Fall photoshoot tips

As photographers, we rejoice when we see the colours of the autumn leaves. They make autumn the most photogenic of seasons since it is ablaze with colour! The weather is also favourable: not warm, not cold – just the perfect balance for a great fall photoshoot. 

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, planning your high school senior pictures or just looking for an excuse to update your family portraits, autumn provides the perfect backdrop with rich scenery and perfect climate conditions. 👌 But this picturesque setup doesn’t last for long. Eventually, all the leaves fall from the trees as nature prepares for winter hibernation. Since it’s a short window of opportunity, it’s wise to start thinking of fall photoshoot ideas in late summer.

We easily connect people with trusted photographers for fun photoshoots and have captured over four million memories worldwide. The magic of Flytographer is both the experience and the photos. Explore the city you’re in with a fun, talented photographer and get wall-worthy photos to relive your trip, forever. Naturally, we’re here to help with photography ideas for the time of year, 🍂 whether you need tips for time of day, location, props, outfits or more.

TLDR

1. Best time of day
2. Where to go
3. Props
4. What to wear
5. Who to bring

Photo: Mariia in Seattle for Flytographer. Eric and partner capture memories in Seattle with a proposal photoshoot at Washington Park Arboretum.

1. Best time of day for a fall photo session

In autumn, nights are getting longer, and days are getting shorter, but they’re not quite to winter levels of darkness. Here’s how to take full advantage of the perfect fall days for your photoshoot:

Capture that morning mist

They say autumn is the master of fog. But it’s not the fog you’re looking for here. It’s more the early morning mist that you really want for your photo session. Not as thick as fog, mist still allows for good visibility and compensates for the warm fall colours of nature with a cool touch. Mornings are already magical, and if you capture that mist in the air, you’re sure to give your photos a sense of mystery worthy of a fairytale.

Photo: Lena in Tofino for Flytographer. Michelle and family capture memories in Tofino with a new chapter photoshoot on Cox Bay.

Leverage daylight

To make the most out of fall’s book of colours, you do need some light. In autumn, soft light helps to saturate the colours of nature like colourful leaves, evoking all the season’s warmth. If you’re awarded a bright blue sky, you’re in for a fabulous contrast. Early morning sunlight can also serve as a backlight for the fall leaves and highlight their beautiful details and textures. However, we’re not saying that cloudy or rainy days don’t work. They do! And they build that cozy and moody vibe for a great photoshoot. 🌧

Shine in the golden hour

We’ve talked about the golden hour before, but that’s because it’s simply the perfect backlight for portrait photography. In autumn, you don’t need to wake up that early to catch the sunrise or wait too long for it to come down. The much sought-after golden effect is easier to get. It flatters your skin and intensifies the natural festival of colours. What could be more suitable for the thrilling autumn background? But be aware that the sun moves fast at this time, and light conditions change quickly.

Autumn happens at different times depending on where in the world you are. But any portrait photographer will say that one thing remains the same – the best time to schedule your photoshoot is when colours start to change and most leaves haven’t yet fallen. 

Read more tips about Golden Hour in our blog on the best time to take pictures outside!

Photo: Krystal in Paris for Flytographer. Lee Ann and partner capture memories in Paris with a vacation photoshoot at Trocadéro & the Eiffel Tower.

2. Where to have your fall photoshoot

It may seem obvious that a great place for an autumn photoshoot is anywhere you can feature the season’s brilliant hues in the background. But there’s much more to it than that. Different settings tell different stories and evoke different emotions, and it’s not all about outdoor portraits after all.

Feel nature’s splendour

Behold the changing leaves and enjoy the crisp breeze! Outdoor photography is your obvious choice for fall picture ideas. You should take advantage of the unmatching mosaic of colours that nature provides and head out to city parks or get lost in the woods. 

Not everything has to be about leaves though. The serene hues of rocks and tree trunks can also compose the shot and help to rest the eye. You can find a lake or a calm river or stream and incorporate water reflections to create stunning fall photoshoot ideas. Water helps convey the season’s calmness. A tree-lined pathway is an all-time classic for background scenery, especially during fall. It exudes a melancholic but beautiful sense of change. 

Photo: Rachael in Paris for Flytographer. Alyssa and family capture memories in Paris with a family photoshoot at Sacré Coeur & Montmartre.

Go rural

The countryside also has much to offer, especially for fall family photos. Why not go to a farm to explore its unique landscape? You can get lost in a corn maze or on a pumpkin patch for a fun experience with the kids. Apple picking as a family is also a great idea, and the fruit fits the autumn colour palette perfectly. All this helps for spontaneous pics and candid photo ideas. You can climb on haystacks, on fences and even on tractors (as long as they’re not moving!). 

Explore the city

Cities also make for beautiful settings for fall photoshoots. You can capture the season’s vibrant colours contrasted against iconic landmarks and charming streets. The softer, warmer lighting is perfect for flattering portrait photos, while the slightly quieter tourist season means you can more easily access popular photo spots.

A cozy coffee shop in the city might be just what you are looking for on a rainy autumn afternoon. The smell of apple cider and soothing jazz music playing in the background might just help you relax in front of the camera and warm up for a few minutes. 🎷☕️ Sitting outside is also a good idea to mix indoor and outdoor environments, most of all if we’re talking about a charming Parisian café. 

