A Picture-Perfect Fall Day at Elm Road Elementary

A Day of Familiar Faces, Crisp Air, and Fall Magic

Sometimes, the perfect photo day sneaks up on you. One moment, the leaves are bursting with color, and the next, they’re on the ground (or stuck to your shoes). We almost missed that golden fall glow this year, but thankfully, Elm Road Elementary was blessed with just enough autumn magic to make this session shine.

This wasn’t just another photoshoot—it was a chance to reconnect with old friends and welcome new ones, all while chasing down the last flickers of fall light before winter claimed the scene.

Location Details: Elm Road Elementary in Peak Fall

If you think elementary schools are just for learning, you clearly haven’t seen one in the middle of autumn. Elm Road Elementary gave us the best of fall—crunchy leaves underfoot, golden light filtering through the trees, and that crisp, nostalgic air that makes you want to sip apple cider (or, in my case, carry a camera and chase kids around for photos).

Mini Sessions: The Perfect Opportunity for Busy Families

I know life can be chaotic, and finding time for full portrait sessions isn’t always easy. That’s exactly why I offer Mini Sessions—short, stress-free photo sessions designed to give families beautiful, professional images without the time commitment of a full shoot. These quick sessions are perfect for capturing a season of life, updating family portraits, or even just getting those frame-worthy smiles without spending hours in front of the camera.

Mini Sessions at Elm Road Elementary were filled with sweet, genuine moments. From siblings giggling in piles of leaves to kids showing off their missing teeth, these quick sessions allowed families to freeze a little piece of time in a way that felt fun and effortless. If you've never tried a Mini Session before, trust me—it's the easiest way to capture memories with zero stress (and maybe even a little fun!).

If you're interested in snagging a spot for the next round of Mini Sessions, be sure to join my email list so you don't miss out!

Why This Shoot Meant So Much

One of the biggest reasons I do school portrait sessions is because I truly believe these moments matter. There’s something about an elementary school photo—something timeless. These aren’t just pictures for the yearbook or fridge; they’re snapshots of who these kids are right now. The missing teeth, the lopsided grins, the way their eyes light up when they see their friends—it’s all part of a story that will mean even more years from now.

And for parents? These portraits freeze a moment in time. Because before you know it, the backpacks get bigger, the sneakers aren’t so tiny anymore, and suddenly, you’re looking back at these photos wondering where the time went.

This is why I do what I do.


Details I’m Loving:

The fall colors: We cut it close, but the leaves held out just long enough to make every shot feel like an autumn dream.
The laughter: School portraits don’t have to be stiff! The joy on these kids’ faces? 100% real.
Reuniting with familiar faces: There’s something special about photographing families I’ve worked with before—watching their kids grow and seeing their smiles again makes it all so rewarding.


Elm Road Elementary, you did not disappoint. Between the vibrant colors, the endless giggles, and the last bits of autumn sunshine, this session was everything I hoped for (and then some). A huge thank you to all the parents and kiddos who made this possible—I can’t wait to see you all again next time!

And that’s a wrap on another beautiful fall session! 🍂✨ If you’re thinking about a seasonal portrait session or want to be the first to know about upcoming mini sessions, be sure to get in touch here!

Previous
Previous

Intimate Gender Reveal at Area Hall Art House | South Bend, Indiana

Next
Next

Top 10 Spots to Take Family Pictures Near South Bend, Indiana