It is pumpkin patch season and I love taking our kids out for a photo session at our local farm. I want to share with you my pumpkin patch photo tips so that you can grab some great photos at your local pumpkin patch. This is the perfect time of year for great backdrops and to update the photos of the kids.
There is something about an adorable pumpkin patch photo shoot. Kids are already adorable but you add a few pumpkins around your pumpkin and you have a classic holiday card photo. It is also a great place to get family photos done. Most pumpkin patches cost little to nothing to explore. Making it the perfect spot to grab some photos with the scenery.
Here are my pumpkin patch photo tips for a fun experience where you walk away with saved memories.
Time of Day
Try and plan your trip for the “golden hour”. This is just before sunset, usually between 4-6pm. There is just the right amount of filtered light for a beautiful warm tone to your photos.
Type of Weather
Overcast days are usually the best. They filter the light nicely. A cool fall day with no rain and slightly cloudy is perfect.
Go During Non-Peak Days
If you can try and snap photos during the weekdays, those are great. You will find less of a crowd and more open space to get great photos without too many people in the background. Plus, kids can run off some energy in between shots.
Posing
Always pose your children with their backs or nearly back to the sun. You don’t want them squinting in the shots. No one likes looking directly into it. This also gives that sweet halo effect behind your subject.
Get Kids to Smile
It is always nice to have some help behind you. Have another parent, friend, or family member make some funny faces behind you while you snap photos. But only pick one person. Too many people trying to get a child’s attention will result in focus in many different directions.
Bring Towels and Wipes
Perfect for wiping down any mud off of shoes or dusting off pants. Throw a towel and wipes into the car before you head out. You won’t be sorry.
Outfits
Try and keep outfits muted. Warm colors are great and non-busy patterns. You want to keep the focus on those adorable little faces.
Use Surroundings for Various Backdrops
There are so many wonderful textures at the pumpkin patch. Pumpkins, tractors, cornstalks, barns, you name it. These are amazing for the perfect photography stop. Look around slowly when you arrive and take in the perfect spots.
Get Down to Kid Level
You might get a little dirty yourself while photography kids at the pumpkin patch. Getting down to their level makes for great photos. You get that depth and capture their smiles.
Let the Kids Run and Play
Let kids have fun while taking photos at the pumpkin patch. Some fun photos can be captured while they skip along the paths. I know my kids go crazy when I make it all about the photos instead of letting them have some playtime too. It keeps things light, fun, and keeps everyone smiling.
Snap Photos of the Surroundings
Don’t just snap photos of the kids, snap some of the surroundings as well. It is fun to have great fall photos to add to the photo album. Plus, if you go somewhere that has been around for generations like we do, it is fascinating to see the changes over the years.
