It’s no secret that Fall in Portland, Oregon takes your breath away. Everywhere you turn, there’s vibrant colors and beautiful backdrops. There’s a reason why it’s my favorite time of year for family photos. Planning ahead and knowing when to schedule your fall photos can make all the difference when it comes to including the fall backdrops your dreaming of.
- TIMING YOUR SESSION FOR PEAK FOLIAGE
Portland and the Columbia River Gorge are known for stunning fall foliage. While the exact timing for peak foliage can vary year to year depending on weather, we can generally guess when the best times for scheduling are. September starts to usher in sneak peeks of colors. By mid-October, reds, oranges and yellows tend to be out in full force. By November, leaves are hitting the ground and bare by the end of the month. Weather conditions can cause timing to vary, but we’ll keep an eye on forecasts and specific locations as your session date approaches. - CONSIDER THE WEATHER
Unpredictable weather in the fall, especially October/November, is common. While the possibility of rain is to be expected, don’t let it deter you from scheduling. Chances are we can power through and make due if it’s relatively mild and overcast skies can create soft lighting. Be flexible with scheduling and be prepared to reschedule if the rain/winds are too heavy. Prefer to avoid the weather altogether? No worries – Portland has many studio options to choose from! - CHOOSING THE BEST TIME OF DAY
In the fall, the sun sets earlier in the day. So getting that golden hour glow right before sunset means earlier start times for family sessions. This often works in the favor of families with small children who want to keep bedtime routines normal. It is common for photos to be scheduled around 4/5pm. Mid-morning always works great for getting good light while keeping your littles well fed and rested. - AVOIDING CROWDS
Many popular locations are crowded on weekends. If you prefer to have a more peaceful setting, try scheduling your session on a weekday or early in the morning when there are less people. I also have favorite lesser known locations that often offer privacy or minimal crowds, which I tend to suggest utilizing on the weekends when popular spots are busy. - SCHEDULE IN ADVANCE
Fall is a busy time for Portland family photographers while the upcoming holidays are on people’s minds. Getting the perfect photo for holiday cards and gifts in time for family get togethers is on the radar for many. Aim to book your photographer early – ideally by late August/September so you have plenty of time to plan and be prepared. - PLAN TO BE FLEXIBLE THIS TIME OF YEAR
Flexibility is always important when it comes to family photos, but especially during the fall. While we can lay the best plans for a perfect session, sometimes there are things that are out of our control (weather, illness, etc.). Be open to rescheduling if necessary or rolling with what cards we are dealt. Leading up to your session, we’ll keep an eye on the weather so we can have a plan in place that meets your needs.
Scheduling fall family photos in Portland, Oregon can come with it’s own set of challenges but the beautiful backdrops are worth the extra planning and flexible mindset. Aim for mid-to-late October to capture the best colors and have ample time for rescheduling if needed. Planning your session with these tips in mind will help us create the timeless and magical feel in Oregon. Email amy@rosencrownphoto.com to get started planning today.
comments +