Everything You Need to Know About 2025 Fall Mini Sessions in Kansas City

Fall leaves on a line of twine. — Fall mini-sessions are available in Lawrence, KS, at Loose Park in downtown Kansas City, and at Weston Bend State Park in Weston, MO.

A natural, connection-focused photography experience without props or gimmicks—just you and the rich, golden beauty of autumn.

Every year, when summer slips into fall, there's this moment where Kansas City lights up in gold, deep orange, and rust. Loose Park and Weston Bend State Park transform almost overnight—branches heavy with color, crisp leaves scattered like confetti, and that warm, slanting light that makes everything feel a little more like magic. And every fall, I find myself back in those familiar spaces, camera in hand, ready to capture families, couples, and seniors in the middle of it all.

Best Locations for Fall Family Photos in Kansas City

If you've been considering a fall mini-session this year, or if you're just curious about what they look like with me—this guide is for you. Whether you've never done a mini before or you're a returning client who books one every year, here's everything you need to know about what to expect, how to prepare, and why Loose Park, the Nelson-Atkins, and Weston Bend State Park are some of my favorite places in Kansas City for fall photos.

Why choose Loose Park for your fall mini-session?

Loose Park is one of Kansas City's most beloved green spaces—and in the fall, it becomes something out of a painting. Mature trees line every path and field, and as the temperatures drop, they begin showing off in every direction. We're talking golden maples, crimson oaks, and the kind of natural backdrop you couldn't fake if you tried.

Why choose Weston Bend State Park for your fall mini-session?

Tucked just north of Kansas City, Weston Bend State Park is one of those places that feels like a hidden gem—especially in the fall. The overlook trails offer sweeping views of the Missouri River valley, and the tree-lined paths are vibrant with color once the leaves begin to change. It's quieter than many urban parks, which means fewer crowds, more space, and a peaceful, almost cinematic quality to every session. I love photographing here because the landscapes are rich and layered—there are open meadows, wooden walkways, and forested trails that all glow with autumn light. If you're looking for something just a little more off-the-beaten path for your fall photos, Weston Bend delivers a truly stunning backdrop.

Why choose the Nelson-Atkins Museum grounds for your fall mini-session?

If you're drawn to clean architecture, sculptural lines, and elegant outdoor space, the Nelson-Atkins Museum is an incredible choice for fall mini sessions. While it may not have as much fiery foliage of the parks, it offers something just as striking—classic stone staircases, soft green lawns, and that unmistakable Kansas City skyline feel. The wide-open spaces and carefully designed gardens give us room to move while still keeping things relaxed and timeless. And in the fall, there’s something about the golden light bouncing off the limestone that adds depth and warmth to every image. It’s especially lovely for couples, seniors, and families who want a slightly more polished, editorial feel without losing the softness of connection. And the tree-line walkway on the south side of the museum adds a perfect autumn touch.

Why choose the Sunflower Field in Lawrence for your (almost) fall mini-session?

There’s nothing quite like standing in the middle of a sunflower field at golden hour—it’s vibrant, joyful, and a little bit surreal in the best way. The sunflower field in Lawrence, Kansas (like Grinter Farms or other local spots when in bloom) is perfect for families, maternity sessions, or seniors wanting something playful and bold. Peak bloom usually hits in late August to early September, so it’s a beautiful way to wrap up summer and ease into fall. Sessions here are about color, movement, and letting kids run between rows while the sun dips low in the sky. Because it’s such a unique and seasonal backdrop, these sessions tend to book quickly—and they truly are a Kansas memory in the making.

These breathtaking surroundings are exactly why I don't bring props or sets to these sessions. The beauty of the season is already fully alive in this park, and adding anything else would just compete with it. The backdrop is never artificial—it's exactly what you see when you walk through on a Sunday afternoon with your family or when you take your dog for a morning hike. It's real, and that's what I want your photos to reflect, too.

What's Included in a Fall Mini Session in Kansas City

Fall mini-sessions are short and intentional. They're designed to give you a few meaningful, updated images without needing to block off half your day. Here's what's included:

15 minutes of documentary-style photography
A gallery of 5–10 hand-edited images (with the option to purchase more)
Online gallery delivery within 2–3 weeks
Location: Loose Park, Kansas City OR Weston Bend State Park, Weston
These sessions are ideal for families, couples, maternity, seniors, or even just updated portraits of your kids

What you won't find at these sessions: props, backdrops, signs, crates, or pumpkins. I don't use them—not because I don't like a cute setup—but because I want your session to feel timeless and honest. When we keep the focus on connection, expression, and light, the result is something that lasts.

