Embrace autumn in Edinburgh with a family lifestyle photography session.

As a natural family photographer, the seasons often dictate the look and feel of my photo sessions. And one of my absolute favourite seasons to shoot outdoors is autumn.

Autumn is a gift for photographers like me, particularly as I live and mostly work in Edinburgh – a city that transforms at this time of year. From late September through to early November, when the sun is low in the sky, Edinburgh basks in golden light. As the foliage gradually changes colour, the sun’s gentle rays bounce off the warm russet and deep red tones which abound throughout the city.

My favourite seasonal spots

If you live in Edinburgh, or nearby, and would like to book an outdoor family photography session this autumn, location wise you’re spoilt for choice. You may have a favourite spot already in mind, but if you’re looking for ideas, I have a few of my own favourite places I'd love to share, all of which I think come into their own as we approach the end of the year.

Arthur’s Seat

If you’re after panoramic views of the city, I recommend we head up one of the Seven Hills of Edinburgh. Each hill has its own unique offering but I’m going to focus on just one here – and it has to be, of course, Arthur’s Seat. Dominating the Edinburgh skyline, this extinct volcano sits at the end of the Royal Mile in Holyrood Park. Taking one of the gentler routes to the top, shooting photos along the way, we’ll be greeted by a breath-taking vista of the city and the Firth of Forth beyond – the perfect backdrop if you’re looking for some spectacular family photographs. Shooting here at sunrise and sunset can create particularly atmospheric images, especially if the mist is in, playing up to Edinburgh’s feel for the gothic. Children may revel in this, as after all it is the season of Halloween! Feel free to bring along some spooky accessories to really get into the spirit of things. And with the sun rising later and setting earlier, you won’t be keeping your little ones from their beds.

Royal Botanic Gardens

Another way to make your photo sessions fun for kids is to embrace the season and incorporate some conker collecting – and there’s no better place for this than the Royal Botanic Gardens. I’ll snap away as the children happily race around beneath the towering horse chestnuts gathering handfuls of shiny treasure. Whilst the trees are resplendent in their autumn colours, a wander through the woodland is a must for taking photographs. I'll also get some pictures of you admiring the plump red apples adorning the trees on the Chinese Hillside.

Lauriston Castle

Another favourite place of mine for photographing trees is Lauriston Castle. Although a more popular destination in early spring when the cherry trees are in blossom, I also love to shoot here when the trees are clothed in their vibrant leaves. If I could choose the weather for my photo sessions, I would always pick a cloudy day over a sunny one, the clouds adding interest and a particular ambiance to the final photographs. And when shooting in a location as dramatic as Lauriston Castle, with its expansive grounds sweeping down to the sea, the result is satisfyingly romantic. You can read more about a photo session at Lauriston Castle here .

Roslin Glen

A magical destination at any time of year, but particularly during the autumn, is Roslin Glen. This tranquil enclave with its ancient woodland, riverside walks and industrial ruins feels worlds away from hubbub of the nearby city. There are photo opportunities galore here. As well as the immediate surroundings, and the spectacle of the woodland’s seasonal show, there are views over the Pentland Hills and glimpses through the trees of the mysterious, late-medieval Rosslyn Chapel. And, if we’re really lucky, we might even be photobombed by a red squirrel! 

Layer up

To get the most out of your family photography session, what you all wear is key. Comfort trumps all else – sensible shoes, layers to combat changeable weather and accessories like hats and scarves for chilly mornings on blustery hills. As none of my photographs are staged, how you’re feeling will impact the quality of the final images, so being warm and comfortable goes a long way to creating the best possible collection of family photographs.

Another thing to think about is colour and texture. Look to nature and the shades of the season – rich reds, burnished golds and earthy browns. Layer chunky knits with soft corduroy. And for an extra flourish, try a tartan scarf or a paisley cuff. If your outfits complement not only the season but each other too, even better! 

Happy families

I always aim to make my family photoshoots fun and enjoyable – the packages I offer are as much about the experience as the photographs themselves. Saying that, everyone can only be as happy as the least contented child. So, if you’re in need of some guidance on how to engage your children and help the session run smoothly, I’ve compiled a few tips here. 

To book a family lifestyle photography session with me this autumn, and to receive the photographs in time to gift for Christmas, simply fill out this form and I’ll be in touch.