Every year, when we finally start getting those cooler mornings here in Fayette, I start hearing the same question from families: "Is it too late to get family pictures before Christmas?"
And usually, not at all! Fall is one of my favorite times of year to photograph families, but a little planning really does help, especially when Christmas cards are involved. So I wanted to share a few things I tell my own clients when they're getting ready for fall and holiday photos here in West Alabama. Everything from when to schedule, to what to wear, to what happens when your toddler has absolutely no interest in cooperating.
Why Fall Is the Sweet Spot for Family Photos in Alabama
If you've ever tried to take family pictures in the middle of an Alabama summer, you already know how quickly that heat can wear everybody out. That's one of the things I love about fall. The temperatures finally start to feel a little better, the evening light is so pretty, and the fields and trees around Fayette, Winfield, and Jasper start showing those warmer fall colors.
And that softer fall light is my favorite. It's flattering, it's warm, and you don't need some elaborate location to get beautiful photos. But more than anything, I love that family pictures give you a reason to stop and document this season of life. The missing front teeth, the baby who's just starting to walk, or even that teenager who might act a little too cool for pictures but still lets you sneak in a hug. Those are the things I want you to have pictures of.
When to Book Fall and Holiday Family Photos
If you're hoping to use your photos for Christmas cards or gifts, here's what I recommend keeping in mind:
Book early. November weekends and evening sessions tend to fill up quickly, especially if you're wanting that pretty golden hour light.
Plan for editing time. Give yourself a few weeks between your session and your card deadline so there’s time for editing, picking your favorites, and ordering your cards or prints.
Work backward from your card order. If you're hoping to have your Christmas cards mailed by early December, I would try to schedule your session for early to mid November.
And if you're trying to decide whether a mini session or a full session makes more sense for your family, I'll explain the differences a little further down.
What to Wear for Fall Family Photos
One of the biggest questions I get before family sessions is what everybody should wear. And my biggest piece of advice is always the same: coordinate, don't match. You definitely don't have to put the whole family in matching flannels!
I usually recommend starting with one outfit you really love, whether that's yours or one of the kids', and choosing everyone else's clothes around those colors. For fall family photos in West Alabama, here are a few combinations I love:
Cream, camel, and soft olive
Rust, mustard, and denim
Dusty blue, ivory, and warm brown
For holiday sessions: deep green, burgundy, and cream
I also love mixing different textures like knits, corduroy, linen, or a flowy dress. They add a little interest without distracting from the people in the pictures. I would avoid big logos, neon colors, or anything that feels uncomfortable. And don't forget about shoes! They usually end up in more photos than you think. If you need a little more help putting outfits together, my session guide has more ideas for the whole family, including kids and pets.
Tips for Photos With Little Ones (and Busy Toddlers)
If you're worried about how your kids are going to act during pictures, I promise you're not alone. I hear this from parents all the time! But here's the thing. I don't expect little ones to sit perfectly still and smile at the camera the entire time. Honestly, some of my favorite pictures happen when they're just being themselves.
A few things that really help:
Schedule around naps and snacks, not just the sunset. As much as I love good lighting, a happy, rested little one is always more important.
Bring a small, quiet snack and a favorite toy for between pictures. I would just avoid anything that might stain their clothes, like red juice or cheesy puffs.
Let them move. We can walk, swing, tickle, twirl, and let them have a little fun. Those moments usually make for some of the sweetest pictures anyway.
Don't stress about "smile!" You don't have to spend the entire session trying to get everyone to look at me. I'll help with prompts, play along with the kids, and give them time to warm up so those real smiles can happen naturally.
My job is to help everyone feel comfortable, give you direction when you need it, and pay attention to the little moments happening in between. I want you to have those natural pictures, but I also want to make sure we get the ones that matter to you. So if there’s a certain pose or family grouping you’re hoping for, just tell me!
Choosing a Location Around Fayette, Jasper, Tuscaloosa, and Birmingham
I'm based in Fayette, Alabama, and photograph sessions within about 70 miles, including Winfield, Jasper, Tuscaloosa, Birmingham, Hamilton, and Carbon Hill. We have so many pretty places around here, and you really don't have to go far to find a good spot for family pictures. A few of my favorite types of locations for fall are:
Open fields and tall grasses that look especially pretty when the sun starts going down
Tree lined backroads when the leaves begin changing colors
Lakeside spots like Smith Lake, which I always love for family photos. You can see an example in this Smith Lake family session
Your own home or land, especially if it's somewhere meaningful to your family
And if you have no idea where you want to take your pictures, that's completely fine! Just tell me what kind of setting you like, whether that's something cozy, open and airy, or a little more woodsy, and I'll help you find a location that fits.
Holiday Mini Sessions vs. Full Family Sessions: What's the Difference?
I get asked about the difference between mini sessions and full family sessions pretty often, and really, it just comes down to what you're wanting out of your pictures.
A full family session gives us more time together and a little more flexibility. It's a great option if you're wanting several different groupings, extended family pictures, or even an outfit change. You can look through the different options on my Sessions page.
A holiday mini session is much shorter and is usually scheduled on a specific day at one location, with several families coming through throughout the day. These can be great if you're mainly wanting a Christmas card picture and a few updated family photos. The biggest difference is that we have less time, so there's not as much flexibility for extra groupings, outfit changes, or giving a shy little one time to get comfortable.
If you’re hoping to get family pictures before the holidays, we can look at scheduling a full session. I share information about future mini sessions over on Instagram. If you'd like to plan a full family session, you can inquire here and we'll see what dates are available.
A Gift That Lasts Longer Than the Holidays
If you're trying to figure out what to get someone who already seems to have everything, a photo session might be worth considering. I especially love this idea for grandparents, new parents, or newly engaged couples. It's something they can enjoy now and have pictures to look back on for years. You can find gift certificates here.
Let's Plan Your Family Photos
One thing I've learned is just how quickly these seasons of life change, especially with little ones. One year you're carrying them on your hip, and before you know it, they're running around and doing everything on their own. That's a big part of why I love family photography. I want you to have pictures that remind you of what life actually looked like during these years.
If you've been thinking about updating your family pictures, I'd love to hear from you! Check my availability and tell me a little about your family, what kind of photos you're hoping for, and when you'd like to have them back. I'll get back to you as soon as I can!
