Every year around late summer, I start getting the same question from families:
“When should we schedule our fall family photos?”
And honestly? I completely understand why this question feels tricky.
When you picture fall family photos, you probably picture golden leaves, cozy sweaters, warm colors, and those beautiful earthy tones that make everyone excited for the season. I love those things too.
But one thing I have learned after years of photographing families in Sioux Falls is that there isn’t one perfect day or one perfect week for fall photos.
Fall is beautiful from September through November, and each part of the season brings something a little different.
So if you’re wondering when to book your fall family photos in Sioux Falls, here is what I tell my clients.
September: Warm, Natural, and Full of Life
September is often overlooked because people immediately jump to October when they think of fall photos.
But there are so many things to love about September sessions.
The evenings are usually more comfortable, the grass is still green, and the trees are just beginning to show those first hints of changing seasons.
I especially love September for families with younger kids. The sun sets a little earlier than it does in the middle of summer, but we aren’t dealing with chilly evenings yet. Everyone is usually more comfortable, which means more genuine smiles and less worrying about little ones being too hot or too tired.
Another benefit of September? You typically have a little more flexibility with scheduling before the busy fall rush begins.
And honestly, I love that September images don’t feel overly tied to one specific season. They have that warm, transitional feeling of late summer moving into fall.
October: The Classic Fall Feeling
The evenings are cooler, the sunsets come earlier, and the light takes on this beautiful warm, earthy quality that is just so dreamy. The colors become richer, the tones feel cozy, and everything starts to have that classic fall feeling.
This is when you get those gorgeous sweaters, boots, layers, and all the fall colors families love.
Of course, October also brings the beautiful fall leaves.
The tricky part is that peak color is a very small window. In the Sioux Falls area, there are usually only a couple of weeks when the leaves are at that perfect stage—bright, colorful, and still on the trees.
And while I would love to photograph every family during those magical few weeks, there simply aren’t enough evenings (and let’s be honest, SD weather has a mind of its own!).
The good news? Your photos do not need perfect peak leaves to be beautiful.
Some of my favorite fall images happen before the trees reach their brightest colors or after some of the leaves have already fallen.
November: Cozy, Simple, and Beautiful in a Different Way
November often gets forgotten because people assume fall is over once the leaves are gone.
But some of my favorite images come from late fall.
Once the leaves have fallen, the landscape becomes softer and more neutral. Tall grasses, open fields, and simple backgrounds create a timeless look that puts the focus on your family.
November sessions can have a cozy, relaxed feel. Think sweaters, blankets, snuggles, and those sweet little moments that happen when everyone is close together.
The weather can also surprise us. Some years, November gives us beautiful mild evenings that are perfect for photos.
So…When Should You Book Your Fall Family Photos?
The answer depends on what you love most.
If you want:
- Green grass with hints of fall → September is beautiful.
- Classic fall colors and cozy sweater weather → October is your month.
- A softer, neutral, cozy look → early November might be perfect.
But my biggest advice?
Don’t wait until the last minute hoping for that “perfect” fall evening.
The families who have the most relaxed experience are usually the ones who plan ahead. They have time to choose outfits, pick a date that works well for their family, and enjoy the experience instead of feeling rushed.
Fall Photos Are About More Than the Leaves
I think sometimes we put so much pressure on getting the perfect fall backdrop that we forget what these photos are really about.
Years from now, you probably won’t remember whether the leaves were bright orange or still mostly green.
You’ll remember the way your toddler held your hand.
The way your kids laughed when they ran through the field.
The way your family felt during this season of life.
The background is beautiful, but the connection is what makes the photo meaningful.
Ready to Plan Your Fall Family Photos in Sioux Falls?
If you’re looking for a Sioux Falls family photographer who focuses on natural connection, genuine moments, and creating images that feel like your family, I would love to work with you.
Fall dates are some of my busiest of the year, so I recommend reaching out early to find the best date for your family.
Whether we photograph in September, October, or November, we will create something beautiful that preserves this season of your family’s story.