Bend Oregon is always stunning, but fall is one of the most beautiful times in Bend to capture family memories, with vibrant colors and that crispness in the air that we wait for all summer long. Whether your shoot is scheduled for a warm autumn day or a chilly one, here’s how to prepare for a cozy and comfortable session, while also staying stylish.

Weather Proofing Your Session In Central Oregon


Bend’s fall weather can change in an instant—one minute, it’s sunny, and the next, it is windy and hailing. Don’t worry though, we can work with unpredictable conditions. A little drizzle can add a fun twist if we pack for that unexpected change. Always pack extra layers just in case the weather shifts. Have some rain boots in your car, an extra jacket, and some beanies.

Flexibility Is Key


Because Bend is known for its quick weather changes, it's important to stay flexible and prepared. The mornings can start cool, but the sun might warm things up quickly, or it could say cool all day and not get over 45 degrees for a week. Plan by bringing extra layers like a cozy jacket, gloves, beanies, or blanket to use between shots. For families with little ones, having extra clothes or an additional outfit can save the day if the temperatures drop quickly. I always suggest having a long sleeve shirt on under kids dress shirts even on a warmer fall day. If we are shooting during golden hour, once the sun starts going down the temperature drop happens quickly and kids get colder fast. In addition, having some lighter comfy pajama pants under their dress pants also helps keep them warmer.

Keeping Everyone Warm Between Shots


I know I've already spoken about how to prepare for the cold, but I really can't emphasize this enough, because having a cold kiddo (or in my own family- husband) can really make or break how a shoot turns out. Here are some extra tips to help keep everyone warm and happy:


Blankets: Bend’s cool breezes can sneak up on you, I always bring at least 1 blanket for families to use during the session.

Hot Cocoa Breaks: A thermos of hot cocoa or warm cider is a great way to keep everyone’s spirits high and hands warm between shots, especially on cooler days. You can sip it between shots, or bring a few cute cups and we can capture your family having a sweet moment drinking cocoa and enjoying your outdoor time with your family.

Hand Warmers and Gloves: Have some hand warmers tucked away in pockets to keep little fingers warm. You can also bring gloves to use between shots.

Beanies NOT hats: I definitely recommend having beanies on hand for cold ears. Finding cute matching beanies for kids, and parents is a fun way to bring everyone's outfits together. However I do not recommend wearing hats. With the Central Oregon wind hats quickly fly off heads and can take away from that timeless photo feel. They also cast a harsh shadow over faces, making it hard, or sometimes impossible to see someones face/eyes.

What To Wear For Fall Photos


Dressing for a fall session is all about layers, comfort, and color. Bend’s natural beauty offers a stunning backdrop, so you want to wear outfits that compliment it.

  • Earthy Tones: Think mustard, rust, burgundy, olive, and neutral shades. These colors pair beautifully with the local fall foliage.
  • Layers: Cardigans, jackets, or vests are easy to put on or take off depending on Bend’s fluctuating weather.
  • Keep it Simple: Avoid bold logos or busy patterns. Stick to solids or subtle prints like plaid for a timeless look.

Enjoy The Moment And Have Fun


At the end of the day, family photos are about capturing your family as they are, in one of the most beautiful places in Oregon. Don’t stress too much about perfection—let’s focus on making memories, having fun, and enjoying all the beauty Bend has to offer during the fall season.