Posts tagged Fall Family Photos
Wash Park Wast Fall Family Photos

Wash Park West was the first neighborhood I lived in upon moving to Denver and I immediately fell in love with the gorgeous homes and more importantly the fabulous gardens! So many incredible dessert gardens, xeriscaping, and interesting details. I love the richness of the neighborhood and of course, Washington Park! When I first moved here in June 2021, I walked to the park nearly every day and still go as often as possible. I’ve scoured every inch and love finding the special gems for photo locations. This magic hour session is by far one of my favorite spots in the park. How fabulous is the amaranth (long flowy red flowers)?! I seriously cannot stop gushing over the sweetness of this adorable family. After receiving multiple hugs from the younger girl and approx five “thank you Miss Rachael!” from both daughters, I felt all the warm and fuzzies. Aren’t they adorable?

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Family PhotographyRachael Elana PhotographyWashington ParkFall Family Photos, Family Photos, Denver PhotographerComment
7 Days to 6 Years: Capturing Children's Growth and Family Bonds

I’ve received several messages over the years from my clients sharing stories of loved family members and how meaningful a specific image or gallery featuring that loved one is. One of my favorite stories is about a bride’s grandmother (in her 90s) who didn’t smile in photographs for nearly her whole life. This changed after seeing the candid (smiling) photos I captured of her dancing with her granddaughter (the bride) and she began smiling in photos and loved how she looked. Heartbreakingly I’ve also received several messages telling me how special a photograph I took of a parent or grandparent, who passed away, and how treasured the photos are. Hearing stories like these and the bond I form with my clients over the years is why I LOVE being a family and wedding photographer. It is incredibly meaningful to capture those moments, knowing they will be treasured for generations to come.

The two families featured here are particularly special. Janet, Dom, and Emerald are the sweetest trio! Janet and I met when I photographed a Mommy & Me Yoga Class in 2017. Janet loved the photos I captured of her daughter Emerald, then six months old, and hired me to photograph Emerald’s first birthday party and family portraits. I now have been taking their family photos every year. We recently had a blast dancing and enjoying spring flowers for Emerald’s sixth birthday and I loved seeing what a chatterbox with such a BIG personality she’s become. Janet’s mom joined us for Emerald’s second birthday session (below). Sadly she passed away last year. Emerald and I spoke about how special her grandmother was and I know they treasure the gallery with her loving presence.

Also shown here is The Tang Family! This family has become extremely close friends—our friendship blossomed from Keira’s first birthday shoot since we (Keira, then just one) immediately bonded. I fell in love with Keira and then became fast friends with her fabulous parents over time. I’m now “Aunt Rachael” to Keira and her sweet little brother Quinn—who I often refer to as Quinny. Prepare for cuteness overload!

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Emerald’s 1st Birthday through 6th (4th was skipped due to COVID19)

The Tang Family, starting with Keira at 1 and Quinn at 7 days old

To learn more about my family sessions or schedule a session click here.

Family Photography, Female CreatorsRachael Elana PhotographyRachael Elana PhotographyFamily Photos, Fall Family PhotosComment
How to Prepare for Fall Family Photos
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It is no secret that I LOVE the fall! I started making pumpkin pie breakfast smoothies the day after Labor Day and drinking pumpkin spice coffee for weeks. As a lifestyle photographer, I look forward to fall family photo sessions all year! Fall foliage adds gorgeous color and textures to images; plus, is there anything more fun than playing in leaves or going apple picking, or taking part in other autumnal activities with little pumpkins (children)? NOPE, there isn’t!

To prepare for your photo session, check out my tips below and don’t miss out on the list of my favorite pumpkin recipes (below the tips) because I love sharing pumpkin goodness!

Contact me to inquire about my fall session availability!

Top Ten Tips to Prepare for Fall Family Photos:

1. Coorindate Outfits

The day of wearing matching outfits is long past but choosing outfits that complement one another is crucial. A fool-proof place to start is opting for different neutral colors (grey, ivory, beige, brown, blush) and then add in one or two elements of color, such as orange, blue, or red. It can be helpful to start with one family member’s outfit and plan accordingly. Perhaps your child has a favorite outfit that both of you love, and they will be excited to wear—plan around that. Don’t force your child to wear something they won’t be comfortable in or don’t like—get their buy-in, so we have happy children!

2. Solids vs. Prints

I tend to recommend solid colors that stand the test of time; they also help you “pop” from the background and not blend into it. If you adore prints, it’s best if one or two people wear a print and the others wear solids to avoid pattern clashing and an overly-busy look to the photos. To add depth and interest to solids, choose chunky knits and think about fabrics such as lace, velvet, tweed, herringbone, faux fur, etc.

If you prefer prints, make sure that the prints look nicely against all the group's clothing. Avoid small prints such as small checkered shirts or small stripes, and opt for larger prints.

This family opted for stripes (for both momma and their little sailor) and made it work beautifully by sticking with neutral grey, beige, and navy and keeping everything else simple and well-coordinated. How adorable are those pirate shoes?!

