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5 Tips for a Stress Free Fall Family Photo Session

A mother lifts her toddler into the air as the family laughs together in a golden sunset among sandstone formations.

Fall is the most magical time for family photos in Colorado. The golden light, crisp air, and beautiful colors create the perfect backdrop. But let’s be honest— a Fall Family Photo Session can feel a little overwhelming. The good news? It doesn’t have to be!

After photographing hundreds of families, I’ve learned a few things that make a big difference. These five tips will help you feel relaxed, keep your kids happy, and make the whole experience stress-free.

1. Plan a Chill Day for Your Fall Family Photo Session

A family walks hand-in-hand down a trail lined with colorful fall foliage during their Fall Family Photo Session.

It’s best to keep the day of your session low-key. A full schedule—like birthday parties, hikes, or zoo trips—might leave your kids overstimulated or overtired. Instead, keep the day relaxed. Save the high-energy outings for another day, and let your session be the main event. A calm day leads to happy kids, and happy kids make for beautiful, joyful photos.

2. Choose the Right Location

A family of four sits close together on a rock ledge surrounded by fall colors during their Fall Family Photo Session.

Where you take your photos sets the tone for the entire session. If you’re someone who gets anxious when your kids are climbing rocks, a location like Garden of the Gods might not be the best fit. On the other hand, if your kids love to run and explore, a wide-open mountain meadow could be perfect.

We’ll work together to choose a location that matches your family’s vibe—and keeps everyone safe and happy.

3. Prepare Outfits Early

A family explores the rocks and trails at a scenic location with warm light and vibrant fall trees.

Outfits can be one of the biggest sources of stress—so plan them at least two weeks in advance. Choose your outfit first, then build the rest of the family’s look around it. Think cozy layers, warm tones, and comfort.

Having everything prepped and ready ahead of time means no last-minute scrambling. On the day of your Fall Family Photo Session, you’ll feel calm and confident—and that energy matters!

4. Pack the Essentials (and Leave Distractions Behind)

Parents tickle and laugh with their two daughters, capturing playful candid moments on a rocky trail.

What to bring:

  • Water bottles – Kids often get thirsty while running and playing.
  • Baby wipes – Great for wiping faces, hands, or little noses.
  • Photo-friendly layers – Colorado evenings can get chilly, especially in fall.
  • Backup clothes for little ones – Just in case!

What not to bring:

  • Snacks during the session – I recommend feeding the kids before and saving the treats for afterwards. Snacks like lollipops or chewy bars can cause sticky hands, messy faces, or even meltdowns when it’s time to put them away.
  • Any toys that you don’t want included in the session. There favorite toy might provide comfort or a distraction but more often than not it creates a meltdown when we try to take it away.

5. Keep Kids Awake on the Drive to your Fall Family Photo Session

A family of four smiles together during a Fall Family Photo Session in a scenic Colorado location with white rock formations and autumn foliage.

If your session is in the evening and you’ve got a bit of a drive, be sure to keep the kids awake in the car. A nap right before the session can lead to crankiness and a long warm-up period once we start.

Play music, sing songs, or let them watch a show—whatever it takes to keep them awake until you get to your session. You’ll thank yourself when they arrive happy and ready to play.

Bonus: Let Go of Perfection

Parents and children enjoy a playful moment while exploring scenic sandstone formations and fall trees in Colorado.

It’s totally normal to want everything to go perfectly—but real magic happens when you let go and just enjoy the moment. Don’t stress about a little dust on pants or windblown hair. If you’re relaxed and having fun, your kids will follow your lead.

Let them explore, be silly, and just be themselves. Those are the moments that make the best memories—and the best photos.

Trust the Process (and Your Photographer!)

 A young family holds hands with their daughters while walking across rocky terrain at their Fall Family Photo Session.

I’ve been doing this for years, and I promise I’ve seen it all—meltdowns, messy moments, and everything in between. I know how to gently guide your family into natural, connected moments. So trust the process, lean into the joy, and let me take care of the rest.

a collage of fall family photos taken in Colorado Springs
family photos at a location with stunning white rocks and fall foliage

Ready to Book your Fall Family Photo Session?

Want to schedule your own Fall Family Photo Session in Colorado Springs? I offer a limited number of fall sessions each year, and they fill up quickly! Book your session today or contact me to learn more.

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    Colorado Springs photographer specializing in adventurous and joy filled photo sessions.

    🍂✨ Just over here auditioning to be your Fall 2025 photographer. Think cozy colors, golden light, and all the autumn magic. Let’s go!

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