10%

Southern Oregon Fall Orchard Family Session

The Orchard At Shaw Estate

By Ashleigh Cropper

March 18^th, 2024

Come October in Southern Oregon, it's full of amazing colors! All the oranges, reds, yellows and especially the orchards turning brilliant shades!

Orchard at Shaw Estate is the prime location to do a family session in the fall (and might I add that they also do weddings too!) It is located in Medford, Oregon right along the foothills and has gorgeous views of the valley with perfectly lined trees.

I really enjoy bringing families to this location when they want a full on fall vibe for photos and especially have little ones in tow. It is a very easily accessible location where you can have lots of fun together! Kids love to enjoy the fruit all around and it brings out some sweet joyful moments.

This sweet family are actually childhood friends I grew up with in Ashland. Jason and Alicia are the only other couple from our graduating high school class who got married other than my husband and I! We get to share in the fun connection! I loved capturing them with their two boys and being with their cute and playful family!

Southern Oregon Fall Orchard Family Session

Southern Oregon Fall Tips

I wanted to share three tips about photographing in the fall time in Oregon, especially when planning family photos.

1) Timing- Southern Oregon is known for brilliant fall colors found all over the valley but especially places like Lithia Park and the foothills of Medford. Over the years I have found that around mid-end of October is prime for colors in the area. It changes every year so I always check-in on "my locations" I like to photograph at to see when they are ready with brilliance for photos!

2) Avoiding Wildfire Season- It is an unfortunate truth that this area experiences what locals now call "wildfire season." I do not recommend trying to do a session in September. I know it can be a very popular time for family photos but it has been proven worth the efforts between still hot days and smoke.

3) Location Search- Find a photographer who puts in the effort to find those amazing locations with colors! I have a few secret locations I love and offer each year. Those who put in the effort to search out the spots will provide you with some stunning options that will feel less generic for the area.