I get it. I know many of you picture your outdoor family or maternity photos framed by vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows - and believe me, I’m right there with you. But here’s the thing: as much as I’d love to promise those peak colors for your session, nature has its own unpredictable timeline. While I always aim to capture the beauty of the season, the exact timing of those perfect fall colors is out of our control. Especially because many sessions are booked months in advance. So, let’s chat about why that’s okay, and how we can still create stunning photos, no matter what the leaves decide to do!
The Unpredictability of Nature
As much as I’d love to plan every session around perfect fall colors, the truth is that nature likes to keep us on our toes, especially when we think we have it figured out! The timing of those peak reds, oranges, and yellows can vary a lot from year to year. And yes - we do have fall foliage reports that can generally predict the timeline of peak fall foliage - but even that can be wrong depending on factors out of our control (like a storm coming through a day or two before your session). Things like weather patterns, temperature swings, and even the exact location within Pittsburgh all play a part in how and when the leaves change. Some years, the colors might pop early, while other years they take their time. It’s all part of the beauty of the season, but it also means that predicting the exact moment when the leaves will be at their best is tricky, if not impossible. That’s why, instead of focusing solely on peak foliage, I work to create beautiful, meaningful images that capture the essence of the season—no matter what the trees decide to do.
The Beauty of All Stages of Fall
There's beauty in all stages of fall, not just peak color. The truth is, every part of fall has its own special charm. Early in the season, you get this beautiful mix of green with hints of color starting to peek through—it’s like the first signs of autumn. Plus, in the early fall, you get the beautiful goldenrod! Mid-fall is when you typically see those classic, vibrant colors that everyone loves, but late fall has its own magic too. The more subdued, rustic atmosphere with fallen leaves, tall golden grass, and bare trees can create a wonderfully cozy and intimate setting for photos. So, no matter when your session falls on the calendar, there’s always something uniquely beautiful to capture.
Flexibility and Creativity
When it comes to fall photos, I like to think of it as working with whatever nature gives us. Even if the leaves aren’t exactly at their peak, there’s still so much beauty to capture. I’ve got a few go-to spots that tend to have reliable color, but I’m also a big fan of getting creative with the landscape. Whether it’s using a unique angle, finding a hidden gem of a location, or focusing on the emotions and connections between you and your loved ones, there’s always a way to create stunning images. After all, the most important thing in your photos is the people in them, and that’s what I love to highlight, no matter what the backdrop looks like. So I encourage you to focus on the people and connection in your photos, because that's what really matters.
I want you to know that I’m always going to do my best to pick the perfect time and place for your session. I keep an eye on the foliage report and have a good sense of where to find those beautiful fall colors. But, as much as I’d love to, I can’t control exactly when the trees will be at their peak. What I can promise is that we’ll create something special together, no matter what the backdrop looks like. The most important thing is the experience and the memories we capture during your session. Those are the moments that will stand the test of time, whether the leaves are vibrant or just starting to fall.
Ready to make some magic? Contact me to book your session!
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