When to Book + Fall Foliage Timing

Fall color in Kansas City typically peaks in late October to early November. That said, we all know Missouri weather likes to do its own thing, so I always keep a close eye on what the trees are doing in real-time. My fall mini-sessions are scheduled to coincide with when the foliage is at its peak. I do have an option for late September for those who want to beat the full foliage rush (Loose Park!), but other options are available mid-foliage peak. For those who want to frolic among the giant sunflowers, I also have one round of sunflower mini-sessions available this year!

Saturday, September 27, 2025
Sunday, October 26, 2025
Sunday, November 1, 2025
Saturday, September 6, 2025 (Lawrence, KS Sunflower Field - dependent on bloom schedule)
Saturday, November 8, 2025
Sunday, November 9, 2025

Morning and golden hour slots are usually available, but once they're gone, they're gone. I only open a small number of these each year, so the best way to snag your spot is to book your mini-session today. To stay in the loop for future mini-sessions, sign up for my email list and follow along on Instagram. Returning clients get early access to booking, and spots tend to fill quickly!

Girl throws leaves in the forest in fall.

What to Wear for Fall Photos in Kansas City

Let's talk clothes. Wardrobe doesn't need to be complicated, but it's absolutely worth spending a few minutes planning. The colors of fall in Loose Park are rich—reds, golds, rust, and deep greens—and what you wear should complement that, not compete with it.

My best tips:

Stick with warm earth tones and soft neutrals—olive, cream, mustard, rust, navy, and plum all look beautiful this time of year.
Add texture: think knits, denim, corduroy, leather boots.
Start with mom's outfit (trust me) and coordinate from there.
Avoid logos, neon colors, and overly busy prints—they distract from the focus and date your photos.
Dress kids in comfortable clothes that allow them to move freely.
Bring a backup outfit for babies and toddlers… just in case.

Bonus tip: If you're a hat person, this is your moment. Wool hats, scarves, or layered looks photograph so beautifully in fall light.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Session

Because mini-sessions move quickly, the best thing you can do is show up ready to go. Here are a few practical tips to help things go smoothly:

Arrive 10–15 minutes early. Loose Park is popular, especially on the weekends, and parking can take a few minutes.
Ensure that everyone is well-fed and rested beforehand. Even older kids (and grown-ups) do better when they're not hungry or rushed.
Let go of the pressure to perform. If your child doesn't smile on command, that's okay. If your toddler runs in circles for most of the session, that's okay, too.
Trust me—I'm watching for the moments in between. That squeeze of the hand, the way your little one tucks their face into your neck, the proud smile your teen gives you when you least expect it. These are the moments that make the photos.

Mother and daughter walk hand in hand in the fall.

Why I Don't Use Props (And What I Use Instead)

There's absolutely nothing wrong with pumpkins, signs, or hay bales in photos. But that's not what I do, and it's probably not why you're here.

My work is documentary at heart. I want your images to tell the truth of who you are in this season—not just what outfits you wore or what holiday is coming up. When we remove the noise, what's left is connection, emotion, and a sense of timelessness that doesn't go out of style.

Midwest nature in the fall doesn't need anything added to captivate everyone. The color, the textures, the light—it's all already there. I'd rather capture you holding hands under the turning trees or your kids laughing as leaves fall around them than place you in front of a styled set that doesn't really feel like you. These sessions are for people who want photos that feel like memories, not poses.

Ready to Book?

Fall mini-sessions are one of the most sought-after offerings of my entire year. I open a limited number of slots so that each session stays relaxed, meaningful, and unrushed. Once those are filled, I won't be adding more.

If you're ready to book, you can reserve your time slot today. If none of those dates work for you, check out my booking calendar to choose your date and session!

If you've been meaning to update your family photos, capture this season of your relationship, or just finally have an image of all your kids in one frame—this is your window. Autumn doesn't last long in Kansas City, but the images we create together can.