It’s back. Fall is officially here. Shorter days. Longer nights. New routines.
It’s a special time for our photography, and right now - before we get caught up in the blur of Fall activity - is a great time to take a moment and think about the next 3 months.
What’s the reason, you say?
Portrait and event photographers know that the last 3 months of the year are the “crazy time” work-wise, when people are getting together, celebrating something-or-other, following school activities and sports, gifting family and friends, getting together again, and so on. It’s a social, cultural, memory mashup of dates, times, and commitments that tap into photography in so many ways. The pros are getting ready, and you should too.
So here, in no particular order, are some suggestions for your Fall media check list. Timely tasks to do and tasks to plan for so you don’t find yourself hurtling toward year end with some important ones left and no time left to do them.
SUMMER STOCK
Now, while it’s fresh, take some time to declutter and curate your summer photos. Chances are good that you did some traveling for vacation or just spent time outside. Focussing on 3 months of photos and videos is not a huge ask, but you are bound to uncover some gold nuggets you forgot about and find some junk that’s no longer important. At the very least you can add some captions and refresh the people recognition.
PHOTO BOOKS
If the summer was something special - a child’s last summer at home, some epic event, a once-in-a-lifetime vacation - making a photo book as a keepsake or a gift is a wonderful exercise. Digital printing has made custom book making accessible for everyone and having a physical copy of your pictures is meaningful in so many ways.
This would be a wonderful chance to do that photo book you meant to give someone, the wedding book that was never completed, or to start a year book tradition.
You should also look ahead and identify Fall occasions that would be perfect for a photo book. Milestone birthday’s are made for a personal retrospective that includes personal notes from friends and family. And photo books make a unique and personal holiday gift.
WALL ART
I bet you have photos that are aching to be featured over a mantle or family room couch. I know I do. A travel scene from a favorite vacation or family getaway can take you back every time you view it on your wall. Family portraits have been found to help children feel connected. Even a favorite picture with no particular connection can warm up and refresh your home for the season. Are you throwing a party or having guests this Fall? You can make large wall prints either framed or transferred to metal and create spectacular conversation pieces.
PRO PHOTOGRAPHY
Speaking of events and guests, consider hiring a pro for those events on your calendar. Particularly if you have distant friends and relatives coming. It’s so hard to get together these days that you should have someone (other than yourself) handle the task. It’s especially important with generational get-togethers. Kids and grandparents are made for candid photos. Capture while you can because by next year they’ll all have changed. A good photographer can capture the whole story of your get-together without intruding on the moment and will get amazing pictures that you would never think to get.
Best of all, you’ll be IN the picture instead of taking them.
CALENDARS
Speaking of next year, custom calendars from your photo collection can make a thoughtful and useful gift. Again, simple to make yourself and wildly personal. Not only do the pictures have special meanings, but the layouts are really fun. You can do almost anything from a 3’x 4’ single sheet for the whole year to a small desk cube with a picture for every day and they can start with whatever month or day you choose.
VIDEO COLLECTIONS/MONTAGES
Video is becoming the media of choice for many of us. The first steps. The family dog. Travel moments. But many get shared once and then sit in your Photos Library. Time to dust them off and make a wonderful video remembrance. Mix in some stills. Add some music. Something truly special to share and enjoy on a whole new level. Perfect for holiday events and get-togethers. Upload to Projector App on your smart TV so they are accessible to family and friends.
CARDS
There is still something special about receiving a real printed card for the holidays. Or any time, for that matter. Making your own printed cards is a piece of cake. Maybe there’s a nice pick from your summer photos or you can have some fun making a special photo that illustrates your message. This is a simple, quick project that can be for your own use or created as a gift.
HOLIDAYS AHEAD
I hope this inspires you to think about your photos, how they enrich your life, and how you can use them to spread the joy to others. Your photos are a real treasure because they keep your memories close. And the holidays are just around the corner. Starting now, with a little planning, there’s time to fit some memorable photography - new and old - into your Fall photo planning.
If you would like to work with me, here are two ways I can help:
COACHING & CONSULTING • Get expert, patient help to bash the overwhelm and build excitement using your photos. Become comfortable taking, organizing, and sharing your pictures with family and friends. Create a photo collection that captures your life and provides enjoyment every time you view it.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT • If you need a photobook, video/montage, or other project done for you, I can help. Overwhelmed by an out of control photo collection that you can’t face? I’m your guy. You’ll get decades of experience as a photographer and graphic artist, with over 12 years as an Apple Photos expert and certified photo manager. Let’s talk.