My number one tip for doing your senior pictures in the Fall.

Summer is winding down here in Michigan, which means it’s almost time for my Fall loving seniors! My best tip if you’re going to do your senior pictures in the Fall comes down to two words: be flexible. Being flexible with a Fall senior portrait session is a must, let me explain.

In the summer, the weather is more reliable and consistent. In the Fall, on the other hand, temperatures can swing wildly! On any given October day, it could be 70 degrees and sunny, or 40 degrees and rainy. That’s why it’s so important to stay flexible when planning what to wear.

I recommend choosing outfits with layers. You may have outfits with short sleeves picked out and will work just fine if you’re lucky to get a warm day. But if it’s in the 50s and a little windy, you’ll be glad to have a cozy sweater, stylish jacket, or cute coat to layer on top. On the flip side, if the weather surprises us with an unseasonably warm day, you’ll want a lighter option so you’re comfortable.

I often say that the hardest part of my job is predicting Michigan’s weather! If rain is in the forecast, we’ll reschedule your session. The tricky part with Fall is that the season only gets colder as it goes on, so flexibility is key. You may need to miss school, sports, or activity to find a date that works for both of us.

Some seniors really want the Fall color for their senior pictures. Although we can aim for that, the weather and types of trees at a location does affect when the color will peak! I recommend being flexible with your location choice. Pick two or three locations with in a reasonable distance of each other and drive by those locations the day before your session to see which location has the best color.

As a senior photographer with years of experience, I have tips and tricks for making it through your Fall session so make sure you express your concerns, ask questions and stay flexible and your senior portraits will be great!