Fall Photography Inspiration – REFINED Co

REFINED JOURNAL

As the air turns crisp and the trees glow in warm hues of amber and gold, fall brings a unique beauty that photographers adore. Whether you're capturing intimate weddings or cozy family sessions, autumn is the perfect backdrop for storytelling through your lens. At REFINED Co, we know that editing plays a huge role in making those fall tones pop, while still maintaining the authenticity of your subject's story.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through fall photography inspiration using REFINED Co presets—covering everything from editing techniques to pose and location ideas to elevate your fall sessions. Whether you’re seeking fresh ideas or refining your creative process, this post is your go-to guide for fall magic.

Embracing Fall Colors: Editing Tips with REFINED Presets

Fall offers a rich palette—think warm oranges, deep reds, golden yellows, and rich greens. REFINED Co presets are designed to enhance these natural tones while keeping skin tones true-to-life. Whether you’re using the REFINED III Preset Collection for a moody, film-inspired look or the Kodak Gold Collection to evoke nostalgia with soft, vintage hues, our presets simplify your workflow while allowing the seasonal colors to shine.

REFINED III

REFINED III Edit on Janay Shayla Wright Image

REFINED Kodak Gold

REFINED Kodak Gold Edit on Lisa Takke Image

REFINED Kodak Gold Edit on Ari Dorfman Image

Editing Tip: Balance Warmth and Contrast

When editing, balance the warmth and contrast to bring out the vibrant fall colors. For outdoor ceremonies under golden light, start with the REFINED I Presets, which offer light, airy tones perfect for fall afternoons. You can adjust the temperature slider to fine-tune the warmth, while adding a subtle contrast will make the leaves and landscape pop.

Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to lean into the shadows—fall's natural lighting can create stunning contrasts when paired with presets like REFINED x KT Merry for that timeless, editorial finish.

Pose Inspiration: Capturing Emotion in Fall Settings

Autumn is all about intimacy—whether it's a couple holding hands under a canopy of red leaves or a family sharing a laugh in a pumpkin patch, fall sessions often exude warmth and togetherness. Encourage natural interactions and movement to capture the essence of the season.

Posing Ideas:

For Couples : Have your couple walk hand in hand through an open field, letting the fall breeze flow through their clothes. Capture the motion while highlighting the vibrant background.
For Families : Seat families on a plaid blanket in a leaf-covered park. Prompt them to interact with each other—maybe parents playfully toss leaves at their kids, capturing spontaneous joy.

REFINED x Caroline Tran Edit on Taylor Frost Image

REFINED x KT Merry Edit on Amanda Watson Image

Choosing the Right Fall Locations

Fall’s natural beauty offers endless possibilities for session locations, from woodsy trails to scenic orchards. Here are a few location ideas that will help you make the most of autumn’s changing scenery:

Woodlands and Parks : Capture the rich tones of fall foliage in forests or large parks. The mix of vibrant leaves and soft sunlight filtering through the trees creates stunning compositions.
Countryside and Farms : Think cornfields, apple orchards, or pumpkin patches. These locations provide charming, rustic backdrops that add a storytelling element to your photos.
Outdoor Wedding Venues : Fall weddings held in gardens or by vineyards are perfect for capturing the romance of the season. Use REFINED’s Light & Airy Preset Collections to bring out the dreamy, soft tones of natural light and floral accents.

REFINED x KT Merry Mobile Edit on Joy Proctor Image

Pro-Tip: Scout Locations for Texture. Fall is full of natural textures—crunchy leaves, bark, grasses—that can create depth and interest in your compositions. Pairing these elements with the right presets will enhance the tactile quality of your photos, drawing viewers into the scene.

Fall Session Planning Tips

Finally, here are a few planning tips to help you make the most of your fall sessions:

Golden Hour is Your Best Friend : Fall's earlier sunsets mean more opportunities for golden hour magic. The soft, warm light is ideal for creating dreamy portraits, especially when paired with the Light & Airy Presets like REFINED I or II.
Plan for Weather Changes : The weather can be unpredictable, so be prepared for overcast skies or rain. Cloudy days can actually work to your advantage, creating even, diffused lighting that’s perfect for portrait sessions.

We hope this fall guidebook has inspired you with ideas, locations, and techniques to bring your creative vision to life. Tag us in your fall edits using #refinedco and let’s continue to inspire each other this season!