Fall family photos are some of my favorites — warm tones, colorful leaves, cozy layers, and seeing lots of familiar client faces!

But if you’ve never booked a fall mini session before, you might be wondering:

What should we wear? What should we bring? What if my kids don't cooperate? And how do we get everyone ready without losing our sanity?

Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your fall mini session with Amy Brink Photography.

What Should We Wear for Fall Family Photos?

The goal isn't for everyone to perfectly match. Instead, choose outfits that coordinate without looking identical. Find some fall family inspiration on my Pinterest board.

Start with one outfit you absolutely love (pro tip: start with Mom!) and build everyone else's outfits around it. Soft neutrals, warm earth tones, muted greens, denim, creams, rust, burgundy and subtle patterns all photograph beautifully against a fall backdrop.

A few easy combinations:

Cream + camel + denim
Rust + olive + tan
Burgundy + cream + brown
Mustard + denim
Soft neutrals with one or two richer fall colors

A few things I'd skip:

Everyone wearing the exact same color
Large logos or graphics
Neon colors
Extremely bold patterns
Matching outfits that make everyone look like they're in a uniform

And don't be afraid to dress up a little! Fall is the perfect season for sweaters, dresses, boots, textured layers and accessories.

How Many Outfits Should We Bring?

For a mini session, just one!

We only have a short amount of time together, and changing outfits can take up a significant portion of that time. Instead, put your energy into choosing an outfit everyone feels comfortable and confident wearing.

If you'd like multiple looks, a full portrait session is generally a better option.

What Should Kids Wear?

Choose something that lets them move comfortably, fit, and fit their personality.

For little ones, comfort matters. If they're uncomfortable, itchy, too hot or constantly pulling at their clothes, they're probably not going to be thrilled about photos.

For girls, dresses and skirts photograph beautifully in the fall, especially when paired with boots, tights or a cardigan.

For boys, try layers like button-down + sweater + chinos/jeans + boots.

And don't underestimate the power of texture. Knits, corduroy, denim, linen and wool add visual interest without being distracting.

What About Shoes?

Yes, shoes matter!

Fall boots, loafers, simple sneakers and classic dress shoes can all work beautifully depending on your outfits.

Just remember that we'll probably be walking through grass, leaves and possibly a little mud, so this may not be the time for your child's favorite pristine white shoes.

And if your kids are anything like mine, there's a good chance they'll find the mud anyway. 😉

What Should We Bring to Our Fall Mini Session?

You don't need a giant bag of props.

In fact, I usually prefer to keep things simple.

Bring:

A hairbrush
Any necessary touch-up items
A small snack or water for toddlers/infants
Layers if the weather is unpredictable
A blanket or jacket for warming up between photos
Any meaningful item you'd like incorporated into a few images

Try to leave bulky bags, toys and unnecessary belongings in the car whenever possible. My hit rate at confiscating them about 90%, but it’s always really important to leave phones, wallets, and keys in the car too.

What If My Kids Don't Behave?

They won't.

Just kidding. Sort of. 😂

But seriously, please don't stress if your kids aren't perfectly behaved for every second of your session. They don't need to sit still and smile at the camera for 25 minutes—in fact, I don't want them to.

Some of my favorite family images happen when kids are running, laughing, snuggling, exploring, being silly, or simply interacting with their favorite people. Let them be themselves and enjoy the moment, because those little in-between moments often turn into the images you love most.

I'll give you prompts and direction throughout the session, so you don't have to figure out what to do. Your job is simply to show up, relax, and enjoy your people.

Should We Tell the Kids They're Going to Take Pictures?

Yes—but I wouldn't make it sound like a big performance.

Instead of:

“You HAVE to smile for the photographer!”

try:

“We're going to go have some fun and take pictures together!”

The less pressure kids feel, the more likely we are to capture genuine expressions.

And please don't threaten them with punishment if they don't cooperate. 😉 I promise we can work with a little attitude, shyness or silliness.

What Time Should We Arrive?

Please plan to arrive a few minutes early.

Fall mini sessions are scheduled back-to-back, so arriving on time is especially important. Give yourself enough time to use the bathroom, fix hair, put on shoes, get everyone out of the car, and take a deep breath before we begin.

If you're rushing from the car straight into your session, everyone starts stressed—and nobody wants that.

What Happens If It Rains?

Fall weather can be unpredictable!

If weather conditions aren't safe or aren't conducive to a successful outdoor session, I'll communicate with you about rescheduling.

A little chill? We can work with that.

A few clouds? That’s absolutely fine.

A downpour? That's another story. ☔

I'll always keep the safety and experience of your family in mind when making weather decisions.

How Do We Get Natural Family Photos?

The good news is, you don't have to know how to pose—that's my job. I'll guide you through different combinations and prompts throughout the session while also giving you plenty of opportunities to simply interact with your family.

Some of my favorite images happen in those in-between moments: Dad whispering something ridiculous in your child's ear, your toddler running into your arms, siblings laughing together, everyone snuggling, or you looking at your kids instead of the camera.One Last Tip: Don't Overthink It

Come as you are.

I'll take care of the posing, prompts and photography. You just bring your people, your smiles, and maybe a little patience.

Because years from now, you're not going to care that someone had a slightly crooked collar.

You're going to care that you have photographs of this version of your family—right here, right now, in this beautiful season of your lives. 🍂

Ready for Fall Photos?

Fall mini sessions with Amy Brink Photography are designed to be quick, relaxed and fun for families who want beautiful updated portraits without committing to a full session.

Book a fall mini session