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Fall Family Photo Sessions on Our Property

10/30/2024

 

fall is a time for family 

This fall, we were thrilled to welcome families to our property just north of Cobourg for a series of stunning fall photo sessions. Surrounded by beautiful colours, lots of trees and a large pond, our property provided the perfect backdrop for capturing cherished memories.
Mom and Dad sitting on hay bales with daughter between them surrounded by pumpkins during fall family photo shoot
We love incorporating elements that evoke the charm of the season. Our pumpkin patch was a favorite among families, where little ones excitedly picked their perfect pumpkins to take home. We also used straw bales, blankets, and rustic decor as props to create warm, inviting scenes for each session.

the charm of the season 

Dad and Mom holding hands of girl looking at her while waking in leaves fall family photo shoot
Mom and Dad sitting on pumpkins in pumpkin patch fall family photo session
​Hosting these sessions on our property allows us to blend the comfort of a private setting with the rustic charm of autumn. It’s always a delight to see families relax and enjoy the experience while we capture moments they’ll treasure forever.

private setting means comfort and relaxation

Family consisting of mom and dad sitting with two small kids on straw bales with pumpkins around them for fall family photo session
Brother and sister sitting together on pumpkins in a pumpkin patch
Little boy sitting on a pumpkin in a pumpkin patch
Hosting these sessions on our property allows us to blend the comfort of a private setting with the rustic charm of autumn. It’s always a delight to see families relax and enjoy the experience while we capture moments they’ll treasure forever.
Family of Dad, Mom and brother and sister sitting in a pumpkin patch holding pumpkins

lots of pumpkins available in our patch

Mother with her 3 grown children sitting on straw bales with pumpkins around them
Large family with kids standing in front of a large pond fall family photo session
​Thank you to all the families who joined us this season! We’re already looking forward to next fall, and we can’t wait to welcome more families to our property to celebrate the beauty of the season.
Family with mom, dad holding hands with two children walking away from camera amoung leaves and fall colours holding pumpkins

Pumpkins, Leaves, and Love: A Sweet Fall Family Session

10/27/2024

 

​A Cozy Fall Moment with the Cutest Trio

There’s something magical about fall—the crisp air, the golden leaves, and of course, pumpkins galore! Recently, I had the absolute joy of photographing a sweet little family enjoying all the best things about the season: Mom, Dad, and their adorable little guy.
Picture of mom and dad with toddler son sitting between them and laughing and looking at each other fall photo session

A SHOW STEALER

Their little one stole the show from the very start. With that smile and a laugh that could brighten anyone’s day, he lit up the entire session. Bundled up in the cutest corduroy coat with fuzzy details, he looked like he was straight out of a storybook. Mom and Dad, dressed perfectly in soft fall tones, were so sweet and playful, showering their little guy with kisses and tickles that brought out the biggest giggles.
Toddler boy sitting in front of a bale of straw with a pumpkin on his lap for fall mini photo session
Toddler boy with brown coat on walking between his parents holding hands among fall leave for family photo shoot

THE PERFECT BACKDROP

​We found the perfect backdrop among the trees, with golden leaves adding a warm glow to every shot. The love between this family was undeniable—they’re not just a family, they’re a team. Watching them interact was such a reminder of how magical these everyday moments can be.
Photo of small toddler boy with looking at camera and smiling with fall leaves in the background photo session
​As I captured moments of Dad’s gentle playfulness and Mom’s tender kisses, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of gratitude. Families like this make my job so rewarding. Seeing the joy they share and being trusted to preserve these memories is an honor.
Picture of mom holding up her toddler son facing each other among fall leaves for family photo session
Picture of toddler boy on the shoulders of dad in fall backdrop and leaves.
​To this amazing family: Thank you for letting me be a part of your fall adventure. I hope these photos bring back all the warmth and happiness of this special day whenever you look at them!

