How to Plan for Fall Family Photos Without Losing Your Sweater
By Burdock Photography
Ah, fall—the season of pumpkin spice lattes, crunchy leaves, and that perfect golden light that makes family photos a dream. But before you dive headfirst into coordinating outfits and bribing your kids with candy for just one more smile, let’s chat about how to plan your fall family photos so you don’t end up losing your cool (or your favorite sweater).
1. Embrace the Layers (But Keep it Simple!)
Fall weather in Albuquerque is a bit like a mystery novel—unpredictable with lots of twists. One moment it’s sunny and warm, the next you’re wondering if winter showed up a little too early. The trick? Layers! Start with simple, solid-colored tops, then add jackets, scarves, or vests that can be added or shed depending on the weather. Bonus: layers add depth and texture to photos, making them extra cozy and warm.
Pro tip: Avoid neon colors or busy patterns—no one wants to be outshone by their cousin’s shirt that looks like it was inspired by a disco ball. Keep it timeless and classic, and you’ll thank yourself when looking back at these photos.
2. Coordinate, Don’t Match
We all love that matchy-matchy look—until you end up looking like the cast of a sitcom from the ’90s. Instead of putting everyone in the same outfit, go for coordinated colors. Think earth tones, burgundies, burnt oranges, and deep greens—basically, anything that blends into a beautiful fall backdrop without blending into each other.
Bonus tip: If you’re stuck on what colors to choose, Albuquerque’s stunning fall landscapes are your guide. The golden aspens and fiery red foliage are perfect inspiration!
3. Time It Right
Fall light is magical, but it’s fleeting! The best time for photos is either early in the morning or a couple of hours before sunset—also known as the “golden hour” for photographers (and Instagrammers alike). Schedule your session with enough time to chase that perfect glow. Plus, there’s the added bonus that the kids aren’t too cranky or tired from a full day of running around.
4. Bring the Snacks (and Patience)
Let’s be honest—family photos can test even the most patient of parents. Make sure the kiddos are well-fed and pack some snacks (ones that won’t mess up their adorable fall outfits, of course). A few fruit snacks, crackers, or even a post-photo hot chocolate bribe can work wonders for those last few poses.
Oh, and speaking of patience, just roll with it. Sometimes the best photos are the candid ones—the ones where your toddler’s giggling mid-run or everyone’s cracking up at Dad’s attempt to be serious. Trust me, those are the memories you’ll treasure most!
5. Props: Yes or No?
Fall photos practically beg for a few fun props. Think about bringing a cozy blanket to snuggle up in, a few pumpkins to set the scene, or even a basket of apples (no, we’re not going full-on corn maze here). Props can help bring out those natural, playful moments, but don’t feel pressured to go overboard. After all, the real focus is your beautiful family and all those authentic smiles!
6. Book Your Session Early
We photographers get super busy in the fall! Between everyone wanting those holiday card-perfect shots and all the festive fall vibes, our schedules fill up fast. So don’t wait until the leaves are falling—reach out and book your session as soon as possible. This way, you’ll have plenty of time to plan and won’t feel rushed (or worse, stuck with that awkward pre-Thanksgiving scramble).
