Top 10 Fall photoshoot locations in Vancouver and Richmond, BC

I would consider myself an expert on this subject; see why!

Here is my top 10 locations for family fall photoshoots in Vancouver BC. Although we do not live in a large deciduous forest many beautiful trees have been planted in Vancouver, creating special pockets of glorious colours and textures for the fleeting magic of fall to fill a family photo wall in your home. If some leaves feel too bright, there also are editing styles that can tame and refine colours so they blend beautifully with any decor. Deep burgundy, deep rusty tera cotta are just a few that have more subtlety.

ONE (north POND at Queen Elizabeth Park )

Maternity fall photoshoot was taken directly beside the pond on the north side of QE Park.

Having taken fall photos for Vancouver and Richmond families for over 15 years I have discovered the most vibrant AND even hidden gem areas. Timing is key: we can find fall colour starting its best colour around the second week of October and extending all the way into early December. However, the optimal timing would be approximately October 20th-November 20th. These dates optimize both colour and leaves on the ground. For leaves on the ground I would say first two weeks of November for most leaves still on the trees I would say last two weeks of October. For my absolute favourite week/weekend that seems to accomplish both colour on the trees and leaves on the ground I'd pick October 24th 25th-October 31st November 1st.

First location that I have used the most is Queen Elizabeth Park. I would venture to call me an expert on this location, as has been my go to park probably 15 years in row. I have found the spots that light me up. I have shot all over the park experimenting with light and colour, texture and composition and I have found the bottom of park on 33rd avenue and Ontario Street to be a favourite. It is open sky for gentle lighting but also has gorgeous tree colours for close to 4 weeks

TWO

Location: 37th and Ontario IN Queen Elizabeth Park(Frisbee Golf) : This set of trees in the photo above are a subtype of Japanese Maple Trees called : Seiryu (Acer palmatum 'Seiryu'):

Height: 12–15 feet (can grow taller with age), these trees turn a gorgeous orange and red and eventually drop their adorable little leaves.

THREE

This street is still in QE park but right on the Ontario Street and 33rd. It is so meaningful for me as I grew up in this very neighbourhood enjoying the fall smells and crunchy leaves beneath my feet each autumn.

• how gorgeous is this tree in the fall? It has such fabulous colour and texture. See below where I have the "pull back" shots of how fantastic this tree looks.

SIDE NOTE: I absolutely LOVE the outfits Richa, my fabulous customer chose. The neutral tones of brown and cream were so soft and simple leaving the colour and glory to trees where it belongs. I also love the elevated casual elegance. She wasn't afraid to get her clothes a little dirty as I always mention to my customers I can edit any issue that comes up.

scroll down for more images in Queen Elizabeth Park and to see more locations I recommend for fall

Maternity Fall photo shoot with Rochelle Elise Photography

FOUR : David Lam Park

Along the seawall in Yaletown this park gives both water and tree lined seawall options for both cityscape, water and gorgeous fall colour.

FIVE Wesbrook

Wesbrook Village in UBC close to Pacific Spirit Park for a fall photo shoot is a gorgeous location. I think it has become one of my favourites. It is UBC’s 115-acre world-class sustainable neighbourhood.

The heart and soul of Wesbrook is an urban Village featuring shops and services designed to meet your everyday needs. AND it has these gorgeous pathways that have stunning landscape architecture that makes a truly special backdrop. This family was working, studying, at UBC which made things easy when I came to their turf for this session.

SIX South Cambie

My next location is more a series of locations and it starts with this photo below with a beloved Golden Retriever taken on tree lined street in the South Cambie area. I am obsessed with how these Japanese Maples turn bright red!! The entire street on both sides has these trees. I return to this spot year after year to do family fall sessions. It makes for a gorgeous Christmas card.

• 

  TREE LINED STREETS: in Cambie Village(near Douglas Park(my old stomping ground where I raised my son) , Arbutus Greenway Main St Neighbourhood, Kitsalano and South Granville are some of my favourite neighbourhoods for shooting under Vancouver's canopy of trees. Sometimes my customers ask: "what about the cars?" And my response usually is : "this is why you. hire someone like ME, I know how to shoot on a beautful tree lined sidewalk and have it free of distractions.. I return to these different neighbourhoods year after year with gorgeous results.

  

SEVEN Terra Nova Richmond, B.C.

7. Tera Nova Richmond has been one of my all time favourite spots for any season for maternity first birthday and family photoshoots. It has a romantic whimisical style as it sits on a temperate coastal wetland and raised peat bog ecosystem which brings lovely deciduous trees and grasses that aren't as common in the lower mainland. The Red Barn at the community garden also can add some charm, fun and colour.

EIGHT Kitsilano Seawall

1. 

Kitsalano Beach Park and Seawall hits my top 10 along the shadey areas where trees are planted and the pathways and seawall drops massive fall leaves in warm glowing colours. This makes for a soft and cozy moment for a cuddly fall family photoshoot.

NINE Hinge Park in Olympic Village

Olympic Village's Hyde Park for a family photoshoot shows it's style and charm in many ways. This park has so many interesting nooks and crannies to take special fun photos, keep energetic kids busy, from a cityscape, to water surrounding and award winning playground features that integrate playgournd and nature beautifully for an urban setting. I can't really say enough about this setting.

TEN Fraserhood

Fraser and 33rd : This is a strange location and maybe some people would be turned off but it is tough to ignore for it's striking beauty. There are two rows of brightly coloured trees along a roadway through the cemetary. The colour here does matThese photos were done for Graduation(in the American Style: Senior Photography) . It would be wonderful if Vancouver would catch on and start celebrating grads in this natural and authentic manner.