Take an Instagram-Worthy Day Trip this Fall
Our beloved fall festivals may be put on hold for the most part this year, but don’t fear: your Instagram feed doesn’t have to suffer! If you’re looking to get that fun fall shot for the ‘gram, follow these steps for a good alternative.
Step 1: The Google Search
You’ll want to start off by searching for things like “orchards near me,” “farms near me,” or “cider mills near me.” Make sure they host some kind of event or offer some food or beverage specialty (pumpkin or apple picking, hay or corn maze, petting zoo, craft beers, candy apples, cinnamon donuts, etc.), and try to stay within an hour radius, if possible. It’s likely that you won't be spending ALL day at the farm.
Location: The Great Pumpkin Farm, Clarence, NY
Step 2: The Company
Once you’ve found the perfect location, find a buddy or a group and plan a date. While you can certainly ask a stranger for some help getting the shot, this day trip won’t be as fun alone.
Step 3: The Outfit
You’ll want to incorporate warm tones - rust, olive green, burgundy, browns, grays - into your look, regardless of whether it’s 75 or 50 degrees. The level of physical warmth you need can be accommodated through layering.
Here are a few fall outfit options to kickstart your brainstorm:
A day dress with tights, boots & a light jacket
Straight leg jeans with a fitted long sleeve, scarf, & low-top fashion sneakers
Skinny jeans with an oversized flannel or sweater & booties
Note: Any of the above will also look great with a leather jacket thrown over, if needed.
Step 4: The Scenery
Props are not necessary but definitely recommended. For example, hold a cup of cider, the apple (or basket of apples) you’ve just picked, a pumpkin (careful - this one could look SUPER cringe if it seems too forced), or maybe take a bite of your cinnamon donut. Colored leaves on the trees is always a recommended backdrop, but a red barn, rows of orchard trees, or even the goat from the petting zoo will also do.
Step 5: The Pose
I’m going to contradict myself here. The less you look as though you’re posing for a picture, the better. In other words, keep it as candid as possible.
This is also an opportunity for “the company” to step in. You can have a few cameras going to get different angles, and if it’s your turn to be the photographer, remember that the “I wasn't ready” shot can sometimes turn out the best.
If candids aren’t your thing, try changing things up by leaning on a fence, sitting down with an elbow on your knee, or even try a motion shot, looking back over your shoulder as you walk through your festive fall wonderland. Trust me, the result should be less awkward than these descriptions sound.
If you don’t have any of the above locations nearby and aren’t necessarily in a climate where the leaves will be changing any time soon, you can still “fallify” your profile. Simply grab a few friends and plan an autumn-themed picnic. Bring homemade pumpkin cupcakes, apple pie and a bottle of wine or seasonal craft beers, coordinate outfits using the colors listed above, and add some flair with an autumn bouquet!
