Why Autumn Is the Perfect Time for Outdoor Family Photography
I might be a little biased because I absolutely love being outside, but I always recommend outdoor family photography, especially during autumn. It’s just so much more fun!
Autumn gives us so many opportunities to let your family relax, explore and simply enjoy being together. You can throw leaves in the air, jump in puddles, run through the trees, wear your favourite woolly jumpers and snuggle up together when it gets a little chilly. And those gorgeous autumn colours are the best!
Your favourite place, your family
When I photograph families outdoors, I love choosing a location that means something to you. It could be your favourite local park, a woodland you visit regularly, a random field you love exploring or even your own garden.
It doesn't need to be a perfectly manicured photography location. In fact, I often prefer somewhere that feels familiar and comfortable for your family. When children know their surroundings, they're much more likely to relax, explore and be themselves.
And that is exactly what I want from your autumn family photoshoot.
Let the kids be kids
One of my favourite things about outdoor family photography is watching children completely come alive once they're outside.
They can run through crunchy leaves, search for conkers, jump in puddles, climb, explore and generally get a little bit messy. There's no expectation for them to sit perfectly still, smile at the camera and behave themselves for an hour.
Because honestly? That's not how childhood works!
It's about connection, not posing
During your family photography session, I don't want you spending the whole time looking at me.
Instead, I'll give you little prompts, games and things to do together, but most of the time I'm there to let you play, explore and connect as a family.
You might be throwing leaves at each other, having a cuddle, chasing the kids through the trees or simply walking hand in hand.
Those little in-between moments are often my absolute favourites.
The moment your child reaches for your hand.
The giggle when Dad throws them in the air.
The huge cuddle after they've been running around.
The completely unplanned moments that you didn't even realise were happening.
That's the magic of natural family photography.
You can't recreate Autumn in the studio
Don't get me wrong, I love my studio too but there are some things you simply can't get indoors.
You can't quite get that beautiful autumn evening light, the sound of leaves under your feet, children covered head-to-toe in mud or the sheer joy of throwing a giant pile of leaves into the air.
And that's why I love autumn family photography in Yorkshire so much.
It's not just about creating beautiful photographs.
It's about giving your family an excuse to get outside, have some fun together and capture what this particular season of your family's life actually felt like.
So embrace the muddy boots, the messy hair, the leaves in your jumper and the children who refuse to stand still.
Those are the photographs you'll love the most.
