3 Blissfully Easy Steps to a Successful Fall Maternity Session
Fall is an amazing season in Colorado, so why not have your maternity session during all it’s glory? We are also fortunate here in Colorado, because we have a lot of opportunities to capture fall color. Due to the altitude variation in our state within short distances, we can capture fall color for a month or more within easy driving distance of Denver, Boulder, Fort Collins, Greeley, and the Northern Colorado Front Range.
Even though Colorado is so accommodating of the moms-to-be that want fall color for their maternity session, there are still some tricks to making sure your fall maternity session in Colorado is a success. Here are my top three steps to having a successful fall maternity session:
Step #1: Get the Fall Color Timing Right
Fall color in Colorado moves in two different directions. One is North to South. The other is from high elevation to low elevation. First the fall color appears at high elevations to the north and then moves southward in the high elevations first. Mountain color tends to be at its peak from mid-September to early October. Front Range and plains color tends to start in mid-October and can go as late as early November.
The timing of fall color changes every year though. The weather leading up to the fall dictates when the peak color seasons will occur. The news starts talking about peak color season in late August/early September, when we start to have a better idea what the weather is going to be like going into peak color season. The weather during peak also dictates how long the color will last. If we get a major snowstorm during peak, the leaves fall to the ground due to the snow and peak color is no longer present.
The color is also different between the mountains and the foothills and plains. In the mountains, the trees that change are the aspens. They have a golden color to them. In the lower foothills and plains, there are quite a few different types of trees that change. The majority of changing trees in wild and natural areas are cottonwoods. They have a golden to orange color. When you’re in more landscaped areas, you’ll find maples, oaks, cottonwoods, aspens, and many other types of trees. So the color in landscaped areas can be quite varied. It is important to note though that aspens are not present in wild areas in the plains. Aspens naturally grown at altitudes above 7500 feet.
When you’re trying to choose a time for your maternity session though, you won’t necessarily get to choose which peak you’ll be going with for your session. If you want fall color and your maternity due date is right, then you’ll want to go with a location that shows the color at the right time in your pregnancy. For a fall color maternity session, you’ll really need a late October or November due date. Those due dates will have their prime maternity session time fall at the same time as fall color.
Step #2: Choose the Right Locations
When choosing the right location for your fall maternity photoshoot, there are two things to note.
Location’s Peak is During Your Session
As I said above, our fall color occurs at the high elevations first moving North to South, and then comes to the lower elevations. Make sure that whatever location you are choosing is actually have its peak at the time of your session. As we get nearer to the fall, you’ll be able to see maps released that show when certain areas should be changing. That will help you to determine your location’s peak.
Location Has Deciduous Trees
Not all locations are created equal for fall color, even if you do time it right. Keep in mind that coniferous trees, like pines, firs, and spruces, don’t change color. When you’re choosing a location, make sure it has a lot of coniferous trees or at least large patches of coniferous trees. Fortunately aspens grow in groves, so when there is one there is many. Cottonwoods live near streams and lakes, so look for water when trying to find their beautiful color.
Step #3: Wear the Right Maternity Photoshoot Dress Colors
All the fall color in the world won’t make you look good, unless you wear the right colors yourself. When choosing your outfit for your fall maternity session, choose colors that will go well with the fall colors. There are three groupings of colors I encourage you to consider. And if you can wear more than one dress during your session, I recommend choosing dresses from different groups so as to create more variety in your images.
Neutrals
There’s always a place for neutrals. And fall is a great time to try out all of them. Whereas most times of the year I encourage clients to go with lighter neutrals because of Colorado’s dominant colors, fall is one of the few times you should really try out a dark neutral. So anything from white to gray to beige to cream to black would be great for a fall maternity session.
Analogous Colors
This color group are colors that are matching the fall colors or on the same side of color wheel. If we think about our color wheel, those colors will be yellow, orange, red, and pink. In general, colors that go well in portraits are jewel tones and earthy neutrals. So I’d stick to those areas for all these colors. Also, when it comes to pink, I personally like the color of a soft, nearly neutral pink versus a hot pink. These colors will create a more monochromatic image where you blend into your surroundings.
Complementary Colors
Complementary colors are the opposite of analogous colors. They are the colors on the opposite side of the color wheel. For complementary colors, I recommend considering blues, greens, and purples. These colors will make you pop. It creates a lot of energy in the composition and is quite bold. As I said above, jewel tones and earthy neutrals are a way to go for portraits.
Accessories
Don’t forget about accessories, especially for a fall session. Accessories can add texture and dimension to the composition. For fall I recommend:
Chunky scarves and wraps
Floral crowns with sunflowers or orange/yelllow flowers
Brown and Black belts and hats
Bonus Tip: Be Flexible
Because of the various factors that affect fall color, it can be difficult to get it perfectly. And photographers can only be so flexible with their schedules to help you hit the peak. So I recommend thinking about your choices in relation to if there is no fall color as well. So pick a location that also has other features you love, such as mountains or water, and you’ll love even if all the trees are green or all the leaves have fallen. And choose outfits that you’ll love regardless of your surroundings as well. Although I always hope that every client that wants fall color gets it, there’s only so much we can control for a session.
Sara Herkes is a maternity, newborn, family, and senior photographer based in Longmont, CO. She serves the the Denver Metro Area, the Colorado Rockies, and the Northern Front Range and captures your pregnancy amidst the Colorado wilderness. Learn more about her services here.
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