Magical Unicorn Photo Sessions with BB

10/25/2024

 

A magical adventure

​There’s something truly enchanting about seeing a child's eyes light up when they meet a unicorn. Recently, we had the absolute pleasure of photographing some incredibly excited kids with BB, our beautiful unicorn, for a series of magical photoshoots. Watching the kids marvel at BB was simply heartwarming; their smiles and laughter filled the day with joy.
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being in the moment

​BB, who has a calm and gentle personality, took to the children with such ease. Each child was captivated, petting BB’s soft mane and whispering their wishes. It was amazing to see them fully immersed in the moment, truly believing they were in the presence of a real unicorn.
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making memories with the unicorn

​The sessions turned into a series of precious memories—flower crowns, garlands, and wide-eyed wonder. Each little one got their own magical moment with the unicorn, and it was beautiful to capture these moments on camera.
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the joy and magic of unicorn photos

These unicorn sessions are always a reminder of the joy and magic we can bring into the lives of others. Seeing the happiness on their faces makes it all worthwhile. Thank you to everyone who joined us, and to BB for making dreams come true!
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A little hallowe'en fun

10/18/2024

 

when this family wants to do a unique shoot...

... You go with it! This fun family had a great idea for a spooky type of Hallowe'en session. They originally wanted to go with a Michael Myers theme, but the mask didn't arrive in time, so they chose this scary pumpkin face. Which I think worked out so well.
Person dressed in blue with blue hoodie with scary pumpkin face mask on holding a pitchfork

It worked out well with the pumpkin face

Man sitting on bale of hay with blue jump suit on wearing a scary pumpkin mask holding a pitch fork
The Scary Pumpkin Face was actually these kids' uncle. So they thought it was so funny to have him dressed like that. They called him Uncle Pumpkin.

He totally rocked his role as scary pumpkin face

And the day was threatening rain, so the atmosphere for the family session was just perfect. A dark and dreary day. Even if it had rained, the shoot would have been perfect.
Man dressed in dark blue jumpsuit with hood on wearing scary pumpkin face mask holding a pitchfork on edge of dock by a pond

Of course, the fun is everywhere

Man wearing dark blue jumpsuit with hoodie with scary pumpkin face mask on standing in distance behind a large family getting their photo taken at family photo session
Man wearing dark blue jumpsuit with hoodie with scary pumpkin face mask on running towards a couple and couple looking back at him

Looking for creative ways for your family photos?

Bring your imagination... and we'll do the rest!
Man wearing dark blue jumpsuit with hoodie with scary pumpkin face mask on and holding a pitchfork standing behind an old wheelbarrow with pumpkins around

large family photo session

10/16/2024

 

letting go and having fun

Before sitting down and asking the kids to smile for a family photo session, it's a good idea to play and have fun with the kids. And this family did just that.
Parents goofing around with their kids sitting on a bale of straw during their fall family photo session, Cobourg Ontario
Parents goofing around with their kids sitting on a bale of straw during their fall family photo session, Cobourg Ontario
Parents goofing around with their kids sitting on a bale of straw during their fall family photo session, Cobourg Ontario

burning off some energy

Running, tickling, goofing around... all of these things are great for letting the little ones have fun. It makes them love coming for photo sessions. And we encourage this, so future photography sessions can go smoothly when they remember how much fun they had before.
mom and dad running through fall trees holding hands with their two little boys during fall family photo session cobourg ontario
We have a large pumpkin patch on our property, so during our fall family photo sessions, we let each child choose their own pumpkin to take home. The kids love it.
Mom and dad with little girl posing in pumpkin patch
Couple sitting on bench posing for fall family session with large pond ini background
red haired woman holding her red haired son up fall family photo session among fall leaves and trees
Red haired little brothers sitting in pumpkin patch during fall family photo shoot Cobourg ontario

Stoney lake island cottage - family session

10/12/2024

 

​Incorporating the Cottage’s atmosphere and Charm

​There’s something magical about photographing families at a place that holds deep meaning for them. Recently, I had the privilege of doing a family session at their beautiful island cottage on Stoney Lake, This picturesque location provided the perfect backdrop to capture memories for this wonderful family.
Mom, Dad, Brother and Sister family photo session Stoney Lake Ontario
Every year for the past 7 years I've been coming back to photograph them every Thanksgiving. I've so loved to see the kids grow up. They are wonderful to work with and make my time spent with them so pleasant. It truely is a priviledge to capture this for them.

