Are you preparing for an outdoor family photoshoot this fall and wondering how you can make the session worthwhile? Here are 20 simple tips and ideas to help you have a wonderful outdoor autumn photo session with your family.
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In this article, I will share some professional lessons for outdoor family photography during the fall. Whether or not you are a photographer, you will find unique ideas and tips for your outdoor fall family photo shoots that can help you capture inspiring photographs.
Without further ado, let’s begin.
1. Choose the right location
Consider choosing outdoor locations that offer beautiful natural surroundings, such as parks, orchards, or even open fields, for your family’s outdoor photos.
When choosing a location for outdoor family photos, consider accessibility. Think about parking availability, walking distance from the parking site to the shooting spots, and nearness to restrooms or snack stores.
Portrait photography aims at capturing the personality, character, and emotions. It can either be candid or artistic. Portrait photography requires more than just the ability to understand your camera settings, lighting, and composition.
You must also possess the ability to connect with your subjects and capture their unique qualities. So, it is a difficult but rewarding genre of photography.
Click Below to read a comprehensive guide to learning and mastering the art of portrait photography.
You want to choose a place that is easily accessible for your family members or clients, especially if young children or elderly family members will be involved in the session.
2. Schedule the photo shoot during the golden hour
The golden hour – the hour after sunrise and before sunset- is the perfect time for outdoor fall pictures. The magic hour features soft, warm light that will beautify the autumn colors and make your pictures more dramatic.
3. Wear coordinated outfits
Consider wearing matching outfits to create cohesive and visual harmony in your photos. There are several fall matching outfits to choose from. But I recommend you opt for simple ones.
You might be interested in this CALLA DREAM fall matching family outfit.
4. Get The family members busy
As the photographer, you can instruct the family members to get busy by getting involved in activities like apple picking, pumpkin carving, or playing with leaves. This will make the photoshoot more interactive and fun.
5. Use natural elements
Instead of using artificial props, I recommend you take advantage of natural elements like fallen leaves, tree trunks, or stone walls. These will add more texture and depth to your photos.
6. Consider including family traditions
Ask your client or the family if they have specific fall traditions like baking or hiking and capture them doing it to tell the family story.
7. Hire a professional photographer
Hire a professional who specializes in family portraits and outdoor settings for your family photo shoot. This way, you can be sure of getting high-quality images.
8. Keep it relaxed and calm
The most memorable family portraits are often the ones that feature everyone relaxed and enjoying themselves. You have to be creative as a portrait photographer. Capture pictures of the members interacting with each other without even their notice.
9. Capture the surroundings
Do not forget to take a wide shot showcasing the beautiful autumn scenery as the backdrop. This will be a great addition to the family fall photo album.
10. Focus on details
Get closer to your subjects or zoom in on individual hands, feet, or faces to record the intricate but intimate moments with the family members.
11. Try different poses and styles
Try different poses and ideas. You can capture a mix of individuals, such as the father with the kids, grandparents with the kids, and a large group shot of the whole family.
12. Capture the family having a picnic
Capture the parents having a nice outdoor session with their kids. Ensure you take the photos from a variety of angles and with different camera settings.
13. Don’t forget to bring warm layers
As you might probably know, autumn/fall weather can be unpredictable. So, you should have sweaters or jackets on hand just in case it gets chilly.
14. Play with leaves
Have some members of the family (those who are interested) have fun with the colorful leaves by throwing them in the air. You can also create leaf piles for the little ones to jump into. Then capture their facial expressions!
15. Take time to prepare the kids
Sometimes, kids can determine whether the outdoor session will be successful or not. Your kids can spoil the family fall photo shoot if they are not interested.
So, take your time to lecture them on the importance of the photos and why they should be well-behaved throughout the session. Also, do not forget to get them properly dressed for the photographs.
16. Use only creative and complementary photo props
Sure, you can include or use any prop for the family picture. But I recommend using creative and autumn-related objects or items like pumpkins, hay bales, or blankets with fall designs. These will create a cozy atmosphere and add extra aura to the images.
17. Try different family outfits
If you intend to capture more than ten (10) different outdoor pictures, I recommend you bring extra clothes for everyone if you wouldn’t fancy an album filled with the same outfits and colors.
18. Experiment with different angles
Additionally, try to capture the pictures from different angles and perspectives. This will help you click some interesting and dynamic shots.
19. Connect with your subjects
You must learn how to communicate and connect with your subjects if you want to capture good shots as a portrait photographer. Therefore, before you start clicking the photos, get to know the family members.
If it is a nuclear family, you can build rapport with everyone. But if it is an extended one, you should familiarize yourself with those you feel can call you for another photo session in the future. And do not forget to keep the session fun and active!
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20. Use natural frames
Lastly, frame your subjects using natural elements like trees, rocks, roads, and other objects. You can go through the article below to learn what framing means in photography.