As an Arizona photographer, I’ve witnessed countless couples and families create cherished memories against our state’s breathtaking autumn backdrops. From the golden aspens of Flagstaff to golden hour over Saguaro-studded deserts, fall in Arizona is a photographer’s dream. But timing is everything! Today, I’m pulling back the curtain on the art of scheduling the perfect fall portrait session. Whether you’re planning family photos, senior portraits, or a romantic engagement shoot, this simple guide with my best insider tips will help you navigate the WHO, WHERE, and WHEN of autumn photography in Prescott, Flagstaff and Phoenix, Arizona.

WHO: Who will be in your photos?

The heart and soul of any portrait session are the people in front of the camera. That’s why this is our first and most crucial consideration when booking your fall photos. Your loved ones are what make these images truly special, so let’s start by thinking about:

• Who are the key people you want to include? Consider family members’ availability, especially out-of-town relatives
• Think about college students’ schedules and when they’ll be home
• Don’t forget grandparents or other special guests you’d like to include
• Are there any pets that are part of your family portrait? Are they sensitive to heat and/or busy locations?

By prioritizing the ‘who’ in your photos, we can better plan the where and when to accommodate everyone’s wants and needs.

WHERE: Arizona’s best weather for fall photos

WHERE: Location and weather considerations for Arizona’s fall weather is a must! Our state offers a diverse range of landscapes and weather patterns depending on the city and month, which is amazing and also can be a bit counter-intuitive. This is why I’ve created a handy, emoji graphic for the best weather for fall photos in Arizona below:

For more detailed information about Arizona’s fall weather patterns, temperatures and location-specific tips for the best fall photos, click my blog post HERE.

WHEN: 4 tips you may not have thought about when scheduling your photos:

1. Pro Tip: For the best availability and most relaxed experience, schedule your session at least 3-4 weeks before you actually need the photos for holiday cards, gifts, etc. This provides ample time for editing and selection of your photos without feeling rushed. My best tip is to schedule your photos in Prescott or Flagstaff in September before the craziness of the fall schedules hit!
2. Mid-Week Flexibility: My schedule is MUCH more open during weekdays. Consider booking a full portrait session on a weekday evening. Locations are typically quieter (especially great for sessions including pets and young children), creating a peaceful atmosphere for your shoot.
3. Fall Break Magic: If you have school-aged children or college students, scheduling your session during fall break is my personal favorite! Both kids and parents are usually more relaxed, making for a fun and stress-free photoshoot. Also, consider making it a mini-vacation by booking a session in another Arizona city during this time to capture a different landscape like the golden aspens in Flagstaff.
4. Sports and Activities

• Avoid scheduling sessions on the same day as regular games or activities
• Book your session before potential tournaments or playoffs to prevent conflicts
• If Saturday mornings are usually busy with sports or other activities, try another day to ensure everyone’s energy levels are high

By considering these often-overlooked factors, you’ll set yourself up for a smooth, enjoyable photo session that captures your people at their best. Remember, a little planning goes a long way in creating those perfect fall memories!

Book Your Fall Session

Whether you’re looking for vibrant fall foliage in Northern Arizona, stunning desert backdrops, or urban landscapes, our state has it all. By planning ahead and considering these factors, we can capture stunning memories for you and your loved ones in a setting that resonates with your vision.

Ready to book your fall portrait session in Prescott, Flagstaff or Phoenix? Contact me today, and let’s create some autumn magic together!

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Detailed best times