brother and sister making memories

Close up photo of brother and sister back to back family photo session Stoney Lake Ontario
Boy in red vest leaning against tree family photo session Stoney Lake Ontario
Girl jumping in air family photo session Stoney Lake Ontario
Sister on brothers back piggyback family photo session Stoney Lake Ontario
Brother and sister running down hill beside their family cottage family photo session Stoney Lake Ontario

including grandparents in family sessions 

And our session was even more special because it included the grandparents. I always love incorporating grandparents in family photos. They bring such warmth and legacy to the images, bridging generations and grounding the family story. Plus they are so much fun too! 
Grandmother in middle being kissed on each cheek by her grandson and grandaughter family photo session Stoney Lake Ontario
Grandfather with his grandchildren on either side of him overlooking stoney lake ontario family cottageg
Grandparents in front of cottage door family photo session Stoney Lake Ontario
Grandparents, parents and grandkids sitting on stairs with cottage behind them family photo session Stoney Lake Ontario
Teenage girl leaning against a tree during family photo session Stoney Lake Ontario
​Family sessions like this remind me why I love what I do. It’s an honor to preserve these moments, to create images that families will treasure for generations.

what to wear for your fall family photo session

10/8/2024

 
Fall is the most popular time of year to get your family photos done. Whether you are wanting to update them, use them for Christmas gifts, or start a tradition each year, you will want to know how to dress. As we are in the middle of fall photo sessions and I get asked this question quite a bit, I have put together some tips for choosing your autumn wardrobe.
​But first and foremost:
​
  1. Avoid pictures and slogans on clothing
  2. Make sure your children’s clothes fit well

start with mom's outfit

It can be hard to know where to begin, but think of it as building blocks. Start with one outfit and then you can build upon that. My recommendation is to start with mom (or daughter), since women’s clothing tends to have more colors and prints. And let’s be honest, we are more picky about how we look, and moms are typically pulling the outfits together anyways.
My best advice is for you to wear a dress in your favorite color. Not only are dresses flattering, but you will feel good in it. If you hate dresses, think about a skirt/top combo, but choose something that is slightly dresser than your everyday look. Opt for high quality fabrics (not t-shirt material) because they hang better.

choose a colour palette

After you’ve chosen mom’s outfit, think about 2-3 coordinating colors, some neutral and one of which pops and brings life to the outfits. ​
what to wear to a fall photoshoot
what to wear to a fall photoshoot

think muted colours

Avoid overly saturated and bold colors, as they distract in the photo. Look for MUTED versions of the same color. For example, if you have a bright hot pink shirt, try a muted dusty rose instead.

coordinate - don't match

Gone are the days when everyone wears matching white polos and khakis for family photos on the beach. Choose colors that complement each other but are not overly matchy-matchy. For example, avoid wearing the same color top as your spouse or putting your girls in the same matching dresses.
what to wear to a fall photoshoot

ADD VARIETY WITH SUBTLE PATTERNS.

​They say that variety is the spice of life right? To add depth and interest to your photos, create dimension by having primarily solids with a few coordinating subtle patterns and textures. Patterns are great in small doses and add a lot of your photo. Avoid bold, large prints that can distract from the photo though. You want your family photos to be about you and not merely your outfits.
Layers are another way to add variety with cardigans, shawls, scarves, etc.​

fitted clothing is your friend

While flowy shirts and dresses are currently in style, they can hide your shape and be less flattering in photos. Find clothes that are neither overly baggy nor too tight, and think about balance between your upper and lower half. If you have a flowing skirt, chose a fitted top, and with a loose top, choose skinny jeans. It’s all about balance, folks.
what to wear to a fall photoshoot

dress for the weather

You might have the perfect outfit on, but if you’re freezing or sweating to death, a family photo session can quickly unravel. Layering is the perfect solution for those chilly evenings or sweltering August days! Remember, little ones get cold more quickly than adults when temperatures are low, so pack a cardigan or sweater for them. Cold kiddos = sad photos…keep those kids warm!

just be yourself

Don’t dress like someone else you saw on Pinterest just because you found an amazing outfit idea. You want these photos to represent the real you and your family and not be something that you aren’t. This might mean you wear shorts or torn up jeans or a boho vintage thrift store dress. Just be you!

    Author

    Cathy & Jenn of CatsMac Photography, Cobourg, Ontario. 
    Creating Memories with Custom Photography... Because Life is Beautiful.
    ​

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CatsMac Photography
​2012-2025
​
Creating Memories with Custom Photography
...Because Life is Beautiful
Professional photographer based in Cobourg and serving Northumberland County, Peterborough, Quinte, Durham Region, including Trenton, Belleville, Brighton, Newcastle, Bowmanville, Courtice, Oshawa
​
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