The magic of an Autumn outdoor family session
On the magic of Autumn… Notes from a family photographer
“Autumn colours flame
Hues of gold, amber and rust
Photographer’s dream”
There's a certain slant of light on Autumn days...
Dreamy.
Even.
Still.
A softness and depth you don't get on bright summer days.
The most perfect backdrop of colourful, textured leaves, and all over it… the beautiful Autumnal Cornish light to evoke bittersweet emotions of the changing seasons.
There is nothing like Autumn when it comes to creating heart-warmingly beautiful, perfectly crafted portraits of your family all together, enjoying some memories together.
The Autumn light allows me to capture your children as they move about, like Ezra in this image - toddling in the leaves and throwing them in the air - without having to worry about angles or the harsher highlights and shadows that can affect summer shoots.
Anyone with a one year old knows how quickly they go and how impossible it is to keep them in one place!
The magical 'Golden hour' in Autumn is much more amenable for routines, meaning little ones are at their best, and not sleepy and ready for bed. A relaxed, fun session of seasonal beauty.
Happy children playing.
Rich vibrant colours and glowing warm tones.
Photographs that feel like… home
This is what I want your outdoor portraits to feel like, and how I want you imagine the experience of creating them.
In contrast to a bright beach summer session, think warm Autumn tones and earthy natural vibes.
A beautiful spot outdoors, in the late afternoon light.
A blanket laid out to lay or sit on surrounded by natural autumn colours, soft natural light making your baby’s squishy cheeks glow and those big eyes sparkle. Fresh air and big skies overhead - natures’ softbox - as the sun casts soft, luminous light over the setting.
Now picture that little face you love more than anything with a huge grin, as you cuddle and tickle and play. Or that look of wonder, as everything glows in the low sunshine.
This all make for a collection of truly stunning images, with a spellbinding quality to them.
Who are these for?
You will love a signature outdoor session if you:
Are interested in a photoshoot that feels like a family date – time to be present with each other, exploring, playing, cuddling, tickling, connecting and loving.
Enjoy adventure an excitement - which means… potentially getting wet or dirty.
Perhaps not right at the start - but when things start to get a bit boring, it could be time to put on wellies and jump in some muddy puddles: Nothing is more fun for a kid than when parents join in the fun!
And what better family memories for your little one than doing those sorts of things with you!
Dads can show off their kid-flipping skills and mums can see how many hugs they can handle.
This is why I am passionate about having family and baby photoshoots outdoors – it allows me to capture the type of moments and memories that can truly be treasured.
Interested in an outdoor Autumn baby session in Cornwall with me?
Meet Phoebe!
I love this photo of baby Phoebe from her outdoor session in the Autumn leaves, and not just because of how sweet her face is! The texture and colour of the leaves create such a beautiful backdrop. The softness of the light (and how it makes the shadows soft too) gives everything a bit of depth and interest. At a brighter time of day, she could have had hard shadows and the light areas would have been washed out and too light.
I find this light perfect for shooting little ones on the go in because it’s more even. In bright sunshine more attention has to be paid to where the sun is and often a great shot doesn’t make it because the light’s not right. If Phoebe was to be crawling or toddling around throwing the leaves up, I’d be able to move around her and get different angles of the fun without having to worry about harsh shadows or highlights being a distraction.
