The beginning of Fall when the trees are still green and the clouds diffuse the light through the forest canopy is such a magical time of year for senior photos. Audrey loved the softer dreamy look that this time of year has in Washington so she opted to book her session for late September on an overcast day.

Right off the bat she brought the ethereal vibe to her session with a soft dress that flowed beautifully as she walked barefoot through the forest.

Capturing the Feeling

One of the most important things to do when planning the vibe of senior photos is to make sure your outfits and location fit each other. Audrey wanted her photos to be soft and dreamy so she chose outfits and accessories that fit that. Outfits can completely change how a location feels.

Audrey brought three outfits. One fairy-esque dress, a more shapeless dress that had beautiful detailing in the fabric, and a more casual top that she paired with jeans.

Accessories were the key to changing her look throughout her session. She switched out jewelry to match the vibe she wanted to portray and it brought so much variety to her photos.

Picking a Location

We considered several different locations but ultimately settled on using a family friend’s property so Audrey could have something completely unique for her photos. The property went deep into the forest but also had some beautiful patches of untouched clover that were an absolute dream to take photos with.

Location makes such an impact on how senior photos looks. The forested locations that let a little bit of light in have an almost magical fairy feel. The beach in the morning when the fog hasn’t yet lifted is soft and quiet whereas evening at golden hour feels more playful and nostalgic. Fields and apple orchards bring the perfect fall vibe and golden tones. Location should match your personality and the look you want to convey in your photos.

Posing and Prompting

We kept poses soft and casual. Since Audrey’s outfits and locations were very nature centered we incorporated those elements into her poses… a mix of more traditional yearbook-esque photos and some more candid moments of her walking through the trees or sitting on a log soaking in the feel of the forest.

The afternoon was absolutely magical.

Tips for Fall Senior Photos

Be open minded about the weather. One of the best parts about Fall in Washington is that you never know what the weather will do. But rainy days and overcast days can be just as beautiful as the sunny ones. If you love soft muted ones Fall is an amazing time of year to do your photos.
Bring layers. Layers won’t only help you be more comfortable during your session if the temperature drops but they’re also a great way to elevate outfits. Layered sweaters and long flow-y jackets photograph so well.
Dress for the season. Photos look so much more cohesive when your outfit matches the season. Fall is for sweaters and jackets and skirts that swish. Think textures, fun details, and layers that have some movement to them when you’re planning outfits.
Pay attention to your yearbook deadline! Many high schools require their seniors to submit yearbook photos earlier in the school year so take timing that into account when booking your session.