Behind the Scenes of an Autumn Family Photoshoot

Autumn is a magical time of year! Honestly, its my favourite season. With its vibrant foliage and crisp air, it provides the perfect backdrop for family photoshoots. However, the beauty of these sessions goes far beyond the picturesque settings. It’s about capturing the essence of family connections, the laughter, and the love that binds them together. In this blog post, I’ll take you behind the scenes of an autumn family photoshoot, from preparation to the final delivery of those cherished memories.

Preparing the Family for a Photoshoot

When it comes to an autumn family photoshoot, preparation is key. The first step is to ensure that everyone is dressed appropriately for the season. My suggested styling includes warm, layered clothing in complementary colours that harmonise with the natural surroundings. When in doubt I always recommend going for a neutral palette but adding cosy textures. Think cozy sweaters, scarves, and boots. Practical footwear is essential, especially for children who may need to navigate uneven and sometimes boggy terrain.

Preparing children for the shoot is also crucial. I always share information with the families about the location and what to expect, so they talk with their children ahead of the session about it to make them feel more comfortable and excited. Encourage parents to bring along a favourite toy or comfort item to help ease any nerves. A well-prepared family is more likely to enjoy the experience, resulting in more genuine and emotive photos.

Setting Expectations

Meeting the family and setting expectations early on is a really important part of the process. I like remind them that the goal of the session is to capture ‘connection, not perfection’. This means less pressure to get everyone smiling at the camera and instead lots of touching, cuddling, and playful interactions. It goes without saying that the more at ease you are, the more natural and heartfelt the photos will be. So get silly! Not only will your kids love it but I guarantee you’ll get better photos.

The Flow of the Session

The flow of an autumn family photoshoot typically starts with the more formal shots. The ones for the grandparents. This is when everyone is fresh and eager, making it the perfect time to capture those classic family portraits. Once these are done, the session can transition into more relaxed and playful activities.

I love to incorporate various games and activities to keep children engaged. This could include leaf-throwing, playing tag, or simply exploring the surroundings. These activities not only keep the kids entertained but also create opportunities for candid and dynamic shots.

The session can always be adapted to meet the needs of the family, ensuring everyone is comfortable and having a good time. I encourage my families to bring snacks or even hot chocolate to a session just in case they want to take a little break, deal with a wardrobe issue or just wipe a few noses.

The Post-Shoot Experience

The experience doesn’t end when the session is over. The post-shoot process is just as important in creating lasting memories. Sending families a few sneak peeks of their session the next day builds excitement and anticipation of when they will see their final gallery.

Editing the photos is a meticulous process, ensuring each image is polished and reflects the beauty of the moment. Once the editing is complete, the gallery is delivered to the family, allowing them to relive the session and select their favourite shots. I also put together a slideshow of their images and set it to music. I often hear from families that this is their favourite part of the gallery as it can be very emotive o watch all those happy memories captured on the screen.

The very last part of the process is checking and quality assuring all print products to make sure before finally sending them to the families where they can enjoy them for years to come.

Conclusion

An autumn family photoshoot is a beautiful way to capture the essence of family connections amidst the stunning backdrop of the season. From preparation to the final delivery of cherished memories, every step of the process is designed to create a meaningful and enjoyable experience. By focusing on connection, encouraging playfulness, and providing a seamless post-shoot experience, I ensure that families walk away with not only beautiful photos but also lasting memories of a special day spent together.

Why not make the most of autumn this year and book an Autumn family photo session? Creating precious memories is so important, and you’ll receive stunning family images to treasure. 

Book your autumn family photoshoot here.

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions – I’m happy to help.