It’s that time of year again! And with Covid taking up a large part of our summer, it seems like fall is here faster than ever.
Fall is the busiest time of year for portrait photographers, and it’s no mystery why. Whether you want updated photos for holidays cards or just love to document your kids at the start of a fresh school year, fall is a popular time for so many reasons.
In this blog, we’ll cover all the ins and outs of fall family photos – what to consider and why. Let’s jump right in!
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION!
The biggest decision most families face every fall is whether they should do their photos indoors or outdoors. As you might imagine, outdoor photos are quite popular this year, but don’t let that steer you away from indoor shoots! At MDP you can rest assured that all the necessary precautions are being taken to make sure everyone stays safe in the age of Covid.
Studio Sessions
Studio sessions are always in style, and offer a lot of variety! If you love classic family photos, the studio has bright whites, big warehouse windows, and lots of great light. We can also incorporate furniture and rugs to add texture, and shooting inside means you won’t need to bring a coat and can be more playful with your wardrobe.
Outdoor Sessions
Even when the weather gets cold, you have a few great locations to choose from when it comes to shooting outside. If you want something natural, we can head down the road to Boom Island for wooded paths, bridges, and plenty of room for kids to play. For colorful leaves and city views, I love the St. Anthony Main neighborhood.
Warehouse District Sessions
If you want to try something different this year, the warehouse district is just what you’re looking for. It’s a great twist on classic fall photos and is perfect for adventurous families who love the big city. This neighborhood is the backyard of the studio, and the more neutral colors are perfect for fall!
WARDROBE TIPS
I never want to cut an outdoor session short because the client is getting cold, so if your session is outdoors think: warm fabrics and layers! Luckily, living in Minnesota means there’s endless options for fashionable jackets and hats, so don’t be afraid to dress for the season.
If you want a colorful autumn background, it’s important that your clothes are simple and compliment nature; loud patterns and colors can clash with leaves. In the fall, I love warm neutrals, like oatmeal and beige, and rich jewel tones like navy and maroon.
For both indoor and outdoor shoots, classic fall patterns like plaid can be great – just make sure that you don’t put everyone in the family in a patterned outfit, or it can be overwhelming.
This time of year, it’s great to add texture, too. Different knit styles, or even something fuzzy or sparkly, can help each member of the family stand out while keeping with your chosen color palette. Remember my rule for all sessions: compliment, don’t match!
TIMING IS KEY
As I mentioned above, fall is the busiest season for portrait photographers so if you’re interested in getting some photos done before the MN freeze, schedule asap! With the sun setting earlier and cooler nights making leaves fall quickly, your outdoor session shouldn’t be booked past late October.
But don’t worry, if you miss the outdoor fall window, studio sessions are always still available. Just keep in mind, with school back in swing, afternoon and evening appointments fill up extra-fast.
Also, if you do want to send out cards or hang a new framed photo before family visits for the holidays, it’s important to get your orders in fast. The holiday cut-off is in early December, and artwork can take an extra few weeks!
Whether you want bright red leaves or cozy, cuddly studio shots, fall photos are a beautiful memory and a great way to keep track of your growing family each year.
No matter what session style you choose, I hope to see you soon!
COVID UPDATE
If you’ve been putting off photos due to Covid-19, I want to let you know that we’ve been working hard these past few months to keep the studio safe for all. From spacing out appointments to regular deep-cleaning and sanitizing, we’re here with our masks on and are ready to safely welcome your family to the studio!
If you’ve still got concerns, get in touch for an outdoor session, where we can spread out a little more and get plenty of fresh air.
