Fall is often the best season to take family photos. With colorful landscapes and cooler temperatures, it’s a magical time for a family photo shoot. If hiring a professional isn’t in the budget this year, here are some tips to help you get ready for your holiday cards.

Find the Perfect Backdrop
Find inspiration online and scout a spot where your whole crew can pose comfortably. Ensure the lighting is consistent, whether it’s shaded or sunny. Evening light provides a softer look and casts a warm glow.

Get Familiar with Your Equipment
You don’t need a fancy DSLR camera to capture great photos—today’s phones have excellent photography capabilities. Test your camera ahead of time to learn how to adjust settings and use burst mode to select the best shots later. Also, bring a tripod that works with your camera.

Choose a Color Scheme
Pick complementary colors for the whole family to wear. Stick with solids and subtle patterns while avoiding busy shapes and vibrant colors. Dressing in layers is also a good idea to adapt to varying temperatures.

Check the Weather
Consult the weather forecast and choose a day that’s expected to be beautiful and convenient. Even an overcast day can work well for photos, providing balanced lighting with softer highlights and shadows.

Keep Kids Entertained
Bring snacks and toys to keep your kids happy. Be playful to maintain high spirits and get down to their level for more personal and engaging photos. Keep the session short to capture genuine smiles.

Bring a Friend
If you have a friend with a creative eye, bring them along! They can help entertain the kids, ensure everyone is positioned well, and capture candid shots. Sometimes, unplanned photos turn out to be the best.

Be Flexible
If the weather isn’t cooperating or someone isn’t feeling their best, try for another day soon. Alternatively, move the shoot indoors by large windows to ensure good lighting. If you can’t get everyone in one shot, it’s okay! Many people enjoy receiving cards with individual photos from the same shoot or different events throughout the year. For added fun, use a QR code on your card to link to an album of outtakes.

It’s not too early to start planning a fall photo shoot and thinking about holiday cards. A good plan, combined with flexibility, will make the experience more relaxed. Get outside, enjoy the fall colors, and make the most of being together.