fall mini-sessions & snippet Sessions are booking now!
Welcome to

the blog

Article Spotlight: Which Fall Family Photo Session Style is Right for You?

Hi there!

Today I’m sharing another article I wrote for HER+ Health Collective, a community of moms & small business owners in the Raleigh area with the mission to “redefine and change the way moms take care of themselves physically, mentally, and emotionally.” I’m involved with HER+ as a mom in HER+ Circle and also as an Expert in their vetted experts directory, full of local providers who serve moms and families. (Please check it out if you’re looking for a service provider of some kind… I’ve been able to meet many of the woman business owners in this directory, and they’re all wonderful!)

This year I’m also one of their 2026 Content Contributors, meaning I get to share four articles to their site throughout the year!

Today I’m breaking down the different styles of family photos you may consider for a fall photo session. Check out the full post here!

Which Fall Family Photo Style is Right for You?

Fall Family Photography in Raleigh, NC

As much as we want updated photos, the mental load of choosing a style, booking a photographer, and actually making it happen can feel daunting when your plate is already full. Let’s find the one that fits your family’s vibe so you can check this off your list and move on to the rest of your to-dos!

Raleigh fall mini-session with family of four with two moms at Historic Yates Mill County Park in fall foliage with an autumn color scheme for coordinated clothes

In this article, I’ve broken down the six most popular styles for fall family photos, including lifestyle portraits (the typical fall mini-session), Christmas Tree Farm portraits, traditional studio portraits, studio portraits with Santa, candid documentary photos capturing fall activities, and photos of cozy holiday traditions at home.

Family mini-session at Raleigh Christmas Tree farm with family walking toward camera, mom in burgundy dress, holding hands with dad in open plaid shirt with white-tshirt and jeans, their toddler son on dad's shoulders

Each section has details about one family photo session type and how that particular type is a great fit for families who… (fill in the blank). Looking for something polished for holiday cards? Can’t stand the idea of coordinating outfits? Love cozy at-home vibes? You’ll find the right fit for you!

In my work, I focus on the last two photo session styles described the most – unposed, documentary storytelling. While we all want that one “grandparent-approved” photo for our holiday cards (which, yes, I can still take for you too), I truly believe that the photos you’ll actually ache for in 30 years are the ones that show your real life exactly as it is right now – grass stains, toy-strewn floors, cookie icing on the dog, and all.

If you’re interested, check out my offerings for this fall, including candid documentary sessions and playful portrait mini-sessions!

At the end of the day, there is no wrong choice. Whether you’re dressed to the nines in a studio or covered in flour in your kitchen, your kids are going to want to see YOU in these photos decades from now. Choose the style that’s the right fit for your current bandwidth and provides finished photos with the vibe you crave, and let the photographer handle the rest.

Be sure to CHECK OUT THE FULL ARTICLE HERE, and don’t hesitate to send me a message and let me know what you think!

in light & love,

Kelly

let's chat