Field, Orchard, or Tree Farm in the Inland Empire - A Fall Mini Session Guide
One of the first decisions families make when booking fall photos is choosing a location. If you’ve looked into fall sessions at all, you’ve probably seen a mix of open fields, orchards, and Christmas tree farms and it’s not always obvious which one is the best fit.
Start With How You Plan to Use Your Photos
Before choosing a location, it helps to think about where your photos are going to end up. Some families already know they want to print and hang their photos in their home, while others are mostly thinking about holiday cards. That alone can make the decision easier. Tree farm sessions tend to feel more seasonal and are often chosen for Christmas cards. Some families love that look, while others prefer something they can keep up on their walls year-round. If you’re looking for something more timeless, a field or orchard usually fits better.
The Christmas Tree Farm: Seasonal and Limited
Christmas tree farm sessions are the most seasonal option and tend to book the fastest. These are held later in the fall, usually at the beginning of November, so families have their images in time for holiday cards. The rows of trees create a very specific look that a lot of people associate with Christmas. For some families, that’s exactly what they want. For others, it feels a little too tied to the holiday season for everyday use. Because of the timing and popularity, availability for these sessions is usually very limited.
The Field: Simple and Flexible
Field sessions are usually the most flexible option. The location I use is a small open field with trees in the background, along with one large tree that works well for a variety of shots. Depending on the year and rainfall, the grass can shift between green and more of a soft yellow tone. That variation actually works well and still keeps everything neutral and easy to style. This type of location is a good fit if you want something simple that won’t feel tied to a specific season. It also gives kids space to move around without feeling restricted, which tends to make sessions feel more relaxed overall.
The Apple Orchard: Structured but Still Natural
The orchard has a different feel. It’s made up of rows of apple trees, which gives the session a bit more structure without feeling overly formal. This location is typically available in early fall, around September and sometimes into October. It’s a smaller area, but it photographs well and gives a unique look compared to the more open field. Because orchards are busy on weekends during fall, these sessions are usually scheduled on weekdays only. That’s something to keep in mind when planning.
Let Your Outfits Help Guide the Decision
Another way to narrow things down is by thinking about what you plan to wear. Some outfits naturally fit better with certain locations. More neutral, everyday outfits tend to work well in a field or orchard setting. If you’re leaning toward something more seasonal or layered, the tree farm can complement that style. Sometimes it’s easier to pick your outfits first and then choose the location that matches. Checkout my blog where I have a few What to Wear guides.
There isn’t one “best” location for fall photos. It really comes down to how you want your photos to feel and how you plan to use them. If you want something flexible and timeless, the field is usually a safe choice. If you’re looking for something a little different, or very "fall", the orchard offers a more autumn seasonal look. And if your focus is holiday cards, the Christmas tree farm is often the first to go for a reason.
Families in Yucaipa, Redlands, and throughout the Inland Empire looking for family photos, thinking through these small details ahead of time can make the decision much easier. If you’re planning fall photos and aren’t sure which option fits your family best, I’m always happy to help you talk through it so you can choose a location that works well for you.
See you soon,