3. Color Palettes

The most important thing while choosing a color scheme is to choose colors that are flattering to the group’s skin tones. Some favorite fall wardrobe colors (to mix with neutrals) are burgundy, berry, burnt orange, mustard yellow, sage, forest green, slate blue, and grey. Mixing neutrals with soft colors such as light pink, blush, or light blue or opting for warm colors like orange, burgundy, and mustard yellow complements foliage beautifully.

Take a look at these families with light pink/beige/navy and eggplant/mustard yellow/burgundy below. Both created gorgeous palettes!  

4. Comfort & Ease of Movement

Choose clothing that you feel fabulous in that gives you freedom of movement, is comfortable, and won’t require maintenance throughout your session. You should be able to sit, twist, squat, walk, and raise your arms comfortably—you want to be able to play in the leaves and move around!  You don’t want to be fixing your clothes when you’re supposed to be looking and feeling carefree.

I’ve had the pleasure of photographing the family below for the last five years, and we jump, squat, and play in the leaves. The mom usually opts for stretchy fitted pants tucked into boots that allow her to play and move easily.

5. Plan for the Weather

Don’t forget to incorporate coats, hats, scarves, and gloves into your outfit planning and dress in layers that can easily be taken off if you get too hot. When planning your layers, make sure your outer layers are part of your outfit and coordinate with your underlayers. I recommend planning both warm weather and cold weather selections for your session. There are unexpectedly cool days (especially when we shoot early in the morning or late in the afternoon) and surprisingly warm days. It will be one less thing to worry about if you are covered for either type of weather.

6. Avoid the Following

Bright white, dark colors such as brown, black or dark navy should all be avoided. Muted colors work much better than saturated so instead of bright red, think burgundy. Don’t wear clothing with logos or text—they detract attention from your faces. I also recommend avoiding holiday colors even if you plan on using these photos for holiday cards. Instead, pick outfits and colors that you will enjoy having framed in your house year-round. Please also avoid transition lenses and if you do wear glasses, clean them before the session. Also, avoid low necklines, visible bra straps, and short skirts or dresses that would need to be regularly adjusted.

7. What to Wear (& not to wear) for Women

Wearing fitted tops tucked into long skirts, a-line dresses or coats, flowy or fitted tunics with skinny pants, and maxi and midi dresses are always flattering. Blazers and cardigans help accentuate shoulders and smaller waists, creating a nice hourglass shape. Scarves can add a fun pop of color. Ankle boots and riding boots are easy to move around in and photograph beautifully. Avoid sleeveless tops or dresses unless you LOVE your arms.

Finding the balance between not too-fitted and not too baggy is key. Make sure your clothing is properly fitted, not too revealing, and flatters your shape. Think about balancing your top half and lower half and what your favorite features are. For example, if you are a pear shape such as myself, think slimmer fit on top and a-line or flowy on the bottom. Wearing a belt to accentuate small waists or to create a waist adds balance and is always flattering. If you want to show off your legs, think skinny pants and a full top. Don’t wear blousy/full on top and bottom—only choose one.

8. What to Wear (& not to wear) for Men

Choose a shirt that is meant to be worn un-tucked and opt for layers. Think blazers, cardigans, button-down shirts with rolled-up sleeves, sweaters over collared shirts, chunky knits, and compliment with slim-fit jeans or chino pants (avoid baggy fit). Leather shoes, boots, and boat shoes all look great—please avoid athletic shoes.

 9. What to Bring & Leave at Home

Leave large handbags, fanny packs, and other burdensome accessories at home.  If you need a stroller or diaper bag, please pack compactly so we can easily leave it out of the shot as we move around.

Does your child have a special toy from a grandparent that they love playing with? A book that makes them smile? Bring it! My 10-month-old nephew smiles and claps the second anyone says “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom”—share those tidbits with your photographer so they can get the best smiles of your little ones!

10. Plan Around Your Child’s Schedule

The hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset is known as “Magic Hour” or “Golden Hour” and often graces us with gorgeous lighting. However, beautiful lighting does not make a child who is missing his or her nap time happy. When choosing the time of day for your session, plan around napping and eating schedules or any “afternoon meltdown” times to ensure your child will be happy and playful. If that time corresponds with Magic Hour—great, but a happy child takes priority over lighting. Golden lighting can be added to the images afterward, thanks to editing.


Questions? Interested in booking a session? Contact me!


And lastly, my favorite pumpkin recipes—please let me know if you try any!

The healthy stuff:

Gluten-free Pumpkin Oat Muffins

Pumpkin Lentil Soup

Pumpkin Breakfast Cookie

The semi-healthy:

Penne with Pumpkin Sauce

Paleo Pumpkin Pie

The indulgent (and totally worth it):

Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Tart—this is seriously one of the best things I’ve ever baked!

Photography, Family PhotographyRachael Elana PhotographyRachael Elana PhotographyOutfit Guide, Planning tips, Family Photos, Fall Family PhotosComment