There’s something about fall that makes backyard family photo sessions feel especially good.
The light is softer, the colours are warm without trying too hard, and the air just feels calmer.
It’s the perfect season to slow down and document what real life looks like right now, without the pressure to pose or perform.
The Mackinnons are a family I’ve been lucky to photograph a few times now, and every time feels like catching up with old friends. Last fall, we did a backyard session that was full of movement, laughter, and the kind of candid moments I’m always chasing. This year, we did it again and WOW, the kids have grown!
What I love about shooting with families I know is seeing the small changes: the way the kids’ personalities evolve, how the dynamic shifts in subtle but beautiful ways. It’s never about recreating last year’s photos. It’s about capturing this chapter exactly as it is.
This is a little peek into their latest backyard session. And a reminder that you don’t need epic views or perfect outfits to make magic. Just a little light, some space to move, and the people you love.
Why Backyard Fall Family Photos Just Hit Different
There’s a kind of ease that comes with being at home. You’re not rushing to get everyone out the door, not wondering if you packed enough snacks, not second-guessing if the kids will “behave” once you get there. You’re already in your space where everyone can breathe a little easier.
That’s a big part of why I love backyard sessions, especially in the fall. The air feels crisp but not cold, and the light? Golden in the best way. It wraps around you instead of spotlighting you. No need to pose or smile on cue. You can just be, and that’s where the real stuff happens!
Kiddos feel more relaxed when they’re in their own space. They’ve got their favorite stick, their usual swing, their comfy backyard rhythm. And when they’re comfortable, real personalities come out. That’s the good stuff that I love - the belly laughs, the dramatic spins, the quiet snuggles on the porch step.
And here’s the thing: every backyard tells a story. Whether it’s big, small, messy, tidy, full of trees or fenced in tight- it’s yours. That alone makes it meaningful. You don’t have to go somewhere “special” to create something beautiful. The magic is already there. My job is just to help you see it.
The Mackinnons
This wasn’t the first time I photographed this lovely family, and it won’t be the last, despite now living in different provinces! We’ve done a few sessions together over the years, and each one has had its own rhythm. But this fall hit differently. Maybe it was the light. Maybe it was how much the kids have grown. Or maybe it was just that sense of comfort that comes from showing up for people who already trust you.
We decided to choose a different spot in their yard to last year to make it a little different. And what else is different? The energy! That’s evolved. The kids are a year older now. Still wild in the best way, but there’s this new layer of independence and curiosity that shows up when they move. They’re not babies anymore, and watching that shift unfold through photos is the kind of thing I never get tired of 🙂
The day of the shoot was gorgeous, and no one was in a rush. We moved slowly. There was some leaf tossing, a lot of goofing around, and a few quiet moments that happened so naturally I barely had to lift the camera.
What stood out most was how connected they still are. Even as the kids grow and start pulling in their own directions, there’s this tether between them all that’s impossible to miss. It’s in the way they look at each other, the way someone always reaches out a hand, the way laughter never seems too far away.
One of my favorite parts of this session? I didn’t have to direct much. They knew the drill. They just lived their life, and I documented it. We paused for nothing. No stiff poses, no forced smiles. Just honest movement, tiny details, and that low hum of real family life happening in real time.
These are the kinds of sessions that remind me why I shoot the way I do. Familiarity builds trust, and trust creates space for the real stuff to surface. That’s exactly what happened here. I already can't wait for next year!
