Fall is by far my favorite season! The chill in the air, the leaves changing colors, that smell of wood fires and coffee, not to mention boots and flannel! Oh, and I’m also obsessed with fall fashion colors.  Like the teal and mustard and deep raspberry colors. You know, kind of like the bold set of Crayola Markers.  I am in love with these colors.  They are my favorite, and they always seem to come out in the fall. You can tell by my family photo seen here:

Which brings me to my first must have photo for fall.

1. The Family Portrait:

Fall is the perfect time for family photos and here is why.  The temperature is cooler so you’re not sweating to death during your photo session.  Plus, layering clothing can create visual interest that just isn’t reasonable in the summertime. The fall foliage provides a beautiful backdrop, which lets all admit here, that sometimes a beautiful backdrop is hard to come by in the Midwest.  We don’t have gorgeous mountain backdrops or cloudy sunset skies at the beach. I love the Midwest and I do think it’s beautiful!  It’s just sometimes tougher to stay inspired (especially during those brown parts of winter).  But fall provides that gorgeous color that compliments any picture.  You know what comes right after fall- Christmas! You need that beautiful family portrait to show off to all your friends and family on those Christmas cards! I try to document our family at least once a year.  I think getting in front of the camera is important. I am way more comfortable behind the camera, but I still feel it is essential for my children and family that I try to get in the picture with them.

2. The Fall Colors:

This is the time of year where everything bursts into color, and it is usually for such a short time. Consider the colors of the leaves in relation to your subjects clothing.  Blue pairs beautifully with orange autumn leaves.  Think fall colors, mustard, warm neutrals, and maroons.

3. Halloween Costumes:

Cute, fun, or scary, Halloween costumes are something you must document.  Especially if you have children!  Consider the scenery their costumes belong in. Get that front door trick or treat scene. Add mystery to your photos by using elements to make your viewer uncomfortable. Such as slightly tilting the frame, underexposing to enhance shadows, and blocking the eyes.  For more ideas visit this article here.     

4. Fall Detail:

Think of what makes it fall for you.  Is it the change of weather? Perhaps you can capture the raindrops on the windows.  Is it the foggy mornings? Get up early and capture the sunlight lifting the fog.  Is it cozy blankets and warm drinks and soups?  Capture your loved ones wrapped up in soft blankets and enjoying that first sip of morning coffee. Is it the changing leaves? Think of ways to capture the leaves on the trees maybe with light behind them or covered in cobwebs. Pumpkins, tall dying grass, black cats, clear blue skies and dried corn.  There are so many fall details that need to be captured and documented!

5. Fall Traditions:

This would include but is not limited to, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Pumpkin carving, Trick or treating, sorting candy, decorating, cooking, family get togethers, raking leaves, hay rides, corn mazes, apple picking, and the list goes on and on! Capture and document all of these iconic traditions!

Fall is the perfect time of year to get pictures professionally taken or at least capture some on your own! Thanks for reading!