Rochelle Elise Photography's Favourite Fall photoshoot locations and when and why in Vancouver BC 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 oranges are just a few that have more subtlety.
Maternity photo taken near the pond at Queen Elizabeth 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 about 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 and the photos will definitely do the talking here. 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 enough for good lighting but also has gorgeous tree colours.
Location: 33rd and Ontario at Queen Elizabeth Park : This set of trees are a subtype of Japanese Maple Trees called : Seiryu (Acer palmatum 'Seiryu'):
Height: 12–15 feet (can grow taller with age) They turn a gorgeous orange and red and eventually drop their adorable little leaves.
This fall family photoshoot was taken at the end of October early November. Notice how there are more leaves on the ground than in the first image. There also is a beautiful range of colour at this particular spot. It feels a bit anxiety provoking to share these spots it's taken me years to experiment with, but at this point in my career I understand that sharing my knowledge is exactly how I want to
This street is still on QE park but right on the Ontario Street and 33rd corner. It is so meaningful for me as I grew up in this very neighbourhood enjoying the smells and crunchy leaves beneath
how gorgeous is this tree in the fall? It has such fabulous colour and texture. See below where I have the "pull back" shot of how fantastic this tree looks.
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.
I just love this burnt orange tree in Queen Elizabeth Park. I am not sure what tree this is but this colour probably only lasts for about a week making the fleeting moment more precious to capture. This shot was taken on my 5d mark iv - along the corner of 33rd and Ontario Street in Vancouver BC. The only thing I might change in this photo was the colours on the family. It was a bit too many colours for the backdrop.
Tiny leaves of the upright Japanese Maples dancing around this perfectly joyful 3 year old. Creating momens like this is what I strive for in my photoshoots, movement play genuine emotion are all moments I just live fIt doesn't get better than this.
Wesbrook Village in UBC close to Pacific Spirit Park for a fall session 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.
I love this spot in Queen Elizabeth park, near the west side lower ponds. In mid October it is still quite green and allows for a more neutral background that would make a beautiful Christmas card. This family did such a great job of creatively mixing patterns and colours that compliment each other and add visual interest.
Family fall photoshoots on the gorgeous streets on the west side of Vancouver Oak Street and 33rd Oak Meadows and Granville and 45th have some incredible spots with planted maples that turn bright red.
Tera Nova Richmond has been one of my all time favourite spots for any season for maternity 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 grasses that aren't as common in the lower mainland. The Red Barn at the community garden also can add some fun colour and are (google.com/maps?vet=10CAAQoqAOahcKEwjAmKDOz4GXAxUAAAAAHQAAAAAQHg..i&rlz=1C5MACD_enCA1101CA1129&fvr=1&pvq=OiUweDU0ODYwYjFkNzIxM2JhYjU6MHgxYTcxNzk1NzIxMGZlY2I5&cs=0&um=1&ie=UTF-8&fb=1&gl=ca&sa=X&ftid=0x54860b1d7213bab5:0x1a717957210fecb9 )
8. Kitsalano Beach Park hits my top 10 along the shadey areas where trees are planted and the pathways and seawall drops fall leaves all over the ground. This makes for a soft and cozy moment for a cuddly fall family photoshoot.
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