Ready to find the perfect place for a fall photoshoot? Discover all the best places to visit in the fall.

Photo: Bree in Las Vegas for Flytographer. Arthur and partner capture memories in Las Vegas with an engagement photoshoot.

3. The best props for fall photography

Autumn is unbeatable when it comes to using props to enhance your portrait photography. This season allows for some genuinely unique props. Here are just a few:

Autumn foliage

It’s a total cliché, we know. But it’s a good one and is classic fall fun for all ages. Whether you throw the leaves in the air, lay on top of them or hold them for the camera, leaves are the ultimate prop for autumn photography. 

Did you know that leaf play is a very therapeutic activity for children? We bet the same goes for adults. 🍂

Photo: Ellie in Florence for Flytographer. Jessica and partner capture memories in Florence with a proposal photoshoot.

An umbrella

An umbrella is always a fantastic photography prop, and it works perfectly well with rainy autumn days. It can add colour to your picture, break up patterns and compose the frame. It also gives you something to do with your hands. For couples’ photoshoot ideas, snuggling under an umbrella can be a rather romantic shot.

Books

If you’re into reading, a book is an excellent prop. It’s an excuse for you not to look directly at the camera, and it tells a little about your personality. Books are equally suitable for indoor and outdoor photography, and they symbolize the search for knowledge across different cultures. 📚

Pumpkins

Particularly in North America, pumpkins are extremely popular during autumn, and not just on a pumpkin patch. You can find them for sale almost anywhere. Luckily, they also make for great props. You can carry them around, sit on them if they’re large enough or just have them in the scene for their different shapes, colours and patterns. 

Photo: Tania in Amsterdam for Flytographer. Tatiana and partner capture memories in Amsterdam with a vacation photoshoot at The Jordaan.

4. What to wear for a fall photoshoot

What you wear in a photoshoot is fundamental, and autumn is the season for sophistication. When the weather changes, we take our warmer clothes out of the closet and can finally work on layering different patterns and matching different textures. 

The colour palette

Autumn’s palette is definitely très chic with its olive greens, golden browns, yellows, reds and oranges, so it can be a great idea to match your outfit with the season’s colours. But you don’t have to avoid soft tones and pale hues altogether. If you’re more into creamy basics, they’re all-time classics and a great way to lighten up the look a little bit.

Photo: Kari in New York City for Flytographer. Phyllis and family capture memories in New York City with a family photoshoot in Central Park.

Style it up

Fall is the time of year for playful combinations and layers. So don’t forget to think of jackets, blazers, trench coats and cardigans. Play with different colours, patterns and textures, but don’t overdo it. Most of the time, less is more. 

Of course, we know that Halloween is not to be forgotten around this time of year. If little ones struggle with posing for pictures, incorporating their Halloween costumes into the fall family photo outfits might make their experience a little more fun and festive! Autumn is also perfect for accessories: boots, scarfs, gloves, berets, beanies and all kinds of hats. We love a hat for an autumn photoshoot! But here’s a suggestion, don’t stick to it for the entire photo session. Let the light shine on your face too. 🧥

The key piece 

Fashion-wise, two words define autumn: sweater weather. Can you think of a more awesome wardrobe piece? Sweaters come in all shapes, sizes and patterns. They can be formal or fun (and sometimes both, simultaneously) and are almost invariably comfortable. Who doesn’t love a great sweater?

Head to our Style Guide for more tips on finding the perfect outfit for your photoshoot!

Photo: Livushé in Cusco for Flytographer. Danay and family capture memories in Cusco with an anniversary photoshoot at The Historical Centre.

5. Who to bring to your fall photoshoot

When planning your fall photoshoot, there are a few options to consider for who to include.

Family

A fall, family photoshoot is the perfect way to capture the special bonds and personalities within your loved ones. It’s a chance to treasure your family’s dynamic at that point in time – whether kids are growing up quickly, you’ve welcomed a new addition or you simply want updated fall family pictures. Take this opportunity with everyone together to organize your holiday cards and share them with loved ones.

Photo: Darine in Lake Louise for Flytographer. Shaina and family capture memories in Lake Louise with a multigenerational family photoshoot at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

Your partner

Fall is the perfect time to capture the romance! Use the crisp air to cozy up with your loved one for the cutest couples’ photoshoot ideas. Fewer crowds during this time of year will also allow for a bit more privacy and uninterrupted time to focus on each other. Capturing the love between you against a backdrop of changing leaves or pumpkin patches creates images that are truly unique to the autumn season. Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary or an engagement, or you simply want couple photos, fall is the perfect time to showcase your bond in a romantic, timeless way. 🧡

Yourself

Don’t forget to treat yourself to beautiful solo photos, especially in the fall. This is the perfect time to update your headshots, capture birthday memories or simply celebrate yourself. You can get creative with stylish photoshoot outfits without having to coordinate with others and get uninterrupted help on photography tips from your photographer.

Photo: Guido in Rome for Flytographer. Kemi captures memories in Rome with a family photoshoot at The Roman Forum.

Capturing Memories in the Fall

Needless to say, we can barely wait for autumn! What about you? No matter where you are in the world, our local photographers can help you plan ahead and take your autumn photoshoot to the next level. 🍂📸