If you’ve ever seen a photo bathed in soft, amber light, you were likely looking at a fall photograph. This is the biggest reason why this season is a favorite in the industry.
The Golden Hour Advantage
In the spring and summer, the sun hangs high, making for harsh light that often means we have to scramble for shade. In the fall, however, the sun naturally hangs lower in the sky. This means the coveted Golden Hour lasts longer and often starts earlier. It’s much easier to schedule your romantic portraits during that perfect, flattering window of time, giving your photos a naturally warm, glowing filter.
Nature’s Built-In Color Palette
You simply can’t beat the natural backdrop that autumn provides. The vibrant foliage (from fiery orange and scarlet to deep burgundy and mustard yellow) creates a stunning contrast that makes your white gown and your partner’s suit truly pop. These colors provide a rich, dramatic frame for your photos, meaning you need to spend less on elaborate decorations for your ceremony and portrait locations!
The Cozy Factor: Comfort and Styling
A fall wedding is often one of the most comfortable weddings to attend and one of the most stylish to photograph.
The Perfect Temperature
No one wants to be sweating through their expensive clothes or worrying about their makeup melting off. Fall offers a welcome, crisp air that keeps everyone; the couple, the wedding party, and the guests, comfortable and relaxed. Relaxed people make for beautiful, genuine photographs!
Layering and Texture
The season encourages beautiful styling that adds depth and interest to your photos. We can incorporate stunning textures like a velvet suit jacket, a faux fur shawl, or even a cozy knit blanket for a few intimate outdoor portraits. These details are not only beautiful accessories but they lean into the inherent cozy mood of the season.
Embracing the Intimate Details
As the sun sets earlier, the focus naturally shifts to warm, indoor lighting, which is a photographer’s best friend for capturing an intimate reception.
Warm Ambient Lighting
Fall receptions are perfectly suited for romantic, ambient lighting. Think dozens of candles, beautiful string lights crisscrossing the dance floor, and elegant lanterns. These elements don’t just look great to the naked eye; they provide that soft, glowing light that creates intimate, cinematic reception and first dance photos.
Seasonal Flair
You can connect your celebration to the season in sophisticated ways that translate beautifully through the lens. Using natural elements like gourds, muted-toned florals, branches, or even an apple cider bar adds a touch of bespoke charm. These are the unique details that make your wedding feel distinct and connected to the beautiful time of year you chose.
Ready to plan a wedding full of golden light and cozy moments?
If you dream of a wedding full of rich, dramatic colors, comfortable temperatures, and unforgettable intimate moments, I’d love to capture it for you.
My fall calendar fills up fast; let’s chat about your date and start planning how we can capture the incredible atmosphere of your autumn wedding!
