You know how you basically can’t even talk to your accountant or tax attorney friends from March 15th until tax time?  There is a busy season for photographers too–basically April to accountants is what October is to photographers. There is a real ebb and flow in this business, and I structure my year to work with it rather than fight against it! I do all of my traveling, professional development, gear maintenance, and a lot of work on the structure of my business in the winter months (January, February) when I am mostly shooting just newborn and baby sessions.  I do not plan any nonessential travel from late September through Christmas when I am shooting family sessions in addition to my sweet newborns.  I certainly make time to enjoy the fall and all of my favorite holidays, I just plan to be working a lot too.

My thoughts behind this is that a) it’s beautiful in the fall… changing leaves, cooler weather (sweaters and boots!), and it’s generally just b beautiful time of year to be outside.  And b) holiday cards with a gorgeous professional photo on them are a big thing, I know I enjoy sending and receiving.

This family contacted me later in the season to shoot an outdoor family session for their holiday card.  We started in their home and went outside for the rest of the session.

They live in the Strip District and dad had some locations in mind… I was a little hesitant since choosing a location has so much to do with lighting and factors about the background that most people wouldn’t think of… however, he nailed it with these incredible spots.  In fact, I will be revisiting this location this week for a fitness-inspired maternity session.

Baby H is a real charmer with soulful eyes.  He was happy being outside even with the cooler temperatures.  I like the dark backdrop in this next series and the fact that it includes gritty railroad trestles next to an adorable babe.  The bottom photo is the one that ended up on their lovely letterpress card.

The third location we went to is a little walking bridge that overlooks Pittsburgh… another spot chosen by dad who is a Pittsburgh local and knows the Strip District area well.

Some families choose more casual outfits but this family was more comfortable in something formal. I was definitely in love with mom’s orange wrap!

See all the images from this session in this video slideshow: 

If you would like to shoot a family portrait session with me in the fall, I book up to nine months in advance (12 for baby planners), so get in touch as soon as you know you want to work with me.  As I am writing this I have several dates in October booked even though I have most of August free.

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Missy Timko is the Pittsburgh Family Photographer photographer behind Powder Blue Photography, a boutique photography studio located in Pittsburgh, PA. She specializes in newborns, maternity, families, seniors, and headshots. Missy’s style is simple, natural, and clean, a mix of slightly posed and lifestyle photography with beautiful natural backdrops, and Missy also runs a studio in the West End Village in Pittsburgh.  There are many session options, from full-length custom sessions to shorter Baby & Child or maternity sessions, inside the studio or outside in a beautiful natural or urban location in Pittsburgh.  Contact Missy for rates and availability.