We knowโitโs that time of year again! ๐ Autumn is rolling in, and the holidays are so close we can practically feel them. The ceremonial trip to the pumpkin patch brings back childhood nostalgia and gives us the chance to pass that tradition on to our kids. Itโs timeless, meaningful, and one of the sweetest parts of motherhood.
As moms, we want our fall photos and pumpkin patch memories to last forever! As the founder and creative director of Only Little Once, and a mom whose children are now grown, Iโve spent decades behind the camera and in front of itโfirst as an assistant in my fatherโs photo studio working with brands like Kelloggโs, American Airlines, Lacoste, and Motorola, and later running photoshoots for my own company. These are my tried-and-true tips to make your next fall family photo session stress-free and stunning.
1. Choose Coordinated, Neutral Outfits
Select coordinating clothing in neutral tonesโthink beige, ivory, dusty rose, denim, olive, or soft gray. Avoid logos or bold patterns that can distract from the emotion of your photos.
As a designer, I always aim for timeless and classic styles that wonโt look dated years from now. Flashback to the 1980sโdonโt be the parent who let your child wear MC hammer pants in the family photo!ย Simple jeans, sweaters, and textures like chunky knits, linen, and soft flannel are always winners.
This year, our Linen Harvest Pinafore and Harvest Shirt were designed with exactly this purpose in mind: timeless, neutral, and versatile for any family look.
2. Prepare in Advance
A successful photo session starts before you arrive.
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Pack essentials: snacks, water, wet wipes, hairbrush, small first aid kit, and any necessary medications.
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Plan around napsโfor little ones and grown-ups!
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Arrive early to find good light and avoid crowds.
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Trust your photographerโthey understand lighting, composition, and pacing. When youโre relaxed, your children will be too.
3. Let Go of โPerfectโ
Donโt expect your photo session to start flawlessly. Great photographers know how to ease families into comfort. A few joke shots at the beginning often help everyone relax.
Try a countdown cueโโ3, 2, 1, give me your best Jack-OโLantern smile!โโthen capture a more natural expression right afterward.ย Play a game of "simon says" when giving instructions for the photos, and be sure to put enough natural, serious, normal smile prompts in there to get what you need,
Remember, candid photos often become the favorites. One of my most cherished photos of my 24 year old son shows him eating French fries at McDonaldโs, lost in thought. Itโs real, imperfect, and priceless.ย I can see his tiny fingers holding the french fries and putting them into his little mouth.ย ย
4. Use Editing Tools Wisely
Donโt hesitate to use light photo editing tools to enhance brightness or correct small flaws. On iPhone, adjusting exposure can make a huge difference. Apps like Facetune or Lightroom Mobile can brighten your photos while keeping them authentic.
Keep outfits clean, pressed, and on hangers for travel. Reusing a dry cleanerโs garment bag is an easy way to keep things fresh.
Make sure all outfits are clean, pressed, and on hangers to travel.ย Reusing a plastic garment bag from the dry cleaners is a great idea to keep things clean and fresh.
5. Pack a โPhoto Kitโ
Years of working in studios taught me to always have these TWO very basic essentials on hand:
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Hairbrush, comb, and a small spray bottle of water or hairspray
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Safety pins or clips for quick outfit fixes
- Snacks and Water for your children, any allergy medication, or things that are part of their normal routine
Check out my Photo Kit that we keep on hand for Only LIttle Once photoshoots, live videos, and social content.ย I learned the hard way, with the help of my father's experience in the industry, what is needed to make photos look "effortless"
Check out my LTK for some coordinating outfit suggestions to coordinate for the perfect look with our harvest collection!