There’s something about fall in the Laurel Highlands that makes you want to slow down.
The leaves begin to change. The air gets crisp. The trails smell like damp earth and fallen leaves. The mornings are made for coffee, and the afternoons are perfect for wandering somewhere with your dog.
I think that's how your fall photography session should feel, too.
Not like an appointment you have to show up for, stand still, smile, and leave.
Make a day of it.
Fall in the Laurel Highlands is meant to be experienced
One of the things I love most about living and photographing in the Laurel Highlands is how easy it is to turn an ordinary day into a little adventure
.
Take a walk through the woods.
Stop at a local coffee shop.
Grab an apple cider.
Explore a trail you've never walked before.
Find a quiet place to sit for a while.
Let your dog sniff every single thing along the way.
The changing leaves are beautiful, of course.
But it's everything surrounding them that makes this season feel so special.
The Laurel Highlands has this calm, outdoorsy rhythm that I love. You can spend the morning hiking, grab lunch at a local restaurant, wander through a little town, and still make it home before the sun goes down.
And fall is one of my favorite times to photograph that kind of life.
What I want your fall session to feel like
Adventurous.
Cozy.
Playful.
A little romantic.
And most importantly...like you.
Maybe we're walking a trail with coffee in hand. Maybe your kids are running ahead. Maybe your dog is wearing an adorable sweater and stopping every five feet to investigate a new smell.
Maybe we're laughing because your hair is blowing everywhere.
Maybe we find a quiet spot and slow down for a few minutes.
I'm not interested in manufacturing a perfect fall moment for you.
I want to photograph the one that actually happens.
Bring your dog. Always.
If you know me, you probably aren't surprised that I'm going to say this.
Bring your dog.
The Laurel Highlands is full of dog-friendly places, and fall is such a fun time to explore them together.
The cooler weather makes walking more comfortable, and the changing season brings a whole new world of smells to your dog's level. Fallen leaves, damp earth, wildlife, and all those mysterious things they absolutely need to investigate.
And that's part of the fun. Your dog gets to have an adventure, too.
For dogs who aren't comfortable around lots of people or other dogs, fall can also be a great opportunity to choose a quieter trail away from the crowds. Instead of asking your dog to tolerate a busy, overstimulating location, we can find somewhere that gives them room to explore and feel comfortable.
I want your dog to leave the session thinking, “That was a pretty great day.”
Not, “Thank goodness that's over.”
The best fall colors don't last forever
Here's something I wish more people knew about fall photography:
Fall doesn't happen everywhere at the same time. And it doesn't stick around for very long.
A location that's completely green one week can be glowing with color the next. And then suddenly, the leaves are on the ground.
Elevation, weather, tree species, and location all play a part, which means there isn't one magic weekend that guarantees peak color across the entire Laurel Highlands.
That's why I don't recommend choosing your session date based solely on a predicted “peak foliage” weekend.
Instead, we'll consider the location and what kind of experience you want.
And yes, fall brings crowds.
The beautiful, well-known places can get especially busy when the leaves are at their best. That's another reason I love having quieter trails and less-obvious locations in my back pocket.
Sometimes the best fall photographs aren't made at the busiest overlook.
Sometimes they're made somewhere quiet.
What should you wear?
My favorite fall sessions are full of earthy tones, layers, and texture.
Think:
- Warm browns
- Creams
- Rust
- Olive
- Mustard
- Deep reds
- Denim
- Wool
- Knits
- Corduroy
- Jackets and cozy layers
You don't need everyone to match. In fact, please don't.
Instead, think about creating a little visual story together. Different textures and complementary colors tend to photograph beautifully against the greens, golds, and browns of the Laurel Highlands.
And layers are your friend.
Fall weather can change quickly, especially when we're outside. A sweater, jacket, scarf, or blanket can become part of the experience—and part of the photographs.
And if your dog has a sweater?
I'm going to want to see it.
This is probably the most important thing I want you to know.
If you're going to spend an hour taking fall photos with me, I want you to come as you are.
Make it a little date.
Plan your favorite food.
Grab your favorite coffee or apple cider.
Wear something that makes you feel good.
Bring your dog.
Bring the kids.
Take the scenic route.
And when we actually start photographing, be present.
Look around.
Listen to the leaves.
Notice the light.
Let yourself enjoy where you are.
Because someday, I don't want you to look at these photographs and only remember that we took pictures that afternoon. I want you to remember the whole day.
The coffee.
The cold air.
The dog who wouldn't stop sniffing.
The leaves under your feet.
The person beside you.
The way the light looked through the trees.
That's the stuff I'm really interested in photographing.
You don't need a Pinterest-perfect fall day. You don't need to know how to pose. You don't need a perfectly behaved dog. And you definitely don't need to spend your entire session standing in front of a pile of leaves.
You just need to show up.
We'll find somewhere beautiful, take a walk, explore a little, and make some photographs along the way.
Come as you are. Bring the people, and dogs, you love.
Let's make a day of it.
