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Behind the Scenes: A Day in the Life of a Fall Family Photographer

Writer's picture: D.HoffgaardD.Hoffgaard

Family of four posing for family photo surrounded by glowing fall foliage

Hey everyone! I thought it would be fun to share a little behind-the-scenes look at what a typical day looks like for me during my favorite season—fall! 🍂 Fall is such a beautiful time for family photos, especially here in Canada, and I’m always amazed at the vibrant colors, the crisp air, and yes, even the unpredictable weather.



Scouting for That Perfect Spot


One thing I always do before a session is scout the location about 15 minutes before the shoot. I’m constantly chasing the best light! With the days getting shorter and the sun setting earlier every week, I have to be on my toes. Sometimes, I’ll even visit places like Invermere or Fairmont Hot Springs multiple times to make sure we get the perfect backdrop. It's not just about picking a pretty spot but also finding the right angles and light. Nature can be tricky, but that’s what makes it so exciting!




Don't Fear the Weather


Let me tell you a little secret: don’t cancel your session just because of a little sprinkle of rain or clouds! I had a recent session with some light rain, and the cloud formations were absolutely breathtaking. Those overcast skies can actually create the most dynamic, dramatic photos. A little rain can bring out a whole new side of the landscape—everything looks so fresh and vibrant, and the light becomes softer. So, don't worry if the weather looks a bit iffy. Some of my favorite shots have been taken in less-than-perfect weather!


Family of five standing at Wetlands Viewpoint in Invermere enjoying stunning mountain vistas and cloud formations


Setups, Props, and All the Extras


When it comes to mini sessions, I’m one of those photographers who can never keep it simple! While some might stick to one location and a basic setup, I get so excited that I often go overboard. I'm always hunting for new decorations and props. I can’t resist a good buy & swap page deal! You’d be surprised at how many adorable little items I’ve scored from local sellers. From cozy blankets to cute fall-themed props, I love adding those extra touches that make each session feel unique.


But this also means my storage space keeps getting more and more crowded, haha! My home is basically a mini storage unit for seasonal decor at this point. I just can’t help myself— I love seeing everything come together for those cozy, themed mini sessions.




Fall Foliage: My Best Friend


This year, I was a little nervous about the weather. With the strong winds and storms we’ve had lately, I thought the fall leaves might disappear before my mini sessions even started. Thankfully, the trees have held onto their gorgeous colors, and the leaves have been glowing in the sunlight! Seriously, there's nothing quite like a backdrop of golden and red leaves to make a family photo pop.


Every time I scout a new location, I’m always on the lookout for the trees that still have that perfect mix of fall colors. But, trust me, it’s a race against time—by next week, the landscape could look completely different!


A family of four and a dog posing for a fall family photo smiling surrounded by fall foliage


It’s All About the Moments


At the end of the day, what I love most about being a fall family photographer is capturing those authentic moments between families. Whether it’s the kids playing in the leaves, couples snuggling up under a blanket, or even the family pet joining the fun—it’s those genuine, candid moments that make each session special. Every family brings their own energy, and I love being able to document those memories for them.


Fall sessions are a little more unpredictable with the light changing fast, but that’s part of the fun. We move around, we chase the sun (or the clouds!), and we create beautiful memories together. It’s a wild ride sometimes, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.


A family of four posing for fall family photo and throwing colourful leaves in the air


Wrapping It Up


So, that’s a little peek into what goes on behind the scenes during my fall family sessions. From location scouting to dealing with the weather to buying all the cute props, it’s always an adventure. I’m so grateful for the families who trust me to capture their memories, no matter what the skies have in store.


A family of four posing for a fall family photo in front of beautiful yellow birch trees

If you’ve been thinking about booking a fall session, now’s the perfect time! Let’s make some magic with those colorful leaves before they’re all gone! Let's chat :)


Cheers to cozy fall photoshoots and endless pumpkin spice everything! 🎃📸






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