Fall is a gorgeous (and extremely popular) time for family photos! The vibrant colors, crisp air, and all-around beautiful atmosphere create a perfect backdrop for capturing precious moments with your loved ones. One of the first decisions you’ll need to make for your next family photo session is where to have these memories captured. Typically the decision lies between two popular options: urban or rural setting. Both offer unique advantages and picturesque backdrops. Let’s explore some of the differences to help you decide which is best for your family.

Urban Location


Go beyond the typical colorful trees and land yourself along the Milwaukee Riverwalk or amid tall buildings of Milwaukee’s Third Ward. Urban settings offer a mix of architectural elements and cityscapes that can add a dynamic and modern touch to your photos. You can capture your family’s interactions against a backdrop of historical buildings and are accessible and unique. If your family enjoys the hustle and bustle of the city, urban settings can reflect your lifestyle and personality. Liven up your family memories with this contemporary and edgy ambiance.

A candid family portrait taken at sunset near waterfront with golden grasses in the foreground.
A tender family moment captured on a wooden deck with industrial architecture in the background.
A family walks hand-in-hand along a wooden boardwalk on a sunny day.
A toddler stands on a wooden deck while a couple shares a moment in the background.
A heartwarming moment captured on a wooden deck with industrial architecture and water in the background.

Rural Location


There is a reason you see so many family photos captured among the colorful trees of fall… the breathtaking natural scenery of Wisconsin is a gorgeous commonly sought after phenomenon. Fields, forests, and farms bathed in autumn color hues create a serene and simply timeless backdrop for your family photos. With more open space, your kiddos can run around and play which often results in more natural joyful expressions and interactions between family members. There is a tranquility that sets over the photo session in these rural areas that allows for relaxed and spontaneous moments with opportunities to incorporate fall elements such as pumpkins, hay bales, and falling leaves into your photos.

A family portrait taken in an autumn park with colorful fallen leaves on the ground.
A joyful autumn portrait taken among trees with fallen orange leaves covering the ground.
A child runs through fallen autumn leaves toward waiting parents in a park.
A family shares a candid moment while walking through a park with autumn leaves.
An autumn portrait captured in a wooded park with fallen leaves covering the ground.

When making the location choice for your family photos, consider the logistics and kind of atmosphere you want to capture. There are beautiful backdrops in either place so whatever your decision is, you can’t go wrong. Either way you’ll end up with beautiful memories frozen in time to cherish for years to come.

A family walking together on a wooden deck during a sunny afternoon.
Small toddler holds hands with parents while standing on autumn leaves in outdoor setting.

As a bonus for reading this far, grab a fall outfit guide for a few tips on how to dress your family for a picture-perfect session. Then get in touch to book your session for this fall before dates are gone! And if you're interested in mini sessions, make sure to join the email list so you get first dibs when dates open for booking. Whether you’re in the heart of the city or the serenity of the countryside, let’s make your family shine on the other side of the lens!

Young family poses together on wooden deck with lattice background at sunset.
Playful parent holds child upside down while laughing together on fallen autumn leaves.
Toddler in navy pullover and jeans stands on wooden deck near marina.
Parent lifts child high in the air against backdrop of autumn trees.