When is the best time for fall family photos in Minnesota?
Typically, fall colors are at their peak in Saint Cloud during the last week of September and the first week of October - Though it varies from year to year. It is a busy time of year for me, so make sure to reach out early to save your spot for your fall family photoshoot!
Where are the best places to take fall family pictures in Saint Cloud, Minnesota?
There are some beautiful locations for photoshoots that are nearby - Some awesome fall photoshoot locations are:
Quarry Park and Nature Center (parking fee of $5 if you don't have an annual pass)
Munsinger Gardens (this location does have a $37.77 fee.)
Bend in the River Regional Park
Sauk River Regional Park (Friends of Whitney Dog Park entrance)
These locations are all very accessible - The Friends of Whitney Dog Park entrance would be the most difficult to navigate as it has steep stairs going down to the bridge. The rest have paths and trails that would be fairly easy to navigate with a stroller.
How to choose outfits for fall family pictures
Styling is such an important piece of preparing for your family photoshoot - For a long time, there was a trend to wear matching outfits. This is no longer a trend and looks pretty dated. The most timeless and visually appealing way to approach styling is to coordinate your family's outfits so that they go together in a pleasing way that help to tell the story.
I like to think about outfits as the background music to your photoshoot, just like a great soundtrack in a movie, tastefully selected outfits help to tell your story and draw out emotion.
Start with the person who is the hardest to dress (often this is mom!) I have a client closet that my clients can have access to for mom to choose a dress that she loves. Once you have that anchor outfit chosen, then you can build the rest of the outfits around that first one.
You will want to choose coordinating colors (so nothing that clashes) and aim for timeless colors - Neon colors, graphics and logos, or lots of patterns are not going to photograph well and will distract in the final images.
Adding in layers (like cozy cable knit sweaters) and textures (like lace, knits, and corduroy) really helps to create more dimension and interest in your images. For women and girls, I love outfits that have LOTS of movement! Long flowy dresses, bell sleeves, and dusters are some examples of pieces that will add that perfect touch of movement to your session.
What colors are good to wear for our Minnesota fall family pictures?
Okay - Here is where it gets fun! There are so many beautiful colors to choose from and I love helping to bring all the pieces together. When you book a session with me, I help style you and your family so that you don't have to figure this all out on your own. Try to pick one or two main colors and fill in the rest with neutrals - You don't want the outfits to start clashing or distracting from each other, the goal is to tell a cohesive story.
Here are some of my favorite outfit color combinations for fall family photoshoots:
Denim - Rust - Olive - Camel
Cream - Olive - Mauve - Cinnamon
Rust - Mustard - Olive - Cream
Maroon - Mustard - Olive - Cream
Some colors that I would avoid are:
Black (black pants or short can work though - just not dresses or shirts)
Dark blue (jeans don't count!)
Neon
Bright white (off white or cream is perfect though!)
Bright blue
I'd also avoid bright purple (plum is pretty though!) and pink for fall - They look out of place in the fall foliage.
These colors don't photograph very well, they can hide detail or cause color casting that it not flattering and difficult to fix.
Neutrals like creams, browns, olive, caramel, tan, grey, etc., are going to be SO important to make sure you incorporate into your outfit scheme! It can also be really pretty to have an entirely neutral theme - Especially at the peak of leaf change season, it can be pretty to have the gorgeous leaves with the neutral tones of your outfits.
Interested in booking a family photoshoot this fall in Saint Cloud, Minnesota?
Hi! My name is Susannah, I am a lifestyle family photographer based in Saint Cloud, Minnesota and serving the surrounding communities. Creating a seamless and luxury experience for families like you who want to capture this time in life and document the personalities and dynamics within their family is what I love to do! I think it is so important for family photos to be fun and comfortable for everyone.
Your experience doesn't end with capturing beautiful photos and having them in an online gallery: Maybe it is because I am a mom too, but I know how much it means to me to be able to walk around the house and see photos of my precious family.
Included in your family photography package is a $100 print credit (you can use it to purchase prints and products through your gallery's integrated professional print store.)
Booking is open for your 2024 fall photo session, but sessions are limited so now is the time to get your session on the calendar.
You can read more about family sessions with me, or visit my investment page, or use the button below to save your date!
work with me
A meaningful and fun photo experience with your spouse and kiddos in one of the beautiful outdoor locations near St. Cloud, MN: Whether it is a field, lake-side beach, or wooded area, I am always on the search for more beautiful places to recommend for my clients.
work with me
Intentional photos of the expectant mother in a beautiful outdoor location. Her significant other and other children are included in the session as well. Flowy dresses to highlight your beautiful bump and make you feel as stunning as you are highly recommended!
work with me
Intentional and stress-free photos of your beautiful newborn (and his or her immediate family) in either the comfort of your own home where baby's memories begin, or in a beautiful outdoor location near St. Cloud.
St. Cloud, MN
family + newborn photographer
Hi, my name is
Susannah!
There are too many beautiful little moments to family life and motherhood to let them pass by undocumented.
My name is Susannah, I am a follower of Christ, wife to my hardworking hubby, mama to two sweet little boys, lover of photographs, and family photographer in Saint Cloud, Minnesota.
Helping families become comfortable and relaxed in front of my camera so that their true personalities can shine through, creating timeless treasured pieces of art, is such a joy to me!
Photos are about telling the story of your child's boisterous laughter, your newborn's curled fingers around your own, your daughter's special snuggle against her daddy's chest, the sun catching the curls bouncing as your toddler tumbles into your arms, & the tender warmth of being wrapped in your husband's embrace. These are the moments you'll want to remember!
I love to get to know you, the things that are special to you, the things that you want to remember, and tailoring sessions to each family to tell your story in an intentional and meaningful way.
