7 Tips for Photographers When Scouting Out Perfect Fall Locations | San Jose Family Photographer

From a San Jose Family Photographer Who’s Been There (With Snacks in Her Bag and Leaves in Her Hair)

Scouting out the perfect fall photo location is kind of like finding that one pumpkin in the patch that’s just the right shape—it takes time, a little trial and error, and a whole lotta heart.

As a San Jose family photographer, I’ve walked a lot of trails, driven past way too many “maybe someday” fields, and squinted at more maps than I care to admit—all in the name of giving my clients that dreamy, golden, fall-glow backdrop that makes autumn sessions extra magical. And while it might seem like a simple “just pick a pretty park” kind of task, there’s a whole checklist that lives in my brain every time I go scouting.

If you’re a photographer looking to prep for your fall sessions, here are 7 honest, practical, and thoughtful tips to help you scout the right kind of spots—especially if you’re working with families and little ones.

7 Tips for Photographers When Scouting Out Perfect Fall Locations

1. Accessibility for Families (Especially Those with Young Kids!)

Let’s be real—if your location involves a half-mile uphill hike, it’s probably not ideal for a family session with toddlers or a newborn in tow. When scouting, pay close attention to things like:

• Parking proximity
• Whether strollers can roll through without a fight
• Uneven ground or tricky terrain
• How far clients will need to walk from the car to the photo spot

While a dreamy view at the end of a trail might seem worth it, it’s not always feasible for a family juggling diaper bags, snacks, and two kids under five. If a location is even slightly complicated to access, families will feel that stress before the session even starts—and it can definitely show in the photos. I always ask myself, “Could I carry a toddler and a camera bag to this spot without losing my balance (or my patience)?” If the answer is no, I keep looking. Easy-to-access doesn’t mean boring—there are plenty of beautiful, low-effort locations if you know where to look.

2. Pay Attention to How the Light Falls (Golden Hour Is Sneaky in Fall!)

The way light falls in a location can make or break your session. In the fall, the sun dips faster and lower, and shadows get longer—so places that seem perfect might be in total shade when your session starts.

When you scout, try to visit around the same time you’d shoot. Notice:

• Are there big trees that will block the light early?
• Do hills create early shadows?
• Is there enough open space for soft, even lighting?

Also pay attention to how the sun moves through the space as you walk around. A spot that looks amazing at 4:00 PM may lose its sparkle by 4:30 if the sun slips behind a tree line or hillside. I’ve made the mistake of falling in love with a spot at noon only to come back for a session at golden hour and find myself scrambling for light. A quick test shoot or light check at your ideal session time is a game changer—and can help you plan whether you’ll need to start a little earlier or later depending on the location’s layout.

3. Check If It’s Safe for Little Kids (or More Ideal for Couples/Maternity)

Some locations are dreamy… but only if you’re shooting adults. Think cliffs, tall grasses with hidden holes, or riverbeds with slippery rocks—not ideal for curious toddlers.

If the area feels like a constant game of “don’t touch that” or “watch your step,” it may be better saved for maternity or couples sessions. I like to mentally categorize my locations into “family-friendly” vs. “grown-up only” to save myself (and my clients) the stress.

Even wide open spaces can have hidden hazards—like tall weeds with burrs, stinging nettles, or unexpected drop-offs. I also consider how far I can comfortably let the kids roam while still keeping them within a safe distance and within my lens’s reach. If I feel on edge during the walkthrough, it’s probably not worth risking a toddler trip or a worried parent vibe during the session. On the other hand, if I find a spot where I can say “go run!” and not worry about them falling into a ditch? That’s a winner.

4. Look for a Large Enough Area with Variety

Let’s talk space. You want room to move around—not just for flexibility with light and backgrounds, but to give families a chance to explore and feel at ease. A location with only one or two photo-ready spots can leave you feeling boxed in fast, especially if you’re juggling multiple sessions back to back.

