Autumn seems to be made for photography, and if it’s October, it means it’s time for trips to the pumpkin patch. This is one of my favourite places to take my family to during fall season, with all the leaves changing colour, and the beautiful fall flowers in bloom.
Going to a farm to choose your own pumpkins has become so popular recently, and it’s also a lovely opportunity to have some professional photographs taken. Most pumpkin farms provide kids with the freedom to roam and pick their own fruits and pumpkins which gives them a sense of independence and pride.
It is such a great opportunity to learn about pumpkins and other fruits and vegetables that grow on the farms. Children will also have the opportunity to see farm equipment, plants and feed animals.
Top tips for perfect pumpkin farm photos
Here’s some tips I have for you, when preparing for your pumpkin patch photoshoot.
- The best time to go is during the week.
This way you avoid the crowds, and you’re more likely to have the most pumpkins (think of those beautifully orange pumpkins as the background for your photos). Often 1-2 weeks before Halloween tend to be the busiest and thus the most picked over patches for the farms.
- Choose the right time of the day.
The best lighting for photographs during Autumn is around 4pm, or right before they close and during golden hour. The light an hour before the sun sets is beautiful, warm, and will create gorgeous photos. If you go an hour before the patch closes, it’s less likely to be busy as well!
So definitely do that if you can’t go during the week (maybe on a Sunday evening)! Going early in the morning is also a good idea, as it is less likely to have many people in the background.
- Plan your outfit for pumpkin patch.
When you look back at fall pictures, you’re instantly transported back to autumn, thanks to a few visual cues: the pumpkins, the falling leaves, and the clothing. My go to for a trip to the pumpkin patch are flannels, rich fall colours, jeans, booties and cute accessories.
Colours you can’t go wrong with? Olive greens, golds, rusts and browns! Also, bear in mind that the weather can change quickly in the fall, so it’s always a good idea to layer your clothing. Clothes must be comfortable, warm and rainproof.
There is likely to be mud on the pumpkin field. Ankle boots and wellies are all great choices for your pumping picking trip. When is comes to textures, choose velvets, flannels, plaids, and cosy textures and coordinate the family in a subtle matching theme. This doesn’t mean everyone has to wear matching colours, which can come off staged looking.
- Don’t bring props, use what’s there!
Pumpkin patches are full of cute things to take photos with. Pulling a wagon filled with pumpkins? The cutest. Holding a pumpkin on your head with your super cute niece? Adorbs. Posing with the yummy treat you just bought? Talk about food envy. Use what’s in front of you to get a perfect photo.
- Let the kids relax.
Try to engage your children by asking them questions and or giving them tasks to do, it makes for a much better photo. When you’re at the pumpkin farm trying to take your photographs, you can ask them to jump in a wheelbarrow, pick up a pumpkin point to the biggest pumpkin they can see.
Keep them engaged and you’ll be able to take many more photos. Whatever you do, don’t ask your child to say cheese! All you’re going to produce is closed eyes and funny looking grins. Try to provoke natural reactions. A great way is to ask them to close their eyes and then open them again. That way their face is relaxed.
If you want happy subjects in your pumpkin patch pictures, you need to minimize the chances for grumpy faces. Hungry or tired kids and adults will ruin the whole thing, so be sure to feed everyone beforehand and bring some non-messy snacks just in case!
- Be Open To Spontaneity
You know what they say about the best-laid plans. Once you’ve taken the above into consideration, allow the poses to come naturally. Keep snapping and you’ll end up with some priceless and playful images. Also, candid photos are the best photos because they look natural.
Now that you’ve read all my tips, it’s time to book your pumpkin patch photoshoot and get ready for the best pictures. Also, please feel free to read my guide for what to wear on your outdoor family photo shoot.
