Fall is one of my favorite times of year for family photos in the Tri-Cities. The warm colors, golden fields, cooler evenings, and beautiful sunsets make September through November a great time to update your family pictures.


If you’re planning fall family photos in Richland, West Richland, Kennewick, or Pasco, you may be wondering when you should book, what everyone should wear, what happens if the weather changes, and how to make the whole experience less stressful.


Here are a few things I recommend when planning your fall family photo session in the Tri-Cities.

Family of four smiling together in a golden grass field, parents and two young children in denim outfits.

When Should We Book Fall Family Photos in the Tri-Cities?

There really isn’t one perfect month. September, October, and November all look a little different here, and each can be beautiful.


September Family Photos

September is perfect if you love the warm, golden look that the Tri-Cities does so well.

The landscape is often still dry and golden from summer, which photographs beautifully around West Richland and the surrounding areas. The evenings are generally warmer, and we still have plenty of daylight for evening sessions.

If you have little kids who don't do well in cold weather or you love photos with golden grass and warm sunset light, September is a great choice.


A mother and daughter in matching blue dresses share a joyful moment in a sunlit field.
A smiling man poses outdoors in a field with two young children in matching blue outfits, surrounded by tall grass and trees.

October Family Photos

October is one of the most popular months for family photography in the Tri-Cities.

Temperatures start cooling down, and we begin seeing more traditional fall colors in areas with mature trees. Depending on the location, we can choose between golden, open landscapes or locations with more colorful leaves.


October dates tend to fill quickly, especially evenings and weekends, so I recommend booking early if this is the look you want.

Two children playing in a golden field, a girl in a blue dress and a boy in a gray shirt sharing a joyful moment.
Family of four walking through golden field, parents holding children's hands, surrounded by tall grass and trees.
Joyful young boy laughing with arms raised in a golden field, wearing a blue shirt on a sunny day.

November Family Photos


Don't count November out!

There can still be beautiful fall color early in the month, and the cooler weather is perfect for sweaters, layers, boots, and more neutral fall outfits.

The biggest thing to remember is that our days get much shorter. Since I love photographing families in that beautiful light before sunset, November sessions need to begin earlier in the afternoon.


If you're hoping to use your photos for Christmas cards, November is also about as late as I recommend scheduling.

A joyful family of four walks through a golden field, with two children running toward their smiling parents on a sunny day.
A smiling mother sits in a golden field as her young daughter and son kiss her cheeks outdoors.

What If the Weather Is Bad?

One advantage of family photos in the Tri-Cities is that rain isn't usually the constant concern that it can be on the west side of Washington. Wind, however, can definitely be a factor!

I keep an eye on the weather leading up to every outdoor session. A cloudy day doesn't mean we need to reschedule. Clouds can actually create beautiful, soft light that photographs really well.

Wind is usually the bigger concern, especially if it's strong enough to make everyone uncomfortable or send hair and dresses flying everywhere.


If the weather looks like it could affect your session, we'll make a plan. There's no reason to stress about the forecast a week ahead of time.

A happy family of four sits together in golden tall grass, smiling and embracing during an outdoor photo session.
Family holding hands in golden field, smiling children in blue outfits with tall trees in background.

What Should We Wear for Fall Family Photos?

This is probably one of the questions I get asked most.

My biggest advice is to coordinate without matching.

Start with a few neutral colors and then add some warm, muted tones. Cream, tan, camel, beige, soft brown, olive, rust, muted blue, dusty rose, burgundy, and warm gray can all photograph beautifully during fall.

Rather than putting everyone in the same color, choose colors that work together.

Texture is also great in photographs. Think knit sweaters, denim, linen, corduroy, layered dresses, jackets, boots, and subtle patterns.

Try to avoid large logos, neon colors, extremely busy patterns, or putting every person in an identical outfit.


Most importantly, choose clothing that feels like your family. You should be comfortable enough to sit, walk, cuddle, and play together.

Two young siblings share a tender hug in a golden field, girl in blue dress with hair bow embracing little boy.
A smiling young boy in a blue shirt holds white daisy flowers up to his face outdoors in a sunny field.
Close-up portrait of two children with green eyes and bright smiles pressed cheek to cheek.

Where Are the Best Places for Fall Family Photos in the Tri-Cities?

One of my favorite parts of photographing families here is the variety.

The Tri-Cities has beautiful golden fields, desert landscapes, river areas, trails, open spaces, mature trees, and locations with gorgeous views. I photograph families throughout West Richland, Richland, Kennewick, Pasco, and the surrounding Tri-Cities area. Once you book, I can help you choose a location based on the look you want for your photos. Some families want a wide-open golden landscape. Others want trees and traditional fall colors. Some want something simple and close to home.

The location matters, but the light matters even more. I schedule outdoor sessions around the best available light so your images have that bright, clean, natural look you see throughout my work.


What Time Are Fall Family Photos?

For outdoor family sessions, I typically recommend photographing closer to sunset. That beautiful golden-hour light is softer and more flattering than the harsh light we get in the middle of the day. The exact session time changes throughout the fall because sunset gets earlier very quickly. September sessions will generally be later in the evening than October or November sessions. If you have young children with an early bedtime, let me know. We can choose a location and date that work better for your family.


How Do We Make Family Photos Less Stressful?

First: don't expect your kids to be perfect. They don't need to stand still and smile at the camera for the entire session. In fact, I don't want them to! We'll get the traditional everyone-looking-at-the-camera photos, but we'll also let the kids move. We'll walk, play, cuddle, laugh, and give them breaks when they need them.

Those in-between moments are often some of my favorite images. Give yourself plenty of time to get ready and plan to arrive a little early. Hungry kids and rushed parents aren't a great combination, so make sure everyone has eaten and bring a few simple snacks for little ones if needed. Once you arrive, you don't need to worry about getting your kids to cooperate for me. That's my job. Come ready to have fun with your family and let me take care of the rest.


How Far in Advance Should We Book Fall Family Photos?

If you want a weekend date in September or October, I recommend booking as early as possible. Fall is one of the busiest seasons for family photographers, especially once families start thinking about Christmas cards. Booking early also gives you plenty of time to plan outfits without scrambling at the last minute.


Looking for a Tri-Cities Family Photographer?

I'm Jen, the photographer behind Arrows Photography & Film, based in West Richland, Washington. I photograph families throughout the Tri-Cities, including Richland, West Richland, Kennewick, and Pasco. My family sessions are relaxed and fun, with a mix of the traditional photos you'll want to frame and the candid moments that show what your family actually feels like together.


My photography style is bright and clean with natural skin tones, beautiful light, and plenty of movement and connection. If you're looking for a Tri-Cities family photographer for your fall family photos, I'd love to help you plan a session that feels like your family.


Ready to Plan Your Fall Family Photos?

Fall dates can fill quickly, especially September and October evenings and weekends. If you're thinking about updating your family photos this year, you can reach out to Arrows Photography & Film to see available dates and start planning your session.


I can't wait to photograph your family here in the Tri-Cities!