Some things I look for:

• Open fields paired with tree-lined trails
• Fences, textures, and natural elements like logs or big rocks
• Varying light (some open shade + some direct light)

Having variety built into a location helps tell a fuller story through the gallery. You can start in a golden field, then move over to shaded trees, and wrap up with silhouettes against the sunset—without ever needing to relocate or have clients pack back into the car. This also adds visual depth to your session and gives you more opportunities for genuine moments as families interact with the environment in different ways. Plus, if you get a little one who needs to reset or take a snack break, having the space to wander without losing your light is a lifesaver.

5. Ask Yourself: Are There Plenty of Photo Ops?

This one ties into the last, but it’s worth its own bullet point. Is this location truly worth the drive or the effort for the number of usable photo spots?

Sometimes I’ll find a place that looks beautiful in one direction… and then has porta-potties, fences, or construction in every other direction. Not ideal.

Do a full 360-degree look. Are there:

• Focal points or natural frames?
• Areas where you can shoot wide and close-up?
• Backdrops that won’t feel repetitive after a few poses?

You want to feel confident that no matter what direction your clients move in, you’ll be able to find beauty through your lens. The more dynamic and flexible the location, the easier it is to flow with your session. Especially when you have young kids or unpredictable weather, having several “go-to” corners of a location gives you options without panic. And hey, if you find a location with zero bad angles? That’s your new goldmine. Bookmark it, shoot it often, and never take it for granted.

6. Respect the Space (Don’t Disturb Nature or Wildlife)

This is a big one and something I always keep top of mind, especially as more people are discovering hidden gems thanks to social media.

When you’re scouting or shooting:

• Stay on designated trails if they’re marked
• Don’t trample over protected grasses or pick flowers
• Avoid moving or altering parts of the environment for the “perfect” shot
• If wildlife is nearby, keep a safe (and respectful) distance

We’re guests in these beautiful places. As photographers—and especially those of us who work as a San Jose family photographer in some of the Bay Area’s most fragile nature preserves—it’s our job to model good behavior. That includes educating clients gently when needed.

I also try to look up if a location is part of a protected wildlife habitat or restoration project. If it is, I’ll steer clear or use it only for less frequent sessions where I know I can tread lightly. There are so many stunning locations that don’t require disturbing a delicate ecosystem, and as professionals, it’s part of our responsibility to preserve the beauty we get to photograph.

7. Make Notes + Revisit During Different Conditions

Even if a spot doesn’t seem like the one at first glance, don’t write it off too fast. Lighting, leaf color, and overall vibe can shift a lot as the season progresses. What feels too green or too dull now might be stunning in three weeks.

I keep a notes app on my phone with quick observations like:

• “Golden light hits just right near that fallen tree”
• “Too much foot traffic on weekends”
• “Good backup for foggy coastal days”

It makes prepping for future sessions so much easier (especially when your brain is in peak fall-crazy-mode and you’re living off of pumpkin cream cold brew and adrenaline). I’ve even gone so far as to take quick phone videos walking through a space, so I can remember how it looks in motion and how it felt to be there. The more info you have, the more strategic (and stress-free) your fall season can be.

Ready to Create Magic With Your Clients?

Scouting takes time, but it’s absolutely worth the effort. You’ll feel way more confident walking into your sessions when you know the location like the back of your hand—and your clients will feel it, too.

Whether you’re capturing wobbly toddler steps through leaves or a quiet maternity moment at golden hour, the right location can set the stage for a session full of warmth, connection, and magic. And when you’ve done the legwork to make sure that spot is safe, spacious, accessible, and respectful of nature? That’s when the real magic happens—not just in the photos, but in the whole experience.

So go out there, scout with heart, be kind to nature, and don’t forget your bug spray (trust me on that one). Your fall clients—and future self—will be so glad you did.

---

Curious about an experience with a San Jose Family Photographer? Check out my most recent family session blog post to see the magic we can create! If you are looking for a lifestyle Bay Area family photographer, be sure to check out my portfolio and contact me today to discuss your ideal Bay Area family photography session! Also be sure to follow me on Instagram to see my latest work!