Every fall, my calendar fills with families eager to capture the colors, the coziness, and the joy of the season. Fall mini sessions have been a tradition for 11 years now, and with each one, I’ve collected stories, memories, and a list of unforgettable locations that still make me smile.
Memorable Highlights from Over the Years
Fall mini sessions are always an adventure. The weather, the locations, and even the unexpected surprises all become part of the story. A few moments that stand out:
- Snow in October: One year, we braved snow during fall minis! Families ran from their warm cars to the setup just a few feet away, coats tossed aside for those quick, cozy photos. That was the year I immediately upgraded my own jacket and boots afterward.
- Dodging raindrops: Another year, the drizzle seemed endless, but somehow every single family dodged the rain. We dashed in and out of cars and managed to complete all 36 sessions without a reschedule — what a gift!
- The Pokémon Go craze: Remember that? Families were posing while gamers wandered through the park, phones in hand. Some even bumped right into us mid-session! At one point, I watched someone walk straight into a tree (don’t worry, they were fine). It was chaotic, hilarious, and unforgettable.
- A marathon session: I once picked a location that was stunning for families but required me to crisscross the park all day. By the end, I realized I’d run over 8 miles between sessions! The photos were beautiful, but I learned my lesson about logistics.
- Mask challenges in 2020/2021: Photographing during the height of COVID was tricky—masks muffled my voice, and I joked that I needed a megaphone to give directions. My voice was gone by the end of the day, but I was so grateful we could still create those memories together.
- Wind and falling leaves: Another time, I scouted the perfect fall foliage spot only to return the next day and find the trees bare after an overnight windstorm. Luckily, the leaf piles on the ground made for some joyful, playful shots.
Each of these moments reminds me that while I can’t control the weather or the world around us, I can embrace the adventure.
Favorite Locations for Fall Mini Sessions
Every year, the landscapes change just a little: parks update paths, wildflowers bloom in new places, and I’m always on the hunt for hidden gems with the best light. A few of my favorites through the years:
Lion’s Den Gorge
Overlooking dramatic cliffs and water views, this spot feels more like the coast than Wisconsin. Truly magical.
Retzer Park
Golden trees, rolling hills, and blue skies—it’s picture-perfect fall.
Virmond Park
The addition of wildflower paths here has made it such a dreamy spot.
Forest Exploration Center
Tall grasses, winding pebbled paths, and a dog-friendly vibe make this location unique and relaxed.
Lake Park Lighthouse
A modern, scenic location with its iconic bridges and the huge central tree that I loved photographing across every season. (This was also the Pokémon Go year, and yes, the same year a semi-truck tried to drive through the bridges!)
Why I Love Fall Minis
Each fall mini season comes with its own challenges, surprises, and a good dose of anticipation. The days leading up to them can be filled with anxiety: will the weather hold? Will we have to reschedule? But when the sessions go smoothly, and I get to capture families year after year, it’s the most rewarding feeling.
These memories, both big and small, are what make fall minis such a special tradition, both for my clients and for me. I’m so thankful to spend every autumn doing what I love most: preserving your family’s moments against the most beautiful backdrops Wisconsin has to offer.
Every year brings new stories, laughter, and the magic of fall colors, and I can’t wait to see what this year holds. If you’d love to join me for a Fall Mini Session this year, you can find all the details and reserve your spot here: Fall Mini Session Information.
