Looking to create the perfect fall photoshoot with your dog? You’ve come to the right place! Fall is the perfect season to capture stunning moments with your furry friend. Whether you're snapping fall pictures for Instagram, or you’re looking for fall pictures ideas for your personal photo albums, the vibrant colors of autumn make every photo pop! In this blog, I’ll guide you through some easy-to-follow tips to organize a truly great fall photoshoot with your pup.
1. Scout Out the Perfect Location
The backdrop is everything when it comes to dog photography! For stunning photos, you'll want to find places near you where the leaves have started to change.
Parks, hiking trails, or even your backyard can be fantastic spots for capturing those warm, cozy vibes of the season. Apps like Leaf Peepr, Weather Underground, or just a simple Google search can help you find areas with peak fall foliage for beautiful pictures of autumn season.
Some people (like us here in Los Angeles) may find it harder to find those beautiful swathes of colored leaves, so here are some tips:
- Leaves start changing at higher elevations first, so if you're early in the season (late September - early October) highland areas are your best bet
- Heading to a mountainous area with various elevations is a great idea - this will allow you to see leaves in various stages of change. If it's too "early" or "late" you can hike around to a different elevation
- If you spot an area on an app or map that you'd like to see, look up that geotag on Instagram to check for recent photos of colored leaves
- If there's a place you want to check out, hit the road! Nature changes quickly and you don't want to miss it
Look for spots that are full of orange, yellow, and red leaves to give your fall dogs photos a rich, seasonal feel. If you want an even more rustic vibe, head to pumpkin patches or apple orchards. These locations may even provide fun photo props like pumpkins, bales of hay, and wooden crates.
2. Plan Your Lighting
When it comes to capturing beautiful photos of dogs, lighting makes all the difference! Natural light is your best friend for any fall photoshoot ideas. The golden hour—right after sunrise or just before sunset—is perfect for that warm, glowing light that feels quintessentially autumn.
Make sure to position your dog so that the light is hitting them from the side or slightly from behind. This can help highlight the fall colors while creating a soft glow around your dog’s fur. If you’re indoors or in a shady area, bring along a portable reflector to bounce light back onto your pup.
3. Choose the Right Props
Every great fall photoshoot needs some cute props for dog photography! Consider bringing items like a lick mat, slow feeder bowl, or silicone water bowl to help keep your dog calm and focused while you're snapping away. These can be especially helpful if your dog gets fidgety or excited during the shoot—plus, they double as great interactive elements for your photos. (May we recommend our terracotta, blush, or honey bowls? Strong fall vibes!)
For an autumn vibe, gather pumpkins, colorful leaves, plaid blankets, and cozy scarves. If you're going for something a little more playful, include Halloween-themed props, like dog-friendly costumes or spooky decorations.
Here's a sneaky tip: if you're going for a foliage photoshoot, bring a few fall-colored faux leaves as props. You can use these to frame your dog's face and this way you can ensure you will have the color pop you want.
What do we think? Are these faux or real leaves?
4. Bring Costumes and Outfits That Your Dog Will Actually Wear
Nothing says fall pictures with pets quite like a festive dog in costume! When picking a Halloween outfit, consider simple, lightweight, non-restrictive costumes that your dog will feel comfortable in. Capes, bandanas, or lightweight hoodies are great options since they're less likely to bother your pup.
For some extra fun, think about coordinating your dog’s costume with the theme of your photoshoot. Are you going for a cute pumpkin patch vibe or a spooky Halloween look? Whether you're planning a fall engagement photo or family shoot, matching outfits with your dog can also be super fun!
5. Posing Tips: How To Get Your Dog To Stay Still
Getting your dog to pose can be tricky, but with some practive, you’ll get those adorable dog portrait ideas in no time! Before you go out for your photoshoot, work on your Stay command big time. Practice makes perfect, so work on this for a week or two before you take photos if possible.
To encourage eye contact, have your photographer hold up a tennis ball or familiar stuffy right under the camera. If you're using a tripod, you can tie this on below the camera. We'd recommend something like a ball over a bone or treats – you want them to be interested, but not so excited that they run up and knock down the tripod!
For more candid moments, encourage your dog to engage with the environment. Capture them sniffing leaves, playing with props, or just lounging in a pile of pumpkins. You can use a slow feeder bowl during breaks to keep them occupied while you adjust the camera.
6. Outfit Ideas for Humans
It’s not just about your dog—if you're in the photos, you'll want to channel fall vibes too! For family photos, consider rich earth tones like mustard yellows, deep greens, and burgundies for your outfits. These colors will pop against the autumn backdrop and complement your dog’s fur. When planning what to wear for family pictures outside in fall, don’t be afraid to layer scarves, jackets, and boots for a cozy yet stylish look.
7. Capturing the Best Shots
Once you’ve got the location, lighting, and props sorted, it’s time to start shooting! Keep the atmosphere fun and relaxed. Don’t stress if your dog isn’t sitting perfectly still—some of the best shots come from spontaneous moments. Snap a variety of angles and distances—get down to your dog’s level for some beautiful dog photography or try overhead or long distance shots for a unique perspective. It can also be fun to shoot your dog in portrait mode so the fall colors in the background appear blurred.
While you'll likely be focused on your dog, don't forget to frame the backdrop just right too. If you've found a beautiful fall foliage tree, pay attention to where the camera is cutting off the branches. Don't be afraid to move your own body or the tripod to get the shot right.
8. Editing Your Photos
After you’ve taken all your shots, it’s time to edit! For a cozy fall look, increase the vibrance, warmth, and tint. Lower the exposure, brilliance, highlights, and shadows. Play with these settings to create a dreamy feel where the fall colors pop.
If you’re looking for inspiration, scroll through #fallphotos on Instagram or TikTok to see what other creators are doing.
Final Thoughts
With the right backdrop, lighting, and props, organizing a fall photoshoot with your dog is easier than ever! Whether you’re capturing fall pictures with your family or aiming to create viral content for social media, following these tips will help you take beautiful pictures of autumn season with your dog. So grab your camera, your pup, and your pumpkin spice latte, and start planning your perfect autumn photoshoot!
Happy fall shooting! 🍂