Fall Engagement Session Prep

You guys – fall is the absolute best. Like, hands down. At least to me. Kyle’s not as big of a fan, because he doesn’t dig colder weather as much as I do. But with the arrival of fall comes so many things that we both love. Like all the reasons to drink all the coffee, cooler mornings that are ideal for super-long corgi walks, warm sweaters and best of all fuzzy socks. Man. You know it’s fall when the fuzzy socks get pulled out. 🙂

And here’s a fun fact for you: every fall, we do anywhere between 8-15 engagement sessions. Yep. That’s right. Which is kind of crazy, considering that prime fall weather in Kansas City only lasts for about 8 weeks. Fall is CRAZY for photographers, especially in Kansas City. But you know what? We wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Are you one of those people having engagement photos taken this fall? If you are, well, this post is ESPECIALLY for you. Today we’re sharing the best was to prep for your fall engagement session. And we promise, there’s some good stuff in here. And, of course, along the way we’re sharing some of our favorite images from Irene and Mitch’s GORGOEUS engagement session a few weeks ago.

So here you go, friends. Enjoy!

Fall Engagement Session Prep

Check the Foliage Map.

Did you know such a thing even existed? Well, get excited, because, yes, friends. A fall foliage map DOES indeed exist! And you know what? It’s normally pretty dang accurate. The really, really cool thing about it? You can check what the foliage is estimated to be based on the week of the year, and double check it against your area.

So, if you want to hit Aspen up at peak yellow-leaf season? Plan on those gorgeous aspen trees hitting their peak last weekend. Bummer. BUT, if fall leaves are your jam for your local, KC engagement session? And you want ALLLL the leaves? Well, friends. Get excited. Because it looks like our peak foliage will hit the second week of November this year. 🙂

Plan layered outfits.

Fall is the absolute BEST in my opinion. Nice, cool nights and early mornings. Nice, warm days and early evenings. It’s just perfect. Admittedly the swinging temperatures can make it a little hard to plan outfits. BUT it is definitely possible. The trick to looking good and staying warm? Plan your outfits in layers. If you’re starting earlier in the day you can probably plan light under layers, and bring a jacket and scarf along to add to your outfit in the early evening. Starting your engagement session later in the day? It’s sweater weather, warm socks and boots all the way. Layers are key here, friends. Trust us. 🙂 You can always add more if you get chilly. 🙂

Check the rules. Then follow them.

Fall engagement sessions are fun for so many reasons. Especially if you decide to go to the local pumpkin patch, or cider mill, or fall festival. BUT. Do yourself and your photographer a favor. Double check the photo policies of your locations before you go. Most of these really cool, fall activities happen on private property. And while they’re open to the public for events and candid photos taken with a phone, most of them have commercial photo policies.

And if you’re thinking, but I’m not commercial, I’m just a person? You’re right. BUT, your photographer likely charged you for your engagement session, which makes it a commercial shoot. If there are rules at your spot be respectful and follow them. Not only can you get kicked out, but your photographer can get kicked out and banned, which isn’t the greatest thing in the world to happen.

Pick a back-up date, just in case.

Fall weather can be kind of tricky. And those fall thunderstorms? They’re a real thing. If you’re worried about the weather taking a turn see if you can reserve a back-up date with your photographer, just in case. Some photographers are totally cool with this, others aren’t. Every photographer is different and you should always, always respect their business practices. If you can’t reserve a secondary date and there’s a chance it might rain? Pack your rain boots and clear umbrella for your session so you can still have fun and play in the rain while you get your photos taken. Or, maybe even packing those things will scare the rain away. 🙂

Plan on playing in the leaves.

Last year when we did Payton and Andrew’s engagement session there were leaves EVERYWHERE. And you know what? These two had so much fun playing in them and running through them and throwing them. (If you’re wondering, it’s 100% totally acceptable for grown adults to do this. :)) And, if you want to get really, really cozy with your boo and the leaves? Bring a bright, fun blanket that you can spread out on the leaves to wrap up in. 🙂

Pack warm drinks.

The end of your session might get a little chilly. I mean, it’s fall. It’s bound to happen. Do yourself a favor – pack a thermos with some hot cocoa or cider. You can either bust it out mid-session and have a little bit of fun. OR, if you don’t use it during your session, it will be waiting for you in your car when you finish up. And there’s just not much better than a nice warm mug of cider at the end of a gorgeous fall day. 🙂

Be flexible.

Guys. Fall is CRAZY. Schedules, the weather, the leaves, EVERYTHING. We know YOU WANT those fall leaves on a Saturday or Sunday evening when it’s convenient for you. But, if we’re being honest? Most wedding photographers are likely booked on Fridays and Saturdays, and their Sundays are likely booked months in advance. You may have to be a little flexible and plan your session on a weekday. (Honestly, we LOVE weekday sessions so much more because all of the hot spots aren’t as crowded.) Be flexible. Know that your photographer is only a human and that they have their limits too.

So. There you go. Hopefully, this helps as you’re getting ready for those gorgeous, leaf filled engagement sessions this fall. 🙂 Happy fall, friends!