Autumn is one of my favourite seasons – full of warm colours, fallen leaves to play in, and cosy jumpers to snuggle up in. It’s also the perfect time for a family photoshoot and I’d love to share with you these beautiful Autumnal family photoshoots with you. Graves Park makes a lovely backdrop for Autumn photos. There’s woodland, open fields, and plenty of leaves to play with!
Why Graves Park is Perfect for Autumn Family Photos
Located in the South of Sheffield, Graves Park is a lush park that really takes on a new life in the autumn months. It’s one of my favourite spots for family photography as it provides beautiful backgrounds for every season.
Parking at the Charles Ashmore car park near the tennis courts is easy and convenient for little legs to get to some beautiful sections of the park. Immediately you have a little woodland or an open field or rhododendron trees to climb. There’s a little something for every type of kid. As Sheffield’s largest park, there’s so much variety packed into one location.
It’s the perfect spot for leaf throwing in the Autumn, playing chase through the trees, and setting up a cosy blanket amongst the warm Autumnal colours.
What to Wear for an Autumnal Family Photoshoot
One of the questions that I get asked the most is “what to wear” and whilst I have a whole separate blog post on that, I’m going to cover it a bit more here related specifically to Autumnal photoshoots and what works well for the more earthy warm tones. As usual, I will caveat this with wear whatever you’re most comfortable in and represents your own unique style.
Lean into the warm, earthy tones. Rust, oranges, mustard yellows, burgundy, olive greens, black, can all look beautiful against the colourful backsplash of Autumn. Everybody doesn’t have to be matchy-matchy, but a little coordination can go a long way.
Layer up. It’s England. Who knows what the weather wants to do. Be prepared with jumpers, scarves, and hats. Think about textures like woven fabrics that can photograph really nicely. Be comfortable and warm is especially crucial when young children are involved.
Think about footwear. Autumn is typically a bit soggier underfoot so be prepared for a bit more mud. You don’t want to mess up your super nice trainers or get your heels stuck in the mud.
Bring spare clothes for littles. I actively encourage play during photoshoots and in the Autumn that can involve splashing in puddles, throwing leaves into the air, and getting a bit muddy. Embrace the dirt and bring spare clothes for them to change into after or bring extra layers in case they get cold.
If you’re ever unsure what to wear, just ask and I’m happy to guide you as best I can.
Golden Hour Magic
Autumn is the perfect time to capture some golden hour magic. Whilst not always possible being in the UK and having the world’s most unpredictable weather, when it happens…it is like winning the weather photography jackpot and the sun blesses us with her presence and bathes everything in a beautiful warm, golden light. These photos are best captured in the late afternoon just before the sun sets.
These autumnal photoshoots at Graves Park in Sheffield are a beautiful experience filled with warmth, love, and laughter.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time for autumn family photos in Sheffield?
October to mid-November tends to be the sweet spot for autumn colour in Sheffield, with the leaves at Graves Park usually at their most golden in the last couple of weeks of October and first week of November. Because timing shifts slightly year to year depending on the weather, I always keep an eye on how the season is progressing and recommend booking early to secure a date while the colours are at their peak.
What time of day is best for a Graves Park photoshoot?
Late afternoon, in the hour or so before sunset, gives us that warm, golden-hour light that makes autumn photos feel really special. It’s not guaranteed, as we all know the UK weather has other ideas sometimes, but when it comes together, it’s honestly magic. I’ll help you pick the best time slot based on sunset times for your specific date. But also never underestimate a cloudy day for also creating Autumn magic. Sometimes, if you keep waiting for the perfect day, the perfect time, you just miss out on the whole thing and the most important thing is the moments being captured with your favourite people.
How long does a family photoshoot at Graves Park take?
Most family sessions run for around an hour, sometimes less with really small toddlers. That’s enough time to explore a couple of spots around the park, get some relaxed walking shots, and capture the kids properly enjoying the leaves, without it feeling rushed or overtiring little ones.
Do I need to book in advance for an autumn session?
Yes, I’d really recommend it. Autumn is one of the most popular times of year for family photoshoots, and golden hour slots at Graves Park book up quickly. Getting in touch early means you’ve got the best chance of grabbing a date while the leaves are still on the trees.
Can we bring our dog to the photoshoot?
Absolutely! Graves Park is dog-friendly, and pets are always welcome to join a family session if they’re part of the family. Read more about bringing your dog along on a photoshoot here.
If you’re picturing crunchy leaves underfoot, cosy jumpers, and that golden autumn light wrapping around your family, I’d love to help you capture it. Autumn sessions at Graves Park are one of the highlights of my year as a family photographer in Sheffield, and spaces do fill up fast once the leaves start turning. Get in touch to book your autumn family photoshoot at Graves Park, or another Sheffield location close to your heart, before the season moves on.
