A mother holds her young child in a golden autumn field, both smiling warmly, surrounded by tall grass and fall foliage.

Tacoma+Puyallup Photographer


Fall family photos in Washington are gorgeous.


Golden leaves, cozy sweaters, pretty light... and approximately a 93% chance you'll check the weather app 47 times before your session. 😂



If you're planning fall family photos around Puyallup, Tacoma, Orting, Bonney Lake or anywhere else in the South Sound, here's how to make the whole thing a little easier.



Young redhead girl in glasses sits on wicker chair in autumn field wearing black top and rust dress during fall photo session in Puyallup.


Dress for Actual Washington Weather


October can give us sunshine, wind, drizzle and freezing temperatures in the same afternoon.


Layers are your friend.


Think sweaters, cardigans, boots, long dresses, textured knits and jackets that actually look good with your outfits. For little ones especially, I'd rather have them comfortably layered than freezing five minutes into the session.


And bring a backup layer/actual coats for the kids to wear in between. You may never need it, but you'll be very happy it's in the car if you do.


Don't Panic About the Forecast


PNW weather forecasts are... suggestions. 😂


A little cloud cover can actually give us beautiful, soft light, and an overcast day absolutely does not mean your photos won't be gorgeous.


If the weather truly isn't going to cooperate, we'll make a plan. You don't need to spend the entire week leading up to your session refreshing the forecast.

Bring the Boring Stuff



  • Wipes
  • Water
  • Non-messy snacks
  • Hairbrush
  • Warm coats
  • Backup clothes for little kids


Nothing glamorous, but when your toddler discovers the muddiest spot in Western Washington approximately four minutes before photos, you'll ne so happy to have clean, dry clothes for them.

Let Your Kids Be Kids


Fall phoro sessions don't require perfectly behaved children.


If they need to run for a minute, we'll run. If they want to explore, we'll work with it. If they need a break, we'll take one.


Some of the best photos happen when everyone stops worrying quite so much about getting the photo and starts interacting with each other instead.


I'll guide your family, give you things to do and keep everything moving.



Give Yourself More Time Than You Think You Need


Don't schedule yourself down to the minute, that will only cause stress for everyone.


Give yourself extra time to get everyone dressed, deal with the missing shoe nobody can find, feed the toddler, fix your hair and get out the door without feeling like you're already 20 minutes behind.


The calmer you arrive, the easier it is to settle in and actually enjoy your session.



A young girl with long curly hair in a beige dress stands in a golden autumn field with colorful trees behind her during fall photo session.
A young girl with curly hair in a white dress walks through a golden field with autumn trees in the background during fall photos in Tacoma.
A happy family walks through an autumn field, parents holding hands while father carries their baby, wearing warm earth-toned outfits.

And Then... Just Enjoy Your Family


Your kids are going to grow.

The missing teeth will come in.

The toddler curls might disappear.

They'll stop asking to be carried.


Fall gives us a ridiculously pretty backdrop, but your family is the part that matters.


So show up warm, bring the snacks, embrace whatever Washington weather gives us, and let me worry about the photos.


I'll see you out there. ❤️


 

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