It is that time of year already… fall has arrived. I know we still have the oh-so-glorious month of September, but that crispness is in the air, and along with it, preparing for the holidays and family photos! Weather you are a spring or summer go getter and get those photos done before the fall kicks in, or if you wait for the colors of fall to make their appearance, there is always the question of WHERE to do family photos.
SO hallelujah, hallelujah, today I will be sharing with you some of my favorite places, or ideas, on where to do family photos.
Location can make the difference, and most of my clients are in the Minneapolis area, so that’s where I am going to give you a list of suggestions!
If you are still wanting beautiful late summer blooms and greens, booking your session for the first few weeks of September would be my suggestion. Most days are still warm enough for cute dresses without leggings, and you are still able to catch that gorgeous fall light in the evening hours. Some great places I would suggest would be:
Arneson Acres in Edina
Centennial Lakes in Edina
Millennium Gardens in Plymouth (there is a small fee to shoot there around $25)
MN Landscape Arboretum ( a more hefty fee to shoot there… $75)
Como Park in St. Paul, but only after the fair is over!
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If you are looking for more fall color, the best time to get that color is generally the last week of September through the second week of October. Typically by MEA weekend (third weekend in October), most of the leaves are blown away and the color is gone. Sometimes we get that extra week, but if you are really wanting that color, I would suggest booking your session during that time! Some locations I have seen with beautiful foliage:
Elm Creek Park Reserve in Maple Grove
Minnehaha Falls In Minneapolis
Como Park (near the water) in St. Paul
Local Parks near your home
Northwestern College campus in St. Paul
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If you decide that you want more winter photos with snow or evergreens or you missed booking a session with the leaves, the best time to do that would be once the snow has fallen (obviously!) Typically I photograph up to the second week of December with a guarantee that photos will be ready for Holiday cards. I would suggest an urban location or a place that you are able to get warm fast (especially if you have young kids). Some thoughts on where to shoot for later sessions:
Stone Arch Bridge or Father Hennepin Park in Minneapolis
Mill Ruins Park in Minneapolis
Boom Island Park in Minneapolis
Rice Park in St. Paul
Christmas Tree farm (most owners will let you shoot for free on their property up until they open for the season, then there is typically a fee. Check with your local farm for details before going on any property!)
Or if you are a cold person like me, book a studio session!
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If you are still in need of family photos, feel free to contact me for more information on availability, I’d love to connect!