Fall senior pictures sound pretty perfect.
Cooler temperatures.
Cute layers.
Beautiful color.
No sweating through your outfit five minutes into your session.
At least, that’s how fall works in theory.
Then there’s fall in Missouri. 😂
It might be 82 degrees.
It might be 52.
The trees might be gorgeous.
Or the tree you had your eye on might go from green to completely naked sometime between Tuesday and Thursday.
But here’s the good news:
You don’t need perfect fall weather or a forest full of orange leaves to have gorgeous fall senior pictures.
You just need a little planning.
And maybe a willingness to stop checking the weather app every 14 minutes.
When Do Fall Colors Peak in Blue Springs?
This is probably the biggest question I get when someone wants fall senior pictures.
And I wish I could circle one magical weekend on the calendar for you.
I can’t.
Fall color around Blue Springs and the Kansas City area varies from year to year depending on temperatures, rainfall and Mother Nature’s general mood.
Typically, we start seeing changes in October, with stronger color developing later in the month and sometimes hanging around into early November.
But here’s the part that’s more important:
Your entire session doesn’t need to happen during “peak color” to look like fall.
A few beautifully colored trees, the right location, great light and fall wardrobe choices can give your portraits that fall feeling without waiting for every tree in Kansas City to cooperate.
Don’t Wait for the Leaves to Book Your Session
If you’re dreaming of fall senior pictures, please don’t wait until the trees start changing to contact your photographer.
By then, the dates you want may already be gone.
Fall is popular for senior portraits, and our usable evening light starts disappearing earlier and earlier as the season goes on.
Booking ahead means we can plan for the look you want instead of scrambling to find whatever date happens to be left.
So yes, you can book your fall senior pictures while it’s still 90 degrees outside.
It feels wrong.
I know. 😂
What Should You Wear for Fall Senior Pictures?
Fall is SO good for wardrobe.
You can bring texture and layers into your outfits without looking like you’re wearing seventeen pieces of clothing just for the sake of a photograph.
Think:
Sweaters.
Denim.
Jackets.
Boots.
Long dresses.
Earthier colors.
Layers you can add and remove.
But—and this is important—you do not have to dress like a pumpkin spice latte just because it’s October.
If rust, mustard and olive aren’t your colors, don’t wear them simply because Pinterest told you they’re “fall colors.”
Your senior pictures still need to look like you.
That’s one reason we talk about wardrobe before your session. We’ll choose clothing that photographs beautifully, works with your locations and, most importantly, looks good on you.
You Can Still Have Variety in a Fall Session
Choosing fall doesn’t mean every image has to include a tree with orange leaves behind you.
Actually, I’d rather it didn’t.
We can mix things up.
A downtown location can give you a completely different look.
Open fields can still be beautiful in the fall.
Your school, sports field or another meaningful location can add something personal.
And we can incorporate studio portraits too.
Your gallery should feel like a complete senior session—not 40 different versions of “senior standing next to fall tree.” 😂
Earlier Sunsets Matter More Than You Think
This is one of those things families don’t always realize when planning a fall session.
In June, we have daylight forever.
By October?
Not so much.
That means fall sessions often need to start earlier than summer sessions.
Sports practices, jobs and school activities can make that tricky, which is another reason I like planning your date ahead of time.
The good news is that I’m not limited to only photographing during the last few minutes before sunset.
Using off-camera lighting gives me more flexibility to create beautiful portraits in different lighting conditions and locations.
We’re still working with the sun.
I’m just not letting it boss us around quite as much. 😉
What Happens if It’s Cold?
We deal with it.
Within reason.
I’m not going to ask you to pretend you’re warm while your lips turn blue.
If it’s chilly but manageable, we can plan outfits accordingly, keep jackets nearby and warm up between locations.
If Missouri decides to throw something truly ridiculous at us, we’ll make another plan.
The goal isn’t to suffer for the photograph.
The goal is to create photographs you love.
What About Rain?
I watch the weather.
You do not need to spend the entire week before your session sending me screenshots of the forecast. 😂
Weather changes quickly around here, and I don’t make decisions about rescheduling too early.
If the weather truly isn’t going to cooperate, we’ll figure it out.
That’s part of working with a photographer who photographs outdoors regularly.
You don’t have to solve the weather.
I’ll keep an eye on it.
Do Fall Senior Pictures Have to Be Outdoors?
Nope.
And this is where having access to a studio gives us even more options.
Maybe you want some of the warmth and color of fall outdoors but also love dramatic studio portraits.
We can do both.
The season you choose doesn’t have to dictate the entire look of your senior gallery.
That’s one of the reasons I don’t think senior sessions should follow a formula.
We’re creating your session.
So, Is Fall the Best Time for Senior Pictures?
For some seniors?
Absolutely.
If you love layers, rich scenery, cooler temperatures and the overall feeling of fall, it’s a fantastic time for senior portraits.
But I wouldn’t choose fall simply because you think that’s when senior pictures are “supposed” to happen.
Choose it because it feels like you.
That’s really the answer to almost every senior-picture decision.
Planning Fall Senior Pictures in Blue Springs?
If you’re hoping for fall senior pictures in Blue Springs or the Kansas City area, the biggest thing I’d tell you is:
Don’t wait for fall to start planning them.
We can figure out locations, wardrobe, timing and all those little details before the first leaf changes color.
And when Missouri inevitably decides to keep us guessing?
We’ll handle that too. 😉
Ready to plan your fall senior session? Let’s talk.
Keep Planning Your Senior Experience
When Should You Take Senior Pictures? How to Choose the Best Season for You
Not sure fall is your season? Compare what summer, fall, winter and spring each offer.
“I Hate Having My Picture Taken.” What I Wish Every Senior Knew Before Their Session
If being in front of the camera makes you nervous, start here.
Senior Photo Ideas: Ways to Make Your Senior Pictures Feel Like You
Ideas for making your session more personal, from locations and outfits to hobbies and pets.