5 Unmissable Images for Your Autumn Family Photoshoot
There is a very good reason why autumn family photoshoots have always been popular. The combination of soft light and rich natural colours as the leaves start to turn create a fabulous backdrop for portraits. Also, we all feel a natural desire to be close to nature and absorb the last of the warm weather for the year, and being outdoors taking photos is a lovely and memorable way to do this.
Much of the fun of an autumn family photoshoot is letting children observe and explore this changing world around them. While every one of my photo sessions is different, there are certain themes I tend to go back to, because they help me create the type of timeless and unforgettable portrait that parents love.
#5 Autumn family photoshoot near lakes and ponds
The visual impact of autumnal foliage as a backdrop to family portraits is made that much greater by reflections in lakes and ponds. I will often use locations with large bodies of water at this time of year. The result? A mind-blowing double dose of autumn beauty and spontaneous fun. Those fiery reds, oranges, and yellows dance on the water’s surface, creating a jaw-dropping, mirror-like effect. And your children will jump (often, literally!) at one more chance to splash around the water before the winter sets in.
#4 Colourful family portraits in warm autumn sunshine
Our milder seasons often mean that we are often lucky enough to shoot on a sunny day. Unlike in summer, when sunlight can be harsh in the peak hours of the day, the autumn sun hangs lower in the sky and gives out a much softer and warmer light. As the golden rays filter through the yellow and red leaves, they make the colours of the scene pop even more. The resulting effect on a family portrait is a gorgeous halo around the subjects, creating an almost ethereal ambiance.
#3 Autumn family photoshoot with your pet
The visual impact of autumnal foliage as a backdrop to family portraits is made that much greater by reflections in lakes and ponds. I will often use locations with large bodies of water at this time of year. The result? A mind-blowing double dose of autumn beauty and spontaneous fun. Those fiery reds, oranges, and yellows dance on the water’s surface, creating a jaw-dropping, mirror-like effect. And your children will jump (often, literally!) at one more chance to splash around the water before the winter sets in.
#2 Big autumnal scenes
Taking a step back and shooting a “big scene” is a great way of grounding my subjects in an impressive autumnal landscape. I love photographing families as part of their wider environment, engaged with each other in fun activities and living in the moment together. This type of image translates perfectly into large wall art – a real conversation piece.
#1 Playful autumn leaf pile photos
“I don’t like throwing crunchy leaves up in the air”, said no child ever 🙂 Playing with the colourful dry leaves must be the #1 fun activity on any autumn family photoshoot. There are so many games to play! Let the children round up the biggest pile of leaves they can find, grab as much as they can, and let the family leaf battles begin. Or go on a hunt with them for the biggest, oddest shaped, most colourful leaves they can find. Or simply let them run and roll around among the mounds of reds, oranges and yellows.
