I still remember the first time I attempted a fall family photoshoot with my son. It was a Saturday morning in early October. The leaves were glowing golden and crimson, our neighborhood looked straight out of a Hallmark movie—and yet, I was sweating through my flannel shirt, chasing a toddler who refused to wear shoes. My coffee sat forgotten on the porch, and my perfectly timed “golden hour” shoot? Missed it entirely.
That day taught me something important: family photos are about memories, not perfection.
As a working mom in the U.S., juggling deadlines, laundry, and the mental load of motherhood, I’ve learned to let go of unrealistic expectations and instead focus on creating moments that feel real and cozy. Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks to make fall photoshoots less stressful and a lot more fun—and I’d love to share them with you.
Making Time: Balancing Photoshoots with a Busy Schedule
Let’s be real—finding the time for a family photoshoot is tough. Between Zoom meetings, meal preps, and soccer practice, it often feels like there are just not enough hours in the day. But I’ve found that the key to making it work lies in planning ahead and simplifying.
My Time-Saving Tips:
- Block it out: I schedule our shoot like a doctor’s appointment. I block a weekend morning two to three weeks in advance and stick to it. No rescheduling unless it’s pouring rain!
- Use mini sessions: Local photographers often offer 20-30 minute fall mini sessions. They’re quick, affordable, and perfect for wiggly kids.
- Keep it local: You don’t need a mountain view to get stunning fall photos. Some of our favorite backdrops have been our own backyard, the local pumpkin patch, or a nearby park with crunchy leaves.
And if you’re shooting the photos yourself (been there too), keep your expectations manageable. One or two good shots are plenty—especially when your toddler insists on making silly faces in every single one.
What to Wear: Coordinated, Not Matchy-Matchy
I used to spend hours scouring Pinterest for “perfect” family outfit inspiration. It left me feeling overwhelmed and, honestly, a little defeated. Now I go for cozy, coordinated colors that reflect the season—and our personalities.
Outfit Ideas That Work:
- Color palette: Think rust, mustard, navy, olive, cream, and burgundy. Earth tones always photograph beautifully in the fall.
- Layers: Vests, scarves, chunky cardigans, and boots add texture and warmth.
- Avoid logos and neon colors: They distract from faces and mess with the autumn vibe.
- Let your child shine: I always let my son pick one part of his outfit—sometimes it’s a hat or a favorite flannel. If he feels good, he cooperates better (and looks way more natural).
Remember, the goal isn’t to look like a magazine ad. It’s to capture you—the real, messy, beautiful you.
Simple Location Ideas for Fall Magic
Don’t stress over finding the perfect photo spot. I used to think we had to drive an hour to get “the look,” but it turns out, you can find magic almost anywhere in fall.
Here are a few of our go-to spots:
- Backyard blanket setups with pumpkins, mums, and hot cocoa mugs.
- Leaf piles at the local park—pure toddler joy.
- Wooden fences or barns nearby add rustic charm.
- Apple orchards or pumpkin patches—great for candid shots (and donuts after!).
If you’re going DIY, shoot during the golden hour—about an hour before sunset—for the dreamiest light. And take a mix of posed and candid shots. My favorite photos are always the ones where we’re laughing or mid-snuggle.
Self-Care Before the Camera Clicks
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room—us. As moms, we’re often behind the camera, capturing everyone else’s memories. And when we do step in front of it, we’re quick to pick apart how we look. Trust me, I’ve been there.
I used to avoid family photos because I didn’t feel “camera-ready.” But I realized my son isn’t going to look back and wish I had fewer wrinkles or wore more makeup. He’s going to remember that I was there. Smiling. Hugging. Being present.
How I Take Care of Myself (Just a Bit) Before a Photoshoot:
- Pick my outfit first: If I feel confident, everything else flows better.
- Wake up early: Give yourself a quiet moment before the rush begins.
- Drink water, eat breakfast, and breathe: Seriously—it makes a difference.
- Let go of perfection: The camera doesn’t capture flaws. It captures love.
Mom Guilt and the Myth of the “Perfect Memory”
For a while, I thought every photoshoot had to be this dreamy, Pinterest-worthy moment—kids smiling, outfits perfect, no meltdowns. Reality? That’s rarely how it goes.
One year, my son tripped in a mud puddle five minutes in. Another year, he flat-out refused to smile unless he was holding a stick. Those were the photos that made me laugh the hardest later. Those were the memories that stuck.
So here’s the truth: you don’t need a perfect shoot to have perfect memories. You need to show up, laugh when it goes sideways, and know that the love you share will shine through.
Work-Life Balance: Making Space for Joy
Fall photoshoots are just one piece of the larger puzzle—balancing motherhood, work, and the desire to create meaningful family moments.
I won’t pretend it’s easy. There are days when I feel like I’m failing at both jobs. But I’ve learned a few things that help me stay grounded and joyful.
What’s Helped Me:
- Boundaries: I don’t answer work emails after 6 PM. Period.
- Asking for help: Whether it’s a babysitter, my partner, or just delivery dinner, I’ve learned to accept support.
- Blocking out joy: I literally add “family hike” or “pumpkin carving” to my calendar so I don’t work over it.
- Saying no: To extra projects, to perfect photos, to the pressure to do everything.
Our time and energy are precious. Photoshoots should be a celebration of our life together—not another item on the to-do list.
Final Thoughts: You’re Doing Amazing, Mama
If you’re reading this and feeling a little overwhelmed, I want you to hear this clearly: you are doing enough.
Whether your fall photoshoot ends in Pinterest-worthy perfection or a sticky mess of apple cider and tantrums, what matters is that you showed up. You created a memory. You were there.
Our kids don’t need perfect—they need present.
So grab your cozy sweaters, laugh through the chaos, and let yourself be in the frame this year. You deserve to be part of the story. And I promise—when you look back on these moments, you’ll be so glad you captured them.
From one working mom to another: you’ve got this.
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