DIY Fall Photos For the Busy Photographer
As a busy family photographer, finding the time to take professional fall family photos of your own family can be a challenge. However, with a little planning and creativity, it is absolutely possible to DIY stunning fall family photos. Here are some tips to help you capture beautiful moments with your loved ones, while balancing your busy schedule:
Plan Ahead
Set a date and time that works for everyone in the family, ensuring that you have sufficient daylight for the shoot.
Choose a picturesque outdoor location that will provide a stunning backdrop for your photographs. Consider scenic parks, tree-lined avenues, or colorful gardens.
Coordinate outfits that complement the fall colors, avoiding shades that clash with the natural surroundings. Earth tones, burgundy, mustard, and deep greens are usually great choices for fall-themed outfits.
Lighting and Timing
Shoot during the "Golden Hour" – the hour following sunrise or the hour before sunset – when the light is soft and warm, enhancing the fall colors.
Avoid midday when the sunlight is harsh, causing unflattering shadows and squinting family members.
If you are limited to shooting during the day, find shaded areas with even lighting, such as under a large tree or in the shadows of buildings.
Use Natural Elements
Make use of the beautiful fall foliage to enhance your compositions. Incorporate colorful leaves, fallen acorns, or bare branches into your shots to create depth and add a fall atmosphere.
Props such as blankets, baskets, or seasonal accessories like pumpkin spice lattes or cozy scarves can add a cozy and festive touch to your photos.
Encourage natural interactions between family members to capture genuine emotions and moments of connection. Playful activities like throwing leaves, walking hand in hand, or sharing a warm cup of cider can make for heartwarming shots.
Composition and Framing
Experiment with different angles and perspectives to create visually interesting and dynamic compositions.
Utilize leading lines, such as paths, fences, or rows of trees, to guide the viewer's eye towards the main subjects.
Remember the rule of thirds – place your family members slightly off-center to add balance and visual appeal to your photos.
Equipment and Settings
If you have a DSLR camera or a high-quality smartphone, use it to capture sharp and detailed images.
Opt for a wide aperture (low f-stop number) to create a shallow depth of field, blurring the background and making your family members stand out.
Shoot in RAW format for maximum control during editing and to preserve the details in your images.
Post-processing and Editing
Once you have captured your fall family photos, select the best shots and import them into photo editing software.
Adjust white balance, exposure, and contrast to enhance the fall colors and create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Consider applying a fall-themed filter or presets to maintain a cohesive and seasonal look throughout your images.
Remember, the most important aspect of DIY fall family photos is to enjoy the process and have fun with your family. These captured moments will be cherished for years to come. So, embrace the beauty of the season, let your creativity flow, and savor the joy of photographing your loved ones amidst the glorious colors of fall.
