Family Photos in the Fall

Fall is upon us! The university is back in session and football has begun. This time of year is picture time for my family.

The temperatures are beginning to cool, and soon the air will be crisp causing the leaves to change from green to the most unimaginable shades. As long as you’re willing to wait patiently, there are many beautiful green spaces available in Lincoln to have your photo taken.

Some popular locations I have noticed around town, and there are certainly more, are the Sunken Gardens, the University of Nebraska East Campus (bring money for ice cream) and Holmes Lake. As far as photographers go, there are many capable ones in and around town. If you’re adventurous, then you can even try taking your own or asking a neighbor that practices photography as a hobby.

Kids and photo shoots can certainly make for some interesting and memorable experiences. As you know, I have three boys and when we’re outdoors anything is possible especially when dressed in nicer clothes. We really enjoy the pictures that come from East Campus during the golden hour, the hour before sundown, but don’t buy ice cream until after the picture. Be prepared for your kids to chase squirrels and rabbits, and be prepared to chase after kids.

On picture day, I let mom choose the outfits for the boys, dads dress yourself, but see the aforementioned rule about shirts. Dads, your job is to corral the kids without making them cry as their tears and red eyes show up miraculously well in an 8×10.

As trying as picture time can be for a family, large or small. Just know when those pictures are finally framed and up on the wall you won’t be thinking about the weird grin on your face, the itchy sweater or the misplaced hairs on your head. Instead you’ll be thinking about the memories of that day and cherish the photos forever.

In short, it’s well worth the effort.