5 Fall Photo Trends

Fall is upon us – and so is the busiest photo season of the year! With the shifting seasons, I’ve also been seeing a subtle shift in family photo trends and I’m loving it!

These five fall photo trends are popping up all over my feed lately, and also reflect what I’ve been up to in my own work as well. Of course I never advocate for just being a trend follower, and believe that we produce our best work when we can quiet the noise and stop looking around too much. 

At the same time, it’s really important to have a pulse on what the industry is up to, because it does shape expectations from our clients. So we don’t just follow trends, but we should consider them, and integrate the ones we genuinely love in a subtle way that still allows our work to look like our own.

If you’re curious about fall family photo trends, read on!

5 Fall Photo Trends | Photography Style Trends You’ll See Everywhere This Fall

1. Wide-Angle Lenses for Storytelling

Wide angle lenses capture environment and movement in such a unique way, making them perfect for full-family storytelling and chaotic, joyful moments. They also help sessions feel more relaxed and less posed. My 35mm lens has long been my go-to, but earlier this year I started incorporating a 28mm lens and I love it! The wider angle allows for more unique and eye-catching composition. I end up using my 28 for around 25-30% of my gallery images, with a particular focus on capturing movement and energy.

2. Darker, Earthier Tones

The light-and-airy era is fading. It’s been on its way out for a couple years now, and the shift looks to be for the long term. We’re seeing richer blacks, deeper shadows, and warm golden highlights — edits that feel cinematic and soulful rather than bright and pastel. This shift adds instant drama and coziness, especially against fall’s rich, warm backdrops.

Does this mean that we all need to dive into dark and moody editing? Definitely not! When I say dark and moody, it probably brings to mind another dated editing style that has lost a lot of favor in recent years as well. 

Instead of dark or orange, think earthy and cozy. Don’t be afraid of recommending darker clothing to your clients, shooting in softer light, and embracing rich blacks and shadows. Which brings me to my next point…

5 Fall Photo Trends | Photography Style Trends You’ll See Everywhere This Fall

3. Film-Inspired Aesthetic

Film photography — or at least film vibes — are still dominating family and wedding photography. Film and film-emulation editing doesn’t represent one specific style, but rather a whole range: it can be darker or brighter, warmer or cooler, etc. What sets it apart is the creamy highlights, gorgeous skin tones, and incredible grainy texture. It’s about capturing feeling, not perfection, and prioritizing story and soul over technical polish.I shot film for many years and now shoot only digital for convenience — but still achieve the film aesthetic I’ve long been obsessed with by using The Archetype Process profiles. I can’t recommend these highly enough! They allow me to blend the beauty of film with the flexibility of digital, and I’ve used these profiles loyally for years.

4. Movement & Authenticity

Calm and perfectly posed images are giving way to motion-filled frames: walking, spinning, running, chasing, dancing. Dreamy, closed eyes are getting left behind in favor of laughter and smiles and authentic expressions. In an online world filled with artificial perfection, photographers and clients alike are craving something that feels real. Our clients still want to look amazing and feel at their best for photos, of course. But this can be seamlessly blended with genuine interactions and casual connectedness.

5. Prints, Patterns, and Nostalgia

Nostalgia is everything right now. The Ralph Lauren aesthetic is officially back, Western is all the rage, and Americana is everywhere. Think gingham and quilted fabrics, cable knit sweaters, equestrian or cowboy boots, a rich neutral color palette with pops of earthy colors, and understated luxury.

I’ve been working with my families to help them embrace more color and mix subtle prints, like florals, stripes, and gingham. It adds depth and individuality while still feeling timeless when done thoughtfully.

Consider the French approach to style and beauty: they love looking put together, but never like they tried too hard. This is the same guiding principle you’ll find trending this fall when it comes to photo wardrobe, for both casual and more elevated looks. Clients are wanting to look fashionable and put together, but still want to look just like themselves. There’s no need for perfection or for every detail to coordinate!

Styling tip: keep a couple details slightly mismatched or undone, and it will feel more fun and more authentic!

Final Thoughts

Trends are fun, but they come and go. Let them inspire you, but never pressure you. If you love some of the family photo trends showing up this fall, then embrace what you love in a way that feels genuine to you, your work, and your client experience. And remember that you should never feel the need to incorporate all the trends, especially all at once.

As always, follow your instincts, and shut out the noise that feels distracting instead of inspirational. Your instincts are your greatest asset!

5 Fall Photo Trends | Photography Style Trends You’ll See Everywhere This Fall