Fall Mini Sessions | Ruston LA

 

My very favorite mini sessions! I’m an absolute nostalgic and everything about fall brings awesome memories. When my husband and I were in our first years of marriage and still in the honeymoon phase, we bought a Playstation game for our playstation move. It had several outdoor themed games that you played in the comfort of your own living. So you could act like you were active and still gain those pounds from the snack chips on the table. We were young then, our metabolisms were built for that stuff though, wish that were still true. We became particularly interested in frisbee golf on the game, so much so we decided to give it a go outdoors. We headed to academy, got a couple discs and played at Hideaway Park. Might I add, we were much better “golfers” on PlayStation, but we really enjoyed the game. We also made it kind of a fall game because let’s face it, Louisiana summers are not meant for outdoor sports, at least for us. But one thing about Hideaway park are the trees and how beautiful the foliage is as it falls from the trees. All the leaves scattered against the pavement are somewhat magical to me. I get giddy every time I hear a breeze and see leaves fall. It’s much more exciting to me than snow. I kid you not!

Now I’ve taken Fall minis for years in Lincoln Parish Park and they make for some beautiful portraits, but the park is adorned mostly with pines and very tall ones at that. The problem with that is, all you see are tree trunks. Honestly I LOVE tree trunks if it’s a dense forest. I like deep tones and those dark woods really make fall colors pop! But I really wanted those fall leaves. There is just something about those colors and those iconic shaped leaves only fall trees make. Now I can track down fall trees, but usually they’re more sparse, intermingled in the midst of pines that makes them lost in the shuffle. Can I also be honest here, scouting locations is exhausting and if you’re a photographer with a busy schedule, a mom of a 9 year old that does common core math that both you and your kid have to figure out together, than those two things alone can make even the thought of finding the perfect spot tiring. Social media is a gift in some ways and so I asked the local world for a chance to photograph on their fall lawn for exchange of pictures for them. I got many replies but the most surprising was from my good friend. The one whose yard I visited many times in the past. Where our daughters and their friends played in the backyard. And I was just dumbfounded that I didn’t see it before, because it was the perfect spot!

I think what makes this place perfect is of course the trees. I mean, that’s the main point I’m driving with these minis and we needed some fall leaves to match. Boy do those trees deliver! I wish I could pay in leaves for all this inflation we’re enduring cause I’d be all up in this yard cleaning it up. Now this place has a couple trees in particular that shed brightly colored leaves and it’s a total guess when that will be. Louisiana fall leaves turn and you have approximately one week of vivid color before they’re gone for the year. But the last 2 years we’ve caught it right at the perfect time for at least one of these trees to turn, so we’re sticking with the same time frame as those previous. But honestly those two vivid trees are just bonus, as you can tell all the trees in the background give a brown/yellow glow, and you can really sense the time is Autumn in the photos. Brown leaves really give that texture and lets those fall colors shine!
The second thing I love about this place is the fence! I’m a sucker for some leading lines. But I’m very particular about structures. I don’t like new or modern, I like the things that make you realize there are some stories likely around this structure. That it’s been there a while and maybe brings you back to a simpler time. Of course I don’t like it when it’s torn apart or falling down, but kept up and thriving. That’s exactly how this fence is! It’s rustic and worn, perfect for those warm tones. In fact, I love natural grain and rarely like a painted fence. Give me natural any day.

This location is also great in the midday hours. Many places aren’t and can be harsh, but with all the shade we can take photos for a longer stretch of time without having to worry with finding even light. It may not be apparent to you, but all these photos were taken at different times of the day between 1pm-sundown. We do have to position ourselves according to how the sun would flatter us most, but every angle I’ve had to adjust for has been picturesque and that’s why this spot is GOLD! Of course if the sun lets me, I’m gonna try for those two trees, here’s a little taste of them below, at their peak times! Because light plays a HUGE part in the look of your photos, your own portraits may not look like another person’s who came at a different time. But I work really hard to create the same look that is consistent with my signature style. I tend to be more moody but vibrant. I love deep contrasts but glowing complexions. I don’t know if there is a name for that but let’s just call it Lavender Harvest ok?

If you love fall and like my photo style, I hope you’ll consider booking me for one of these minis! We sold out of our first round of slots in 48 hours! But I had a second date in my back pocket if they did. Currently we’re down to 2 spots left! After this date, this is for sure it! Again we only have a small window of fall leaves. If you want to grab the last spots, you can

Purchase yours HERE

If you’ve already booked, WOO HOO!!! We are so excited to see you! If you need some color inspiration, check out some colors we recommend below. In any photo, if you can introduce prints and textures, it will really make the subject be the focus! Think linens, wool, velvet, etc. and layering is a bonus! Especially since it’s fall, it just makes sense right??

 

Purchase yours HERE