Fall in Palm Springs doesn’t look like fall anywhere else — there are no crunching leaves or frosty mornings, but from September through December the desert settles into some of its most beautiful light of the year. The summer heat backs off, evenings turn comfortable, and the low-angle sun turns the whole valley a warm, golden color that’s tailor-made for family portraits.
We love shooting fall sessions against the range of backdrops the desert offers: scenic gardens and trails lined with cacti and mountain views, the clean lines of a mid-century modern home, the bright murals and palm-lined streets of downtown Palm Springs, or — for families who want to make a day of it — a short drive out to Joshua Tree for something a little wilder. Each setting gives a different feel, from polished and architectural to relaxed and sun-soaked.
Sessions are timed for early morning or late afternoon, when the desert light is softest and the temperatures are kindest to kids and grandparents alike. We keep things relaxed and genuinely fun rather than posed and stiff, help with wardrobe and location planning ahead of time, and edit toward natural color and true-to-life tones rather than trendy filters — the kind of images that hold up well beyond a single holiday card season.
Fall books up quickly here, since so many families want their portraits done while the light is at its best. Whether you’re local to the desert or just visiting for the season, it’s worth reserving your date early.