Fall is one of the most beautiful times of the year to photograph your family. The air gets crisp, the leaves change color and the golden light just hits differently. Nature creates a beautiful backdrop for families to slow down, connect and document this season of life together.

Fall Foliage sessions are about more than just finding colorful leaves. The timing of your photos, the location you choose and the overall feel you want for your family’s images all play a role in creating an experience that feels like you and your family.

Below you’ll find everything you need to know about planning your Fall Foliage family session, including when sessions take place, when to book, how the colors change throughout the season and the locations I photograph at throughout Queens and Long Island.

When Fall Foliage sessions take place

Fall Foliage sessions typically take place from mid October through late November. Because every fall is different, the exact timing of peak foliage depends on the weather and how quickly the leaves begin to change.

Earlier in the season, you can expect a mix of green, gold, and the first hints of autumn color. As the season progresses, the leaves becomes richer with deeper shades of orange, red, and warm brown tones. If you prefer neutral tones, those mid-late November dates bring more variety of gold and browns.

When to book your Fall Foliage session

Fall is the most popular time of year to book family photos, meaning dates tend to fill quickly. Many photographers, including myself, begin booking fall dates during the early summer months.

If you have a specific location, weekend date or timeframe in mind, I recommend booking early to make sure you have the best selection of availability. Waiting until the leaves are already changing often means fewer options, especially weekends. Fall is the only season I offer weekend sessions and dates are very limited.

Planning ahead also gives you better time to prepare for your session creating a relaxed experience rather than trying to coordinate everything at the last minute.

Choosing your location

Each of my fall locations offers a different experience. Some families love wide open spaces and glowing sunlight, while others prefer rustic details or a location that is easy to navigate with young children. I’ve carefully chosen these locations because each consistently delivers the beautiful light, seasonal color and timeless feel that define my fall portfolio.

When you choose a Fall Foliage location, you’re choosing more than just a park. You’re choosing the way I see that location. While each park offers a variety of beautiful scenery, I carefully select the specific areas where we photograph based on the light and the season.

The most beautiful backdrop isn’t always the most obvious one. Certain areas may photograph beautifully at one time of day but not provide the soft, warm light needed for the style of images you see throughout my portfolio. By guiding where we photograph, I am able to create a consistent experience and ensure your final gallery reflects the warm, timeless look you fell in love with.

Here are the locations I currently offer for Fall Foliage family sessions:

Alley Pond Park | Glen Oaks, NY

Alley Pond Park offers a beautiful combination of open space, changing foliage and golden light. The open field is surrounded by trees with a variety of warm fall tones, creating depth amongst the autumn backdrop.

The parking lot is conveniently located right near the primary area for our session, an open field full of warm brown and bronze shades. If you’re up for brief walk, you’ll find more trees with shades of red and yellow. As the sun gets lower, golden rays filter through the trees.

This location is perfect for families who love a more natural setting with room to move, explore and enjoy the evening together.

Crocheron Park | Bayside, NY

The perfect option for families looking for beautiful fall scenery with easy access. A smaller park with a shorter walk from the parking area makes this location especially convenient for families with little ones.

This location offers a mix of open fields and scattered trees, creating variety while keeping the experience relaxed and simple. It is a great choice for families who want the beauty of fall foliage without a long walk or a more adventurous location.

Sagamore Hill | Oyster Bay, NY

*Sagamore Hill is available for Friday through Sunday dates only

For families drawn to a more rustic and timeless fall setting, Sagamore Hill offers a beautiful combination of autumn color and historic charm. Wooden fencing, gravel walking paths, an apple orchard and rich fall foliage create a setting that feels like a quiet escape. This location typically showcases some of the deeper autumn colors, including beautiful reds and oranges.

What to wear for your session

Your wardrobe plays an important role in creating images that feel cohesive and timeless. I recommend choosing colors and textures that complement the natural tones of the season while still allowing your family’s connection to be the focus.

Every Fall Foliage session includes personalized styling guidance to help you plan outfits that photograph beautifully. Families also have access to my Client Closet, which includes carefully selected pieces designed to complement my warm, natural editing style.

Learn more about the full experience, styling and Client Closet here.

Ready to Plan Your Fall Foliage Family Photos?

Whether you’re drawn to glowing fields, colorful trees or rustic autumn charm, your Fall Foliage session is designed to capture genuine connection in one of the most beautiful seasons of the year. Browse available dates and book your family’s session today.

Have additional questions? Reach out through my contact form, and we can chat about whether it’s the right setting for your session.

Erica Ruvio Photography LLC is a Queens NYC based lifestyle newborn, family and maternity photographer serving Queens, Brooklyn, Nassau, Suffolk and up through lower Westchester counties. Learn more about Erica here.