Your Ultimate Guide on What to Expect for Fall Sessions Month by Month and a Few Tips from a Seasoned Professional Photographer
Summer may feel as if it has just begun, but we’re halfway through the year, and if you are thinking about a fall photography session, now is the time to start planning and thinking about booking. Fall in the Midwest, especially near Chicago, is BEAUTIFUL, but it can also be unpredictable. As a seasoned photographer in this region, I can help give a little insight into weather trends and help you decide when and if a fall photography shoot is for your family.
September
Families looking for the most predictable and seasonally friendly weather should consider September. The downside? Outfit selections often will need to trend more toward summer ware; many days are unseasonably warm and humid, reminding us that summer has only recently come to a close.
If fall color is important to your session, September may not be for you. Typically the foliage in the Chicagoland area is still quite green in September. If we’re lucky, we start seeing some change towards the end of the month, but mostly September is a cooler and less rainy version of August with small pops of that golden color here and there.
September Session Pros:
For families with small children, especially infants, early in the fall season is more comfortable and requires fewer layers and less temperamental weather. September sessions can also still have some late summer blooms for color, and weather predictability is easier. A session in September also means there is usually plenty of time for a reschedule in case one is needed due to rain.
September Session Cons:
If your fall photo session booking is specifically for peak fall foliage color, with everyone in boots and sweaters, this is not the month for you. Typically full fall color peaks in mid-October to early November. September can also get hot and humid, so being flexible with your family’s attire is necessary.
October
October has the most variables with the weather and temperature. If you live in the Midwest, you know it's a coin toss on what the days or weeks ahead may feel like. One week could be a high of 80, and next week could be a high of 56. This fluctuation makes planning outfits challenging. Some people may have their minds set on sweaters for the entire family only to find out they drew the hottest day of the month card. The beginning of October offers some warm and mild days, but as the month wears on, unpredictable weather is more prevalent.
In terms of fall color, mid-to-late October is one of the most beautiful times of the year here in the Midwest. While we can’t predict the exact days that the color will be in full swing, we can say with some certainty that you will have great color this month.
October Session Pros:
Color. The ultimate fall foliage mid to late month is the best setting for a picturesque outdoor fall session. Even in the beginning of the month, the overall green of summer is slowly fading to gold.
October Session Cons:
Unpredictable weather means you could have a beautiful sunny day, a cold blustery day, or even gray skies and drizzle… you just never know. This unpredictability makes planning outfits and dates difficult for families wanting that very fall look. Because of this, October (especially late in the month) can be tough on families with toddlers and infants.
November
Remember those crazy fall months we mentioned? November is one of the craziest months of the year for weather. Because of this, Sarah Jean Photography only schedules the first two weeks for outdoor fall sessions. Typically, as we near the holidays, I offer some mini-sessions and studio sessions, but the fall sessions will close by mid-November.
If you are considering November for your fall photography session in the Chicagoland area, you could have some of the most beautiful fall colors in your photos. The downside? A surge of bad weather and fall storms can make every last bit of color on the trees disappear overnight. November is almost always colder and requires some warm-up with blankets and coats in between pictures.
November Session Pros:
The fall color can be the most vibrant of the season, especially in early November.
November Session Cons:
Weather and dwindling time for reschedules are the biggest hurdles with scheduling in November. Unpredictable weather can lead to dips in temperature and sudden fall storms. Any windy and rainy weather can sweep your fall color away in the blink of an eye. Temps are almost always on the cooler side, so plan your outfits accordingly.
Final Tips for Your Fall Session
We still have a few months left of the warm summer sun, and it may be worth it to book a last-minute summer session and skip the unpredictable fall one. But, if you’ve got your heart set on a Midwest fall photo shoot, then remember these tips when working with Sarah Jean Photography:
Limited Availability for Fall
Fall is a busy season for many photographers, but it is also active for families. All those fall bucket list items (pumpkin patches, apple picking, sports games, etc.) can keep your family busy, leaving you and your photographer little wiggle room on booking a date that works.
Additionally, there are often few options for rescheduling due to weather. When you lock in your fall date, you must be committed to it--no matter how hot or cold.
At Sarah Jean Photography, I only reschedule for severe wind or rain.
Fall Color Fluctuates Every Year
There is no absolute when the peak fall color will be. You can make your best guess and schedule your photography session around that. Unfortunately, weather patterns and temperatures change from year to year, meaning fall color also ebbs and flows annually.
Remember: You don’t need peak color to have beautiful fall photos.
Be Prepared & Flexible with Your Wardrobe
Since the weather is unpredictable, I recommend that people have multiple outfit options at the ready. Layers are a perfect way to dress up or down for the temperature. If you can create outfits that can work with small tweaks depending on the weather or have an entirely different look picked out for a warm or cool day, you’ll feel less stressed and more prepared for your session.
Early Fall is Recommended for Small Children
Families with infants or toddlers are better off booking at the beginning of the season rather than at the end. When you have warmer days, your babies will be more comfortable, and their happy personalities will shine through in the pictures. Uncomfortable, cold littles tend to be more uncooperative and defiant of photos.
Book Your Fall Session with Sarah Jean Photography!
Fall bookings are opening up July 1st!
If you have your heart set on a fall session reserve your spot before I'm full. With limited availability and unpredictable weather conditions in the Chicagoland area, I only have so many sessions open from September through mid November for the fall outdoor season.
I aim to make every photography session unforgettable and capture your family at this moment in time. You can book your photography session online or contact me to answer any questions regarding your outdoor fall session.