Nothing says fall quite like pumpkins, changing leaves and stalks of corn. But with shorter days, unpredictable weather and crowded seasonal venues sometimes you have to get a little creative when it comes to finding the perfect spot for your fall photos.
If you’re looking for something a little unexpected or maybe even a spot that offers shelter in the event of bad weather, then our ambassadors have ideas for you! Below they’ve shared some great alternatives to your typical fall settings.
#1 – A Cotton Field
Corn fields and pumpkin fields can get a little crowded during the fall season, but a cotton field offers some great possibilities as well.
Jenna of LoveLee Photos says,
A cotton field is a fabulous location option for fall portraits! Not only does it just give you that “fall, cozy” feeling upon first glance but, there is something so magical about how the way the light hits the cotton blooms just right as they just glisten in the background. The colors of the fields are neutral so, outfit colors can be as colorful or as neutral as you would like.
#2 – The Bus Depot
A bus depot or train station can be another fun location for your fall photos. With interesting structures and a distinct urban feel, they also offer plenty of places to duck under if the weather gets bad.
Emily of Everbranch Photography says,
Fall here in Minnesota is always unpredictable. When booking sessions, you don’t know if you’ll get rain, sun, or snow. It could be sweaters or short sleeves. And you might be expecting something and need to change all of your plans to accommodate something completely different. When it started pouring right before this family session, we moved locations to a local bus and train depot to make the most of natural light while staying pretty dry (and getting in some puddle splashing photos at the end.
#3 – The Fairgrounds
Your local fairgrounds can offer up a fun mix of backdrops with the possibility of shelter under large trees and structures.
Melissa of Melissa Klein Photography says,
There are a few things I look for when scouting locations for family sessions in the fall. Good lighting, beautiful fall colors, and a variety of places to take photos is a must. I want to find a place with some character. A mixture of grassy and wooded areas is perfect, but if I can find something for kids/families to sit on, or something to add dimension or interest to the photos, that’s even better. Bridges, walkways and paths always work well. Once in a while I like to get creative and do something a little different. Below is one of my favorite fall locations – a local fairgrounds that isn’t in use most of the year. It has a nice wooded area, tree-lined paths, tall grass, and a lot of really cool looking buildings that make for great backdrops for photos. It’s got a lot of variety, and some elements that you won’t find anywhere else which make for some unique fall photos.
#4 – A “Sweet” Spot
Take the family out for a stroll and a sweet treat. Local cupcake shoppes, candy stores and even ice cream parlors can be a great place to snap a few shots, especially of your younger subjects.
Jessica of Yeah She Snaps Photography says,
While I’m a sucker for Fall color as much as the next person and love seeing the leaves change, I’m even more of a sucker for an urban setting when it comes to family/lifestyle shoots! While Fall was definitely in the air with crisper, cooler temps, flannel shirts, and jeans, it was all about finding our ‘sweet spot’ for my session out on the town! Here in the south, the cooler temps are the perfect reason to go for a stroll, and hey, if you happen to run into a cupcake ATM, you let your subjects do their thing! Capturing simple joys is what it’s all about!
#5 – The Theater
A local theater or performance space is an option that can offer an intimate setting along with protection from the elements.
Emily of Everbranch Photography says,
Sometimes all you need for a great session is a big room with wonderful light. Of course, even in the biggest of rooms, everyone ends up fitting in the same single chair. This blank canvas is in a lobby of a local theater, with gorgeous windows overlooking the city and dark colored walls to create extra drama.
#6 – The Middle of Nowhere
Wide open spaces offer lots of opportunities for playing with colors, silhouettes and more. Plus there’s always the chance you’ll stumble upon something amazing out in the great unknown!
Amy of My Letter-Sized Life says,
Some of my favorite photos that I’ve taken of my family have been in places we’ve discovered out of the way during one of our many family geocaching adventures. When you take the time to explore your surroundings you may just be surprised by the things you find out in the middle of nowhere. This photo of my husband and boys was taken out in the desert where a local artist installed these “sun tunnels.” They are perfectly aligned to frame the setting sun on the summer and winter solstice but they make for an awesome sunset shoot almost any time of the year!
In addition to the ideas above you can also have a look at the bluebird chic family photography pinboard for more location ideas for your fall photo sessions!
Leave a Reply