Leaf Piles and S’mores: Backyard Fall Family Photos in Charlottesville
If fall is your favorite season of all, join the club! Family photos are the most popular in the fall around Charlottesville because it’s just so dang beautiful. Families revel in all the fun things to do together that make it even better. Unfortunately, this means lots of favorite family spots are too crowded to shoot at- and one of many reasons I recommend Charlottesville family photos at home!
This session took place on one of those crisp fall afternoons in Charlottesville. Even though it was mid-November, it was still warm enough to play outside and the leaves were in their full glory. As a Charlottesville photographer, these backyard and home sessions are the kind I love most.
We started out front on the family’s porch swing, softly playing games and chatting. The kids piled on together, swinging and chatting with each other while I hung back and captured their rhythm. There’s something about a porch swing in Virginia that invites a slower pace and natural ease.
Backyard Play and Personality : The Keys to natural fall family photos in Charlottesville
From there, we wandered to the backyard to let out some energy and get playful! It was a space full of stories, since they spend hours and hours here every afternoon and weekend. The playground was clearly a staple in their daily life, and it didn’t take long for the kids to start climbing and chasing each other around. The parents joined in, not for the sake of a photo, but because this is part of their real life.
Pushing those swings back and forth, meeting at the bottom of the slide, timing races – it won’t be forever, but it’s life right now.
When you live among the trees, the greatest gift for a kid in the fall is the endless piles of leaves to jump in. You almost don’t even care how many leaves and bugs get in their hair because the laughter is so contagious.
We also decided to incorporate one of their favorite activities in the session – roasting s’mores around the fire.
The kids fingers got sticky and their lips were smeared with chocolate, but the mood became calm and sweet. They passed around the picnic basket and laughed when marshmallows caught fire. Their dog waited patiently at their feet for graham cracker crumbs as we watched the sun dip below the trees.
Tips for a Comfortable, Laid-Back Fall Session
1. Dress in comfortable layers
Fall weather can be unpredictable, so go for comfort—think cozy knits, jackets you’d wear anyway, and colors that compliment the tones of the fall season outdoors. Patterns and texture are great additions as layers; it’s better to be warm and happy than matching and miserable.
2. Don’t Worry About the Kids Sitting Still
Movement is welcome (and it keeps you warm!). Sessions are built around play and activity as staples for family connection.
3. Plan a familiar favorite activity
Enjoy a favorite treat (donuts, carmel apples!) or a game you love (cornhole, leaf jumping!), or even a favorite fall tradition like pumpkin carving. Any activity, no matter how simple, helps take your mind out of a “photo session” and into “family memories” zone, adding more meaning and ease to the experience while you’re at it.
4. Let go of perfection
The goal isn’t perfect smiles—it’s photos that feel like your family. Unless you’re always smiling, don’t try to force it. Smiles more naturally bubble up when things feel light and low-pressure.
Plus you’ll get imagery that speaks to all kinds of other emotions that makes us human, as well.
If you’re wondering whether your yard is photo-worthy or if your kids will cooperate, you’re not alone. But the truth is, there’s no such thing!
The best sessions evolve from leaning into what you already love about one another and letting your life be reflected for the beauty that it is right now.
The #1 Best Tip for Fall Family Photos in Charlottesville:
Be all there. This kind of session isn’t about chasing some perfect shot or looking a certain way like other idealistic fall family photos you saw on Pinterest.
It’s about being all in together – whatever the weather, whatever the mood. If that sounds like your kind of pace, I’d love to be your Charlottesville photographer.
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