6 Tips for your next family photoshoot in Autumn or Winter
Autumn and winter are genuinely some of the best times of year for outdoor family photography in Perth. The light is softer, the colours are richer, and the cooler temperatures make for a much more comfortable session than standing in the middle of a February afternoon wondering why anyone thought this was a good idea.
Crunchy leaves, golden afternoon light, layered outfits, rosy cheeks. It all makes for images that feel warm and timeless. But a little preparation goes a long way. Here are six tips to help your session run smoothly and your photos look their best.
1. Dress for the temperature, not the calendar
Perth winters are mild by most standards, but standing outside in the shade for an hour tells a different story. If you're shooting in the early morning or close to sunset, it can get genuinely cold, and shivering doesn't photograph well, especially on little ones.
Dress everyone warmly and practically. Think layers: a light jacket over a linen shirt, a knit cardigan, a soft scarf. Layered outfits also give you visual depth and texture in photos, which is a bonus. And closed-toe shoes are always a good call once the temperature drops.
If your children are warm and comfortable, they'll stay in a good mood for longer. That alone is worth the extra layer.
2. don't underestimate cloud cover
A clear blue sky feels like ideal shooting weather, but overcast days are actually a photographer's friend. Cloud cover acts as a natural diffuser. It softens the light, reduces harsh shadows, and creates an even, flattering glow across your images. On cloudy days, colours often look richer and more saturated too.
Light rain and misty conditions can also create a beautiful, moody atmosphere, provided everyone is dressed for it and the timing works. Heavy downpours are a different story, and that's when rescheduling makes sense.
I keep a close eye on the forecast in the lead-up to your session and I'll always reach out if conditions look like they'll be a problem. We'll either adapt the plan or reschedule, whatever works best.
3. Lean Into the Season's Colours
Autumn and winter in Perth offer a genuinely lovely palette to work with. Warm oranges, deep reds, earthy browns, soft greens. Your outfits should sit comfortably within that palette rather than fight against it.
Earthy, nature-inspired tones tend to photograph beautifully in outdoor settings. Think rust, sage, camel, oatmeal, warm navy, deep olive. Coordinate across the family without being too matchy and aim for tones that feel cohesive rather than identical.
A pop of colour works well when it's chosen thoughtfully. A vibrant blue or deep green amongst autumn leaves can look stunning. What to avoid: loud logos, very dark tones that absorb light, and anything so precious you'll be worried about grass stains.
When in doubt, choose pieces your family is comfortable in and that work with your home's interior. These photos will likely end up on your walls, and it's worth thinking about how they'll sit in your space.
I have a Pinterest board with outfit inspiration if you'd like a starting point find it here.
4. Time Your Session Around Golden Hour
I always schedule outdoor sessions as close to sunset as possible, and this is especially true in autumn and winter, when Perth's golden hour is nothing short of extraordinary.
The light in those final 30–60 minutes before sunset is warm, directional, and genuinely flattering. It wraps around faces beautifully, creates depth, and gives images that soft, glowy quality that's very hard to replicate at any other time of day.
It's worth planning the rest of your day around your session time. Well-rested, well-fed children who aren't approaching their limits make for a much smoother, happier experience and much better photos. If naps need to be shifted slightly to line up with a late afternoon session, it's usually worth it.
5. Be Flexible With the Weather
Perth weather in autumn and winter can be unpredictable. I'll always be in contact before your session to keep an eye on conditions together, and if it looks like the weather is going to genuinely affect the shoot, we'll make a call together. Adapt, reschedule, or find a workaround.
If you have family visiting from interstate or a specific date that can't move, let me know early. I'll do everything I can to work with your constraints, and sometimes the most interesting images come from unexpected conditions.
What I'd encourage is this: trust the process. Even sessions that don't start under ideal skies often produce beautiful work. I've shot in patchy cloud, golden breaks between showers, and soft overcast light that looked like nothing special at the time and turned out absolutely stunning.
One Last Thing
Autumn and winter family sessions in Perth are genuinely some of my favourite shoots of the year. The light is beautiful, the mood is warm, and the images that come out of this time of year have a quality that's hard to put into words.
If you're thinking about booking a family session before the season changes, get in touch here. I'd love to hear what you have in mind.
MJ
Little Brown Rabbit Photography 🤎
TL;DR
- Layer up — comfort keeps everyone happy
- Overcast days are great for photography, not just sunny ones
- Lean into autumn's natural colour palette with your outfit choices
- Book a golden hour session for the best possible light
- Be flexible with weather — I'll always guide you through it
