The idea of fall conjures up images of beautiful leaves, crisp mornings, pumpkins in every size and colour plus all the fun of Halloween.
It’s no wonder then that this is a gorgeous season for getting adorable baby photographs.
If you are looking for inspiration for what kind of DIY photos you could take of your little one then look no further!
There are 19 gorgeous baby fall photoshoot ideas to steal here – plus tips for getting the most out of your own camera, whether you have a DSLR or just your smartphone.
Tips for fall baby photography
Try these tips for getting the most out of your photoshoot.
Golden Hour Is Your Best Friend
Aim to shoot in the hour just after sunrise or just before sunset. The light is softer, warmer, and gives that perfect autumn glow, so there are no harsh shadows, just cosy magic.
Set the Scene with Natural Props
Use what fall gives you:
- Crunchy leaves
- Pumpkins (real or mini!)
- Hay bales
- A plaid blanket
- Apples or a basket
- Keep the background simple so your baby remains the focus.
Dress for the Season
Layer soft knits, warm tones, and cute accessories like:
- Beanies
- Overalls
- Corduroy or flannel
Avoid anything too bulky or itchy to keep baby comfy
Get Down to Baby’s Level
Don’t shoot from above — squat or lie down to capture their expressions at eye level. It makes a huge difference in creating intimacy and connection.
Take lots of Shots
Babies move fast. Use burst mode or live photo features, then go through and pick the best. One perfect expression is all you need.
Contain the Chaos
Use a basket, crate, or stroller as a prop and a way to gently contain your baby if they’re on the move. Surround with leaves or soft fabric for a cosy setup.
Use Fall Colours Wisely
Let autumn do the heavy lifting. Reds, golds, oranges, and browns make every photo pop. Avoid clashing outfits or props that fight with the natural palette.
Keep It Candid
The best photos are often not posed. Capture giggles, curiosity, leaf-throwing, or tiny hands grabbing at pumpkins. Your baby being themselves is photo gold.
This is why it’s important not to rush your photoshoot. Time it for after a nap, and give yourself time to get the perfect shot.
Wipe Their Face First (And Often)
Babies dribble a lot so don’t forget to wipe before the shoot, then keep a cloth nearby for mid-session touch-ups.
Edit Lightly for a Warm Finish
Boost warmth and brightness slightly. Avoid heavy filters as fall light is already beautiful. Apps like Lightroom Mobile or VSCO are easy to use.
Now let’s get on to the fall photoshoot ideas for baby.
Inside a pumpkin
Fall is the season of Halloween and of course pumpkins! So it’s only natural to incorporate some in a photoshoot with your little pumpkin.
One of my favourite photo ideas to use at Halloween is carving a pumpkin for your baby to sit inside.
You’ll need a big pumpkin for this to work, then cut off the top and hollow it out ready for carving. Finally create two circular holes for your baby’s legs to poke out.
Lots of people strip baby down to just their diaper for these photos. I like the idea of adding a pumpkin hat!
Pumpkin bum
Pumpkins come in all shapes and sizes but I have to say I adore the tiny gourds and all the colours they come in.
Some people paint a little pumpkin on their baby’s butt using a little orange baby-safe paint. However I really love this idea of holding a tiny pumpkin above baby as they lay on their front to cover their bum.
It just looks so sweet.
Heart leaf frame
This one is simple to put together but it’s really striking.
Grab a pretty autumnal leaf – I think a maple leaf works well for this. Fold the leaf in half and cut a heart shape out (this is the best way to get it even).
Now lay baby down in some leaves and hold the leaf above them, framing their face in the heart shape.
Rustic crate
Line a rustic crate with soft pillows and blankets to create a place for baby to lay down (or sit up if they’re a little older). Place it outside amid the leaves, apples and maybe some pumpkins too if you like.
To recreate this specific shot here you’ll want it to be a warmer autumnal day! However it also works with baby wrapped up in a cute onesie – especially one with sweet bear ears or a little pumpkin beanie hat.
Tin bath pumpkin
This is a gorgeous way to really elevate a pumpkin patch photoshoot!
I adore rustic tin baths used in baby photos – I think they just look so sweet.
If your baby is not sitting up just yet then you can prop them up using blankets or lay them down in the tub on top of blankets and take the shot from above.
Playing in the leaves
This is simple but so effective! When taking photos like this one, I like to switch my smartphone camera to portrait mode, so that I get a lovely blurry background that makes baby stand out.
Find a spot with plenty of leaves on the ground, then lay baby on their tummy to let them explore. Sit back and take your shots.
Cosy minimalist
I adore this relaxed and neutral photo. The leaves in this picture are props, so if you prefer natural leaves then you could try gathering some that are all a similar colour.
I love the cosy blanket and wicker basket combination.
Baby in basket
Head down to your local pumpkin patch or farm to find lots of great opportunities for the perfect photoshoot setting.
Surround baby with autumnal foods and crops, and include various different sizes of pumpkin.
Cottagecore fall
I just love this photo idea for a newborn baby. You need to catch them when they are sleepy to do this one!
Dress baby is soft, knitted, neutral fabrics and have those toes peaking out too.
Add tiny pumpkins and some foliage around a basket to create this gorgeous from above shot.
Mom & baby in the leaves
Fall is a wonderful time to get outside for a walk as a family and get some forest shots.
You can try a pose like this one where mom and baby are both visible. I also love shots where baby is being held up to the trees and leaves above them and the photo is taken just of them being held aloft from mom or dad’s POV.
Woolly bear
A cute cosy hate has gorgeous fall vibes and makes for a really cosy photoshoot.
I love the green succulents in this photo too, it feels so rustic and chilled.
Basket of cuteness
A snuggly basket with beige, brown, white and grey blankets creates texture and makes for such a relaxed baby photo.
Add autumnal fruits and, of course, some mini pumpkins. I think some white ones would look adorable in this set-up.
Arch of pumpkins
Your little pumpkin will look super cute in this very simple idea. Grab some mini pumpkins and circle them around your baby
Add in a sweet onesie or hat for an extra dose of cuteness.
Laying on a pumpkin
You’ll need a giant pumpkin for this one but I just love the finished photo!
Get your baby at nap time and lay them over the top of a pumpkin to get a sweet shot of them.
Holding tiny pumpkin
This idea is great as it also makes for a lovely sensory play experience for your baby.
Lay them down on their back on a pretty blanket and surround them with little gourds or pumpkins they can grasp.
Hand them one and see what they do. This idea is so lovely as it’s a chance to capture their tiny fingers.
Swaddled
With a tiny newborn baby using a swaddle is such an adorable way to capture them in their early weeks.
Do this one at naptime and choose a very neutral swaddle and some pretty props. A basket surrounded by leaves and mini pumpkins works so well.
Basket of apples
It’s not all about the pumpkins! An orchard shot like this one is so perfect for a bright autumnal day.
Grab a basket and fill it with apples, then pop baby inside for a playful, fun countryside shot.
Halloween costume
If you love a fun Halloween costume then this one is for you. You don’t have to go all out, just a little pumpkin hat and onesie can work perfectly.
I have lots of ideas for toddler and baby Halloween costumes for you to get inspo.
Munching on an apple
Sit baby outside and hand them an apple then let them chomp, play or stare at it.
This simple but playful idea is a wonderful way to capture them curiously exploring the world around them.
