There's something about fall that makes us want to slow down, soak up the sunshine, and spend a little extra time with the people (and pets!) we love most. The leaves are changing, the sweaters are coming out of storage, and suddenly we're reminded that the holidays are right around the corner.
Which means it's officially time to start thinking about family portraits!
Whether you're hoping to update the family photo wall, capture how much the little ones have grown, include your four-legged best friends, or find the perfect photograph for this year's holiday cards, fall is one of our favorite seasons to get everyone in front of the camera.
And no, everyone does not have to look at the camera at the same time. In fact, some of our favorite photographs happen when they don't!
Here's a little inspiration to help you plan your next fall family portrait session.
Dress for the Season (Without Looking Like a Matching Set)
Let's talk wardrobe, because a little planning here can make a big difference! We love outfits that feel coordinated without being overly matchy-matchy. Think complementary colors, interesting textures, and a few patterns that bring everything together. For fall, we're especially drawn to:
- Classic Plaid: Black and white, warm neutrals, or muted seasonal patterns.
- Autumn Hues: Rust, burnt orange, mustard, burgundy, and deep olive.
- Cozy Neutrals: Cream, camel, chocolate brown, charcoal, and oatmeal.
- Layered Textures: Chunky knits, corduroy, denim, leather jackets, and cozy scarves.
A great trick is to choose one or two patterns and build the rest of the outfits around them. In our recent session, black-and-white plaid created a cohesive look, while pops of burnt orange added just the right amount of seasonal personality.
And don't forget the pets!
If your pets are part of the family, they deserve a little wardrobe consideration, too. A coordinating bandana, sweater, bow, or seasonal accessory can be a fun way to bring everyone together. Just make sure they're comfortable and able to move freely.
Our biggest styling advice? Wear something that feels like YOU. The goal isn't to look like you stepped out of a catalog (although we certainly won't complain if you do). It's to create photographs that feel natural, timeless, and uniquely yours.
Bring the Whole Family. Yes, Even the Dogs!
We firmly believe that pets are family, too.
Whether you have a dog who thinks every stranger is their new best friend, a cat who occasionally tolerates your existence, or another beloved companion, there's room for them in your family portrait experience.
Some of the sweetest moments happen when pets are involved. The cuddles, the kisses, the slightly chaotic group photographs, and the expressions that remind you exactly why they're such an important part of your life.
A few tips for including your furry friends:
- Bring a favorite treat or two to help keep their attention.
- Pack a leash, water, and any essentials they might need.
- Choose a location where pets are permitted.
- Consider bringing an extra set of hands to help wrangle pets between photographs.
- Don't stress about perfection! A little personality makes for some of the best images.
And if your pup has a tendency to steal the spotlight? We say let them.
Location, Location, Location
One of the best things about fall portraits is that nature practically does the styling for us. Golden leaves, warm sunlight, colorful trees, and beautiful natural textures create a backdrop that's hard to replicate any other time of year. For our Cleveland-area families, there are plenty of possibilities depending on the look you're envisioning.
The Classic Autumn Setting
Think tree-lined parks, winding trails, colorful foliage, and leaves scattered across the ground. These locations are perfect for those warm, timeless fall portraits.
A Little Urban Charm
If traditional fall foliage isn't quite your style, consider historic architecture, textured brick walls, neighborhood streets, or an urban park. These settings offer a slightly more editorial feel while still capturing the character of the season.
Somewhere That Feels Like Home
Your backyard, favorite walking trail, or neighborhood hangout can make for a meaningful and personal setting. Sometimes the most beautiful photographs happen in the places where you already feel comfortable. This could even be in your actual home!
When selecting a location, consider your family's personalities, accessibility, and whether your pets can join. We'll help you find a setting that complements your vision and makes everyone feel at ease.
Golden Hour Is Always a Good Idea
That dreamy, golden glow? We're big fans.
Fall offers some of the most beautiful natural light of the year, and the softer light around sunrise or sunset can create that warm, luminous look we love.
Golden hour is especially lovely when paired with autumn foliage. The sunlight filters through the trees, the colors become richer, and even the simplest moments feel a little more magical.
We'll help coordinate the timing of your session based on the location, season, and overall look you're after.
One little tip: fall days are shorter than you think, so don't wait until the last minute to plan your session!
Planning Ahead for Holiday Cards
Now for the practical part! If you're hoping to feature your new family portraits on this year's holiday cards, timing is everything.
Between scheduling your session, editing your photographs, selecting your favorites, designing your cards, and allowing time for printing and mailing, the calendar can fill up quickly.
We recommend booking early and leaving plenty of room between your session and your holiday card deadline.
A few things to consider:
Book your Session Early
September, October, and early November are popular for fall portraits.
Allow time for editing
Your finished gallery needs time to be carefully curated and edited.
Choose your card worthy images
Think about horizontal and vertical compositions, candid moments, and photographs with a little extra room for holiday card text.
Order Ahead
Printing and mailing always seem to take longer once the holiday rush begins!
And here's a little bonus: your family portraits don't have to live exclusively on a holiday card. They're perfect for framed prints, gifts for grandparents, photo albums, and those annual updates to the family gallery wall all of which are super easy to order from your gallery through our store front!
Ready to Get Everyone Together?
Whether your family includes toddlers, teenagers, four-legged best friends, or some combination of all the above, we'd love to help you capture this season of life. At Extraordinaire Photos, we believe photography is about more than getting everyone to stand in the right place and smile. It's about preserving the personalities, relationships, and little moments that make your family yours.
So pull out those cozy sweaters, grab the dog treats, and let's make something extraordinary. Reach out to inquire about availability, locations, and session details. Because the holidays will come and go, the decorations will eventually come down, and the years will keep moving along. But these photographs? Those are yours to keep!
