5 Mistakes to Avoid When Booking Your Fall Family Photos

Fall is the busiest season for family photos in Michigan and things can sometimes feel hectic in the rush to coordinate family schedules, not to mention coordinate outfits! There are a 5 common mistakes when booking fall family photos that can make planning more stressful than it needs to be, but every one of them is easy to avoid. Here’s 5 pointers we’ve compiled that will have you fully enjoying your time in the changing leaves and cozy sweaters that create the perfect backdrop for timeless family portraits.

 

#1. Biggest Mistake – Waiting Too Long to Book Your Fall Photos

This is by far the biggest mistake we see every year.

Many families start thinking about photos when they notice the leaves beginning to change. This could be the end of September, or even into October. By then, the most desirable evening and weekend dates are often already reserved. Every year we get inquiries in October for fall sessions, and every year we have to turn them away.

If you have your heart set on a weekend and want peak fall color, booking early – preferably the first week of August – will give you the best chance of getting the date you want. It also gives you more flexibility should weather require a reschedule.

Tip: Our books officially open on August 1. Reserve your session as soon as booking opens—even if you haven’t picked out outfits or selected a location yet. Email us at hello@kidlettephoto.com

 

#2. Choosing Outfits at the Last Minute

Planning clothing the night before your session usually leads to unnecessary stress.

Instead, choose your color scheme several weeks in advance. Earth tones, rich jewel tones, warm neutrals, textured fabrics, and layers photograph beautifully against Michigan’s autumn landscape. The goal isn’t for everyone to match — it’s for everyone’s outfits to complement one another while still reflecting each person’s personality. Giving yourself time also means you can order anything that’s missing rather than settling for whatever happens to be available, or even jus relatively clean!

We have a full Fall Outfit Guide available to assist you here, and we’re always happy to consult with you on your wardrobe choices. What you wear can make or break your photos and styling your session is something we welcome!

You can also find our Top 10 Tips for Hair and Makeup here.

 

#3. Trying to Predict Peak Color

Many people ask, “Can we book exactly when the leaves will be at their peak?”

The truth is, we can try. In our experience, peak color changes every year depending on rainfall, temperatures, and weather patterns. Some years the color arrives early. Other years it lingers well into late October.

The good news is that beautiful photographs don’t depend on one specific week. Early fall offers lush greens with hints of color, peak season brings vibrant oranges and reds, and late fall creates a warm, earthy, timeless look.

Every stage of the season has its own beauty.

 

#4. Forgetting About What Happens After the Session

Most families spend time planning the session itself but never think about how they’ll enjoy their photographs afterward. Before your session, imagine where your images will live.Will they become a gallery wall in your family room? A handcrafted heirloom album to flip through every year?

Framed artwork for your hallway? Holiday cards or gifts for grandparents?

We believe the most meaningful photographs deserve to be seen every day—not left on a hard drive.

Knowing how you want to live with your photographs helps guide everything from clothing choices to image selections to location.

 

 

#5. Thinking Perfection Is Required In Your Fall Photos

Parents often worry their children need to smile perfectly, sit still, and cooperate every second.

Please know this is not true.

The best family photographs rarely come from perfect posing. They come from genuine connection.

We’ll laugh. We’ll walk. We’ll play. We’ll talk. You’ll be gently guide you through the session while creating space for natural interactions that reflect who your family really is.

Some of our clients’ favorite images are the ones they never expected—the spontaneous laughter, the hugs, the in between moments amongst siblings. Those are the memories worth preserving.

 

A Few Final Thoughts When Booking Fall Photos

Fall sessions are about more than colorful leaves. They’re about documenting this chapter of your family’s story before it changes again. Children grow. Seniors graduate. Families evolve.

The photographs you create today will become a part of your personal archive, and the memories you’ll treasure tomorrow.

Planning ahead means less stress, more choices, and a relaxed experience from start to finish.

If a fall session is on your mind, we encourage you to reserve your date early.

Our books open AUGUST 1.

Please reach out to us at hello@kidlettephoto.com

We can’t wait tell your family’s story this fall!

 

Kidlette is a full-service photographer specializing in high school senior, family, headshots & brand storytelling sessions, serving Metro Detroit – including Rochester Hills, Birmingham, Bloomfield, and Grosse Pointe, Michigan