Why Fall Family Portraits Are Important | Jess Nicole Photography | Chesapeake, Virginia

I love Fall. If you were to ask me what my favorite season is, I'd probably say Fall. I love the flavors, the smells, I love Halloween, I love pumpkins, I love how communities come together to celebrate the season together with activities (seemingly) every single day of the week!
But as a photographer, I love fall for different reasons other than I listed above. We call it our busy season, because everyone loves to have their picture sessions done in the fall. I think it's for a few reasons, including the vibrant colors and the cool weather. But why are they important to us? I'll explain a few of my reasons below.

1.) Fall traditionally marks the beginning of a school year and we always marvel at how big our kids have grown in the year and how much they have changed. It's so bittersweet because we are so happy that they are growing and strong and learning so much...but as parents we are left wondering "Where did the time go? I blinked and look where we are!"  I can completely understand that sentiment. I'm right there with you. I still don't understand how we got here! But, a family session in the fall documents that change and signifies that new school year. 

2.) Updated portraits make fantastic, amazing, INTENTIONAL Christmas gifts.  I know a lot of us had New Year's Resolutions to be more intentional this year. Intentional with our time, our money, our lives. Giving the gift of a beautiful piece of printed artwork ready to display to someone you love shows that you were intentional with your gift giving. You put time and effort into picking out an image that they would love and that would spark joy every time they looked at it. Think of the joy and gratitude we would have if we filled our homes with those quirky and fun images that make us smile when we see them! I know for my family, their favorite gifts are the portrait-kind. They display them proudly and are always excited to receive them as gifts. And as a side note- each session you book with me comes with a beautiful 5x7 professionally matted print (final size 8x10) and trust me when I say they are stunning when you see them in person. So, so, so much different that viewing images on a screen- and please hear me when I say this- especially if your loved ones do not live near you. The emotional connection to a tangible piece of art is absolutely incredible. Another plus to this- Christmas shopping is SO MUCH EASIER when you choose to do this for your loved ones! 
3.)  Christmas Cards! This one may be obvious. I get excited about making our Christmas cards. I love them, I love sending them out, I love receiving them in the mail, and I love looking at them all Christmas long! And I know I am absolutely not alone in this. Obviously professional quality images can certainly make your Christmas cards super special this year and really leave a lasting impression. And you know what else I love about Christmas cards and documentary photography? I feel like my cards are SO personal and they showcase each of our personalities. And this past year, I even did a  collage on the back of our year. It was so fun to pick out some of our favorites pictures and memories from the year. 

4.) I hinted at this above, but the fall season is so much fun and so full of joy! Activities are taking place everywhere and I bet you have some fall-themed, time honored traditions in your family. Pumpkin patch? Yes please! Pumpkin carving? Fall hikes in the cooler weather? Roasting s'mores by the backyard fire pit? Fall gathering with family and friends? The options are endless. I would 100% consider hiring a photographer to follow you along on your fun filled afternoon and document these family traditions that are so special to you and your family. And years from now, the children sure will be glad to have these mementos from some of the moments that defined their childhood. 

Have fun with your family photos and capture things that mean something to you. Things that are going to matter to you years from now. Connection. Relationships. Emotion. And don't worry- I always reserve a few minutes of my sessions to get a few loosely posed pictures if you want them!  Happy Fall ya'll!