A mother lifts her daughter in a grassy field during a vibrant sunset.

Fall Family Photos in the Hudson Valley

Fall Family Photo Season Is Here

Everything You Need To Know To Keep It Fun and Have Beautiful Portraits

 

 

It is the time of year when fall family portraits are being planned, and photographers prep for the busiest season of the year. There is a reason fall is such a popular time for portraits; the colors are stunning, the temperatures are mild, and the sunsets are early. All in all it is a magical time!

There is no shortage of beautiful places in the Hudson Valley and surrounding areas during this season. It is also the time of year when I see the most families with small kids. Having three of my own, I know at times it can feel chaotic and overwhelming to plan. Dynamics, schedules, meltdowns- it is all a part of the experience! But not to worry, I got you!

My biggest piece of advice to families with small kids is to stay patient and positive. Expect chaos, because kids will always be kids. But honestly, that is what I want to see. I don’t want kids to feel suffocated and unable to be themselves. I want their real personalities to come through. It is a delicate balance!

A few tips for parents to prep for fall family photos:

  • Keep snacks and drinks on hand for kids (non messy snacks, and just water!). Kids are much happier when they are fed, so have on hand in case anyone needs a pick me up
  • Prep kids ahead of time. Let them know we are just having fun! Tell them about me, and keep it light. We run, laugh, and play a lot- kids have a blast!
  • If things get chaotic, stay patient and positive. Expect a meltdown, tantrum and everything in between. It is truly OK. We can take breaks as needed, and I promise there is still magic in it all!
  • Styling is important. I don’t want everyone to be perfectly coordinated, but styling is a great way to let your personality shine through. I offer a styling service to all of my families, which helps you choose outfits that coordinate well but also allow individuality. Styling is a great way to elevate the overall look of your photos.

A final note: Don’t expect perfection, and that is for sure not what we are chasing. I want you to rephrase how you think of family photos. If you think of the experience as a documentation of your present moments, you let go of what you can’t control and allow yourself to just “be.” That is where the special stuff is. Just remember that if things feel a little crazy, that is normal! Let your kids just be kids. If I need something different, I will let you know.

Let’s chase your beautiful ordinary! I promise you will be blown away at the beauty we find!

 

 

Hudson Valley family enjoying fall outdoors, capturing a joyful moment together.
Family portrait of a smiling family on a Hudson Valley beach with rocky cliffs in the background.

Welcome

I wholeheartedly believe in the power of authentic documentation. Our stories and truths are not only a gift for ourselves, but also through the generations, becoming treasured keepsakes as proof of our place and time. My passion lies in storytelling that focuses on your present moments. Whether our adventures take us deep into the Hudson Valley, high in the Catskill Mountains, or within the comfort of your home, it is always about where you are meant to be and where you feel the most alive.