Tuesday Photo Tip #3: Read the Forecast
How to plan around fall color and your kids’ moods for an easy, happy photo day.
Some predictions don't need a second opinion. Your littlest may have a new favorite stuffie by spring. Your big kid will be a little taller every time you check the doorframe. And your teen will keep growing into the person you've always been proud of.
Here’s one more for fall 2026: autumn arrived early, and the color is moving fast. The golden Bay Area leaves bring warm amber across Sonoma, Marin, and the East Bay by Halloween.
This week brings sunny days in the 70s, and late October brings the color. Either way, dates are filling up, so book now, before El Niño makes November a much harder call! Here’s how to make the most of your session.
YOUR PHOTO DAY GAME PLAN
Pick the time that fits your family: Morning sessions catch little ones fresh and full of energy, with crisp light and quieter parks. Afternoon sessions bring a warm glow and work well for school-age kids and teens. The best time is whenever your family is at its happiest.
Preview the day, then let us lead: Tell your kids what to expect before you go. Once the session starts, let your photographer do the directing. If you coach kids mid-pose (“Smile! Look at the camera!”), they’ll turn to look at you, and you’ll be looking at them instead of at the lens.
Be ready for a breeze: October afternoons can get windy, especially near the coast. Pack your go-to hair essentials, like a hair tie, clips, or a favorite styling product, for quick touch-ups. If the wind picks up, we’ll turn you to face into it so hair blows back, not across faces.
Leave room for the unexpected: Arrive a few minutes early so kids can explore and say hello before the camera comes out. If a cloud rolls in and tears come, scoop them up for a hug. Those comforting moments often become some of the most tender photos in the gallery.
Pro Tip: Poison oak turns a brilliant red in fall. It’s pretty, but it’s not a prop! We’ll keep you in open, cleared areas, and it’s a good rule for little explorers: “Leaves of three, let it be.”
Photographed by Aaron Jones
That’s Tuesday Photo Tip #3! Here’s a prediction you can count on: another quick tip coming right up.
