There’s something magical about autumn in New York City—golden leaves, cozy layers, and a soft, flattering light that makes everyone look radiant. For families, it’s the perfect season to pause and capture a chapter of your story before the busy holidays sweep us away. At SusieM Creative, I love helping parents create timeless portraits that feel natural and joyful, not stiff or over-posed.

Why Fall Works So Well

Golden-hour glow: Shorter days mean sunset sessions can happen before bedtime—great for little ones.
Rich, warm tones: Central Park, Riverside Drive, and the tree-lined streets of the Upper West Side become a painter’s palette of amber, crimson, and gold.
Cozy wardrobe options: Knit sweaters, corduroy overalls, soft scarves, and boots add texture and warmth to your photos.

Location Inspiration

Some of my favorite autumn backdrops:

The Mall in Central Park for sweeping tree arches.
Riverside Park near 91st Street for rustic stone steps and river light.
Classic brownstone stoops (a nod to home and neighborhood pride).

Styling Tips

Choose a soft, harmonious color palette—think creams, sage, dusty blues, or deep berry.
Layer textures: denim + knit, linen + wool.
Keep footwear practical for little feet (and grownups chasing after them!).

Book now and you’ll have polished, heartfelt images in plenty of time for custom cards or framed gifts for grandparents.

Ready to make this season unforgettable? Contact me at SUSIE@SUSIEM.COM to reserve your fall portrait session.

Limited dates remain for October and early November!

Thoughts from Susie

Posts tagged with LifestyleFamilyPhotographyNYC

Why Fall Is the Perfect Time for Family Photos on the Upper West Side