A Fall Family Session | Crisp Air, Warm Moments

As the leaves turn golden and the air carries that unmistakable autumn chill, there’s something magical about photographing families. Last week’s session with this family was the perfect mix of seasonal charm, genuine connection, and just the right amount of cozy family warmth in the crisp fall air.

We met in the morning at the state land just outside of Belgrade, Montana. This spot is one of my local favorites with tall trees, winding trails, and peeking mountain views. The crisp fall air was definitely in full swing, but this family came prepared with the right pop of color that not only kept them warm but added texture and depth to their photos.

Moments That Made Magic

From the very first frame, it was clear how much this family loves being together. The kids were full of energy, walking through the tall grasses, holding hands and swinging in circles, and giggling as they ran up to give their parents a big hug. We paused for some quieter moments too getting lots of family combinations that capture those small, in-between glances that say everything.

One of my favorite shots? All five of them gathered together on a log, cheeks rosy from the chill, with the golden trees behind them. Pure fall magic.

Embracing the Chill

Cooler weather sessions come with their own kind of magic. Their session embraced the cloudy gray mist that swept over the valley that morning. Given this family’s personal history in the Seattle area, it was a perfect way to add a touch of the Pacific Northwest vibe that they are so familiar with! You can even see some of the rain droplets in their photos which adds a component of of sentiment! With the crisp fall air, everyone naturally huddles a little closer. You can almost feel the warmth in the photos—not just from the layers, but from the love. The family was such good sports about the temperature (especially the littlest one, who was bribed with marshmallows and did amazing!).

We wrapped up the session just as the rain began to pick up, leaving the sky soft and muted. The perfect end to a session full of color, laughter, and connection.

Final Thoughts

Fall sessions like this are a reminder of how fleeting and beautiful the season is. If you’ve been thinking about booking a session, don’t wait—these golden days don’t last forever.

Scroll through below to see some of the highlights from the session—and get inspired for your own cozy, leaf-filled family memories.

Thinking of booking your own fall photo session?
Send me a message—I’d love to capture your family’s story while the leaves are still falling and the cider’s still hot.