Scheduling your Fall family photo session should feel simple and exciting… not overwhelming. Yet as a mom, I know that’s not always the case! You might find yourself quickly worrying about what everyone will wear, whether or not your little ones will smile, and how the heck you’re going to get everyone looking and feeling their best at the same time!
It’s a lot, I get it. But… *deep breaths* I got you. You don’t need perfection for gorgeous fall family photos. With a little preparation and a photographer who knows how to make your family photo session fun (aka ME!) your photo session will be stress-free, meaningful, and full of love.
Here are my favorite tips as a York, PA Family Photographer to help you prepare for your fall family photos this year!
1. Choose Outfits That Feel Comfortable & Coordinated
Your outfits have a HUGE impact on the overall outcome of your photos. The colors and styles set the tone, but they don’t need to be complicated.
Think of a color palette to pull from (it’s a great idea to think about the colors that will look best with your home decor and furniture!). Neutrals are always a solid choice. Muted jewel tones can photograph beautifully. Avoid bright neon colors, overly bold patterns, and brand logos/graphics. These are all distractions in family photos.
I typically recommend starting with your outfit, mama. Choose something you feel beautiful and comfortable in. I love to incorporate movement in your session so choosing a fabric that flows and lets you move will have the best results. From there, choose the rest of the family’s outfits in colors that compliment yours – do NOT match!
Matching outfits may seem like a fun idea in your head, but it actually really distracts from the main subject of the photos – YOUR FAMILY!
Pro Tip: Lay out your outfits on the bed to see how they all look together. If you’re shopping for new items, you can paste pictures from the websites into a blank project in Canva and place them next to each other.
When you book a York, PA fall family photo session with me, you’ll also get a style guide and consultation time with me to discuss your outfit choices as well!
2. Consider Your Family’s Routines
It’s always a good idea to schedule your family photo session when your little ones (let’s be honest – and dad) are most likely to be in their best moods. Do they perk up after a nap? Are they happy and energetic after a meal?
Try to schedule your session at a time where you can still prioritize naps and meal times! With that said, kids are often more flexible than we give them credit for. You may need to consider rearranging your day a bit so nap time can be a little earlier or later, but it will be worth it.
It’s also a great idea to have a snack right before your session! Full bellies are happy bellies and no one wants to smile for pictures when they are hangry. Bring a clean snack to munch on during the session as well! Cheerios or puffs are great motivators for toddlers.
3. Help Your Kids to Mentally Prepare
I personally love to know all of the details about where I’m going and what I’ll be doing – especially when it’s something new. Kids are often the same way! The trick is keeping it light and exciting. Instead of saying “We have to go take family pictures”, frame it as a fun adventure or family outing! “We are going to put on pretty outfits and go explore a new trail – and a photographer is going to join us!”
And listen, I am all for bribery – but try to keep any rewards small and low pressure! Sometimes too much can backfire, but a simple reward or something to look forward to after your photo session can be a great way to celebrate (and also bring out those genuine smiles when talking about it during the session too!)
4. Let Go of Perfection
This one is so important. Do not start stressing if your kids are fussy or things don’t seem to be going exactly as planned. Kids pick up on your stress and worrying will only make things worse. Think of your session as one hour of just letting the kids be kids no matter what. I promise we’ve all been there and I am NOT going to judge you if your kid is more interested in finding bugs than saying “cheese”.
My goal isn’t perfect smiles and stiff posing. As long as you look happy and relaxed, your kids will likely join you. I want to capture your family as you are right now. The snuggles, tickles, (and maybe a little chaos) all tell the story of your family’s love. Truly, some of my favorite images come from those in-between moments.
5. Trust Your Photographer
Communicate ahead of time to discuss your vision and then once you arrive, your job is done! When your session starts, I’ll guide you and your family with gentle direction, find the best light, and document those little moments that showcase your family’s love and connection. All you need to do is relax, be present with each other, and enjoy the moment.
A Final Note of Encouragement
Family photos should not be stressful. With the right preparation and mindset they will feel like a fun memory-making experience. Years from now you won’t remember whether or not your toddler cried or if your dinner was an hour early. You’ll remember the joy, the laughter, and the love captured in those images.
Are you ready to make stress-free, joy-filled memories with your family? I’d love to capture your story. Inquire about your Fall Family Photos today.
Hi! I’m Jessica, owner of Jessica Michelle Photography and lifestyle portrait photographer based in York, PA. I specialize in family photography, maternity photography, & newborn photography in Central, Pennsylvania!
I’m so glad you’re here for my first-ever blog post!!
For my first post, I thought that it would be a perfect place to share a little bit about myself. Keep reading to learn more about who I am, what inspires me, and why I believe that professional photography is one of the most meaningful gifts we can give ourselves.
My Story Behind Photography
Even as a kid, taking photos and making memories last has been a passion of mine. My husband gifted me my first DSLR camera about 11 years ago (around the same time my son was born 😉 ). I started this new hobby with my main subject being (wait for it….) my own baby!! As the years passed, the time I got to spend taking photos ebbed and flowed. Sometime in 2020 I began to be even more intentional about learning my camera settings & fine-tuning my editing. That’s when I officially started this little business as a family photographer!
This journey has only solidified what I quickly knew as soon as my baby boy was in my arms – and that’s just how quickly these precious moments slip away… Especially in motherhood. If you’re a mom, you know exactly what I mean! From those little gummy smiles and cute chubby cheeks to having that favorite toy that came along EVERYWHERE (For us it was wooden Thomas Trains <3) and starting school. Photography became my way of holding on to those fleeting moments. Now I feel so honored to be a maternity photographer that gives that same gift to other Central, PA families through my work.
More Than Just Pretty Pictures
Here’s the thing though… I’m not just here to take pretty pictures and send you on your way. (Although your pictures will certainly be beautiful 😉 ) My goal as your family’s photographer is to create an experience where you can relax, soak in all the love and sweetness of being fully present with your family. An hour where everyone is unplugged from phones and screens, surrounded by beautiful nature, and just having FUN. On TOP of that, you’ll get to walk away with photos that remind you of all that connection and beauty… and even the tender chaos that often comes with this chapter.
Why This Matters for Your Family
Motherhood is worth remembering – not just for you, but your children too! Getting the chance to look back on these early moments with your kids is so special. It makes them feel even more connected to you.
Research shows that your kids will have stronger self-esteem and better mental health when they see themselves in family photos displayed in your home.
Let’s Tell Your Story
This is only my first hello but I’ll be using this blog space to share helpful things like what to wear for your family photos, how to prepare toddlers for photo sessions, tips for a stress free family photo session, and the best locations in York, PA and surrounding areas for outdoor maternity photos. Whether you’re a first-time expecting mother or a mama bear to kiddos of all ages and you’re interested in documenting all the little glimmers along the way, I’d be honored to be a part of your story.
