If you’re planning fall family photos, one of the first decisions is choosing a location. Here in New England, two beautiful options offer very different looks: colorful fall foliage and evergreen tree farms. Both make wonderful backdrops for family portraits, but the scenery, colors, and overall feel of your photos will be different.

As a family photographer serving Boston’s North Shore and the surrounding communities, I photograph families in both settings. Here’s what to consider when deciding whether fall foliage family photos or tree farm family photos are the better fit for your family.

If You Love Bright Autumn Colors, Choose Fall Foliage

Nothing captures a New England autumn quite like a backdrop of golden yellow, fiery orange, and deep red leaves. When the foliage is at its peak, the colors add so much depth and interest to family portraits. Even a simple outfit combination can look beautiful against the changing leaves.

Fall foliage family photos are a wonderful choice for annual family photos if you love the traditional look of autumn and want the season itself to be part of your portraits. They’re especially beautiful with clothing in warm, earthy tones such as rust, mustard, olive, navy, and cream. These colors complement the landscape without competing with it. Read more about styling your fall foliage family photos here.

The scenery also changes from one location to another. Open fields, winding paths, tree lined trails, and pockets of colorful leaves all create different opportunities for portraits. Whether you prefer a wide view of the foliage or a closer family portrait with colorful leaves in the background, there are plenty of ways to make the setting your own.

If you’re looking for inspiration, I have an assortment of blog posts about fall foliage family photos on Boston’s North Shore show how different locations, outfits, and family groupings can influence the final look of a gallery. Is your priority sibling photos? Then this blog post is a great place to start.

If You Prefer a Classic, Natural Backdrop, Consider an Evergreen Tree Farm

Evergreen tree farms offer a different kind of beauty. Instead of the changing colors of autumn leaves, the rich green trees create a consistent backdrop with natural texture, depth, and clean lines. The result is a look that feels classic without being tied to a particular foliage color or a specific week of the season.

One advantage of tree farm family photos is how well the setting works with different clothing styles. Neutrals, denim, soft creams, warm browns, and muted colors all photograph beautifully against the green trees. You can also incorporate richer seasonal colors if you want a more traditional fall or holiday feel.

The rows of trees create natural leading lines, making it possible to photograph families from a variety of angles and distances. A closer portrait feels intimate, while a wider composition shows more of the setting. The trees also provide plenty of opportunities for natural interactions, whether children are peeking around a tree, walking with their parents, or exploring the space between rows.

Tree farms are particularly appealing if you want seasonal portraits that feel natural and understated. They can work beautifully for fall family photos, and the evergreen backdrop also transitions easily into the holiday season. Get all the details about why a tree farm is perfect for family photos in this post.

What About Timing? Foliage vs. Tree Farm Sessions

Timing is one of the biggest practical differences between these two locations. Fall foliage is beautiful, but the window for peak color can be short. The timing varies each year depending on weather and local conditions, so it can be difficult to predict exactly when a particular location will look its best.

If your heart is set on colorful leaves, some flexibility with your session date can help. It’s also worth remembering that a location can still be beautiful before or after peak foliage. You don’t necessarily need every tree to be at its most colorful to create a lovely gallery.

Evergreen tree farms offer a little more consistency throughout the fall. The trees stay green, so the setting doesn’t depend on the same brief burst of autumn color. This can make planning easier if your family has a busy schedule, you’re booking later in the season, or you simply prefer not to worry as much about the foliage forecast.

Neither option guarantees perfect weather or unlimited availability, but a tree farm gives you more consistency in the appearance of the backdrop. If scheduling flexibility is important to you, it’s a detail worth considering.

Which Location Is Better for Kids?

The good news is that both settings can work beautifully for children. The better choice usually comes down to the atmosphere you want for your photos, rather than which location will automatically make your children behave better.

At a tree farm, the rows of evergreens create opportunities for children to wander, peek around the trees, and interact with their surroundings. The repeating lines of the trees also provide a natural structure for portraits, while still leaving room for movement and playful moments.

At a foliage location, children can explore winding paths, walk through the leaves, and enjoy the open space. Colorful trees add plenty of visual interest to both individual portraits and family photographs, and the changing landscape gives each location its own character.

For families with young children, I focus on creating a comfortable session with a mix of natural interactions and guided portraits. We don’t need every image to involve looking at the camera, and the location is only one part of creating a gallery that feels like your family.

Which Is Right for Your Family?

If you picture your family surrounded by colorful leaves, warm autumn tones, and the unmistakable scenery of a New England fall, a classic fall foliage location is probably the right choice. It’s a beautiful way to capture the season, especially if you love the changing colors and want them to be a defining part of your portraits.

If you prefer rich green backdrops, natural textures, and a classic look that doesn’t depend on peak foliage, an evergreen tree farm may be a better fit. It’s also a great option if you want more flexibility when choosing your session date.

There’s no wrong answer. Both settings offer beautiful opportunities for family portraits, and the best choice is the one that matches your personal style and the kind of images you want to display in your home.

Thinking About Fall Family Photos?

Whether you’re drawn to colorful New England foliage or the timeless look of an evergreen tree farm, I’d love to help you choose a location that fits your family and your style. Crabapple Photography is based in Andover, MA, and I photograph families throughout Boston’s North Shore and the surrounding communities.

Together, we’ll choose a setting that feels right for your family and create relaxed, natural portraits you’ll love looking back on for years to come. Contact Kate via email or text at (617) 918-7149 to start planning your fall family photo session. You can also follow along for all of the fall fun on Pinterest and Instagram.