If you’re in Texas like me, you may be aware that “fall” looks very different than what our northern states experience. Especially when I shoot fall sessions, the colors often lean more green or brown, than the traditional orange and yellow spectrum. The “turning” of the leaves doesn’t happen in a giant magical way here in the south like we all may want. In reality, Pumpkin Spice Lattes hit our hands way before any cool weather decides to stick around.
So that leaves us hanging— what do we do when “fall” is late to the party? How do we balance a love for fall (and fall pictures), when our scenery is just kind of one note?
Play to your strengths. Know where you are going for your session and know what colors look best on you. This is part of the planning process. If your setting is going to be in a dark and moody forest, then maybe avoid dressing your family in darker moody colors. Use the tools your photographer has suggested and given you! (Each of my clients gets a Welcome Guide and Style Guide— to help with planning).
Set your expectations. If Pinterest and I were in a relationship, the status would definitely be “it’s complicated.” As a creative, I LOVE Pinterest. Pinterest is a powerful search engine. We can be inspired, gather ideas, and share our content on Pinterest with ease. I love using Pinterest— it can be a delight. However, sometimes it can skew our expectations, especially if we misinterpret what we see. As a photographer, there have been a few times where I’ve had a client send me an “idea” for a shot and in truth— it’s not something I can recreate. Lighting, colors, weather, setting, place, time, location, are all parts of an image. To expect a photographer to reproduce exactly what you see in another photographer’s work is setting them up for failure. So set your expectations accordingly. Know where you are agreeing to shoot and familiarize yourself with your photographer’s work. What do you like about their photos? The emotions they capture? The poses they use? The way they leverage candid moments? Each photographer is different, and their style is something all their own. Setting your expectations prior to your session will help you and your photographer in the long run.
Trust your photographer to capture what is important. At the end of the day, if you are getting your portraits taken on a beautiful snowcapped mountain in the goldenest of hours— chances are your images are going to be stunning. However, in the middle of November, in a Texas field— it may be more of a challenge to be in love with your scenery. But you know what you are in love with? Your family. The reason you booked a session in the first place. Sure, the surrounding may be a little monotone, but the expressions of love and affection and joy on the faces of your children when you hug them will be the same. I can’t stop/won’t stop talking about what’s important when you book your pictures— and what’s important is the people in the photo. The people you’ll wrap your arms around, the children you will snuggle, the partner or spouse you will embrace. THOSE are the details that matter wayyy more than a tree with semi-yellow leaves. Your photographer will leverage what they can to get the most pleasing and memorable shot for you— trust them in the process.
If you’re interested in booking a session with me, visit my booking page below, or shoot me a contact form! Let’s connect! I’d love to hear about you and your imagery needs!