Autumn in Minnesota is my favorite time of year! When our fall colors are at their peak there’s no better time to be outside, and (in my opinion) no better time to schedule a photo session with your dog.

Tip 1: Find the location

Great fall color can be found almost anywhere, but not everywhere is a great location for dog photography. Popular parks are often packed with other photographers and you’ll find yourself waiting for a good spot, feeling rushed while someone wants your spot, trying to avoid having people in the background, or worrying about your dog being distracted by all the commotion. I love finding quiet, out-of-the-way locations where we won’t encounter a ton of other people and dogs, and can simply focus on having a fun session and getting great images.

Take a look around your neighborhood; are there locations you like to go to that have vibrant trees and not a lot of people? Does your favorite park have a little pocket of trees that’s off the main path? I’m happy to recommend some tried-and-true locations for fall colors that have worked great in the past for your session as well.

Tip 2: Perfect timing

We’re lucky that the fall color season usually lasts for a few weeks, with the quality and quantity of color varying from year to year of course. For around the Twin Cities, our best times are in the middle to end of October. I always start to worry it’s getting too late toward November, but I’ve had some really great sessions into the first couple weeks of November as well.

The Minnesota DNR even has a super cool Fall Color Finder Map with a slider to predict what the colors will look like on specific days throughout the state!

Back in 2020 it was very mild and we even got this “fall” session in the first week of December!

Bonus Tip 2.5: Oak leaves hang on a long time, so if it’s late in the season and all the other leaves have fallen, look for locations with oak trees!

The sun is setting between 6pm and 7pm in October, and I like to start a full session about 2 hours beforehand (4pm-5pm) so we get that amazing, golden evening light. If you’re doing a shorter session or you don’t have a lot of trees to block the sun at your location, try starting closer to 1 hour before sunset.

Tip 3: Plan your outfit

The warm tones of fall pair beautifully with rich tones in your clothing choices. Do a quick search for “color triads” to learn about why certain colors work well together, and you’ll soon see that green grass, orange leaves, and a purple sweater make for a fabulous image! I love darker colors like royal blue, burgundy, mustard yellow, hunter greens, and deep purples. Plus, all these colors will look great with white dogs, brown dogs, black dogs, and really any color dog!

Make sure to consider your shoes or boots, as we’ll most likely see them in the photos. A fun scarf or hat can be a great accessory, or even a cozy blanket to wrap up in or sit on.

Tip 4: Prepare your dog

Preparing your dog for a fall photo session is similar to a spring or summer session. In addition to the typical bathing, brushing, and clipping their nails, think about your dog’s energy level and personality and whether they might focus better after a little exercise. (Not TOO much exercise, we don’t need crazy long tongues in all your photos)

My dog Rosie is VERY excited about new locations and all the sniffs so she might do best after exploring the area first. On the other hand she’s VERY food motivated, so by bringing high value treats along (i.e. cheese for Miss Rosie) I can more easily keep her attention on me instead of the environment. In addition to their treats, also bring along a favorite toy for some action photos and help keep their attention.

It can also be fun to bring some fall accessories for your dog like a bandana or sweater. Again, think about the color scheme and what will look best with the colors around you.

Tip 5: Enjoy the experience

One of the best ways to ensure a great dog photography session is to keep everything light and fun! Pet photography is not rocket surgery, and dogs are goofy and unpredictable. Maintain a great attitude, and don’t get upset if your dog isn’t doing exactly what we’re asking every time.

They truly do feel and react to our energy, so if what we’re putting out there is relaxed and happy, they’ll be relaxed and happy too. I pride myself on my patience with animals and my go-with-the-flow personality. I bring a calm presence to any session, so even if you’re feeling nervous about it, hopefully we can work together to make it an amazing experience for both you and your dog.

Now’s a great time to book your fall session with Sarah Beth Photography! Contact me for more info and to get started.