall family portrait sessions are all about capturing the essence of your family in a candid, natural way. Don’t be afraid to move! Encourage your kids to run around, toss leaves in the air, or even playfully tickle each other. These natural interactions will bring out genuine smiles and make the session fun. The more your family feels comfortable and connected, the better the photos will be.
6. Stay Relaxed and Go with the Flow
Not every moment in a family photo session will be perfect, and that’s okay! Some of the best shots happen when everyone is relaxed and not posing too hard. If the kids are having a moment or need a break, take it in stride. My job is to capture your family just as you are, so don’t stress about minor hiccups. Trust me—we’ll still get amazing photos!
7. Final Prep Before the Big Day
Once you’ve booked your fall family portrait session, here are a few quick final steps to ensure everything goes smoothly:
- Confirm the location with me. We’ll work together to pick a spot that complements the season and suits your family.
- Check the weather a day or two before the session and prepare accordingly. Fall weather can be unpredictable, so be ready for sudden changes.
- Get a good night’s rest—this goes for everyone! The more well-rested you all are, the more relaxed and happy you’ll be during the session.
Wrapping Up
Fall portraits are a wonderful way to capture your family’s unique bond during one of the most beautiful times of the year. With a little planning and a lot of fun, your session will result in photos that you’ll cherish for years. If you have any questions or need help with outfit ideas or other preparation, don’t hesitate to reach out—I’m here to make the process as easy as possible!
Looking forward to seeing you and your family for a beautiful fall portrait session!
Tara Flannery is a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP), Photographic Craftsman, and Master of Photography based in Houston, TX. Tara Flannery Photography specializes in family portraits. See more family photos in the gallery. Contact me to book your family portrait today!
