read the blog
Hi! I’m Danielle. I’m a New Jersey family photographer. Chances are you stumbled upon this blog post because you either have fall family photos booked or are interested in getting them taken. Before you head out to your fall family photo session, don’t forget these 3 imortant things!
Snacks for your Kiddos!
You definitely don’t want to forget to bring little snacks to keep your kids occupied between shots. Gummies or tiny marshmallows work great! This can also be great bribe food to get those kids to smile! When choosing snacks, I do recommed choosing something that isn’t messy. I would stay away from chocolate, cheese puffs, or anything that would make their little hands sticky.
Hand & Face Wipes
Since, I am a New Jersey family photographer, I take a lot of my fall family photos at local parks or beaches. That’s really all there is in New Jersey hahaha. Because of this, my kids can get a little messy. Grass stains, dirt smudges, sandy toes are all not uncommon during photo shoots. It honestly just means, the kids are having fun. I do try and allow the kids to run around and get their energy out. However, because of this; the kids can get a little messy. Be sure to bring along some wipes so you can wipe hands and faces quickly between shots.
Toys or Things That Make Noise
These type of things work great when you have very young kids. Babies and young toddlers love when things make noise. It makes them laugh, smile, and look directly at the camera. What I usually do, is hold up the item right above my camera. Or if I’m doing a shot of just the kids, or mom & the kids; I’ll have dad stand behind me holding the item. This works great, especially if it’s a child’s favorite toy. Here are a few links to some great toys that light up and make noise: Maracas, Tamborine, Toy Keys.
And that’s it! I hope this short and sweet blog post has helped you prepare for your fall family photos! I know how stressful planning can be so if you need a little more help with planning, you can download my free guide to a stress-free family session here.
Of course, if you’d like more information about my photography services or if you’d like to book a family photo session; you can contact me here.
August 21, 2025
Fall Family Photos: Don’t Forget These 3 Things
Newborns
Newborn sessions are taken in the comfort of your own home. Sessions are scheduled one - three weeks after the baby's birth. Photos include the whole family and are mostly candid. Little props are used.
maternity
Maternity Sessions are taken between 28-34 weeks. Sessions are taken at golden hour (one hour before sunset.) Poses include individual images of the mama to be, and poses with a spouse/partner.
families
Family sessions are taken at golden hour (one hour before sunset). Poses are mostly candid & organic; although some posed images will be sprinkled in.
EXPLORE SERVICES
My name is Danielle. I started Danielle Stio Photography in 2021. There is something about being an entrepreneur that really motivates me. This is more than a hobby for me. It is a passion and a calling.
I started this business at a very dark time in my life. I was searching for meaning and purpose and I found that through photography. My hope is that I can put a smile on my clients faces not only during their session , but after their session; and especially when their gallery is delivered.
GET TO KNOW ME
Welcome I'm Danielle
See you Soon!
"Working with her from booking up to when we took our photos was a breeze. She helped me pick out outfits for the family and was so responsive and kind when I was reaching out with questions or needing suggestions. I was so nervous now that our oldest is 17 months and doesn’t know how to sit still but she was so patient with us and completely understood when our toddler kept running away from the camera. Even with all the chaos I felt she was able to calm my anxiety and she got such beautiful photos."
Cindy
"I found Danielle on a Facebook group over the summer and signed up to be notified for her fall shoots. She was very responsive, easy to work with, and we couldn’t be happier with the final product - we love all the photos. She turned the photos around so quickly too. We’re so happy we chose Danielle to take our family photos this year and will definitely be using her in the future! Thanks again! 😊."
Stacey
"My husband, 9 month old, and I took family photos for the first with Danielle and I cannot say enough good things about our experience! Before we even took the photos she sent so many helpful documents with outfit suggestions and tips for taking pictures with babies! Then when we arrived she was so sweet and did an incredible job making us feel comfortable in front of the camera! Between directing us on how to pose, to making my daughter smile! She was so patient with us and really made sure that we got every shot we wanted!."
Devin
