Tenley and I love photographing our families during apple picking season in the Bay Area every year. It’s one of our favorite traditions and one we’ve been doing since our kids were babies. Over the years, we have developed some go-to poses for apple picking photos to document the time, and we try to get most of them year after year so we can compare them and see how they’ve grown and changed.

On the Shoulders

Not only does this pose help little ones get those high up apples, but it makes for cute photos. Put your phone on a tripod and use a bluetooth remote if you go with your kids. Recreate it yearly (if you can) to show their growth.

Sweet as Pie

Kids are typically so proud of what they’ve picked. Do this one early on before the novelty wears off. Have them hold the apples close to their face and tell a funny joke to get a natural smile.

Reach for It

While the facing the camera smiling shots are cute, it’s important to also get the in-action shots showing how hard they worked for those apples while they were too small to easily grab them.

Over-the-shoulder snuggle

This one is so sweet. It feels so perfectly candid and will be so special when they are too big to carry like this.

Take a Bite

Part of the fun in picking produce is getting to sample it. You can have your little one take a bite and grab that picture and then have them feed you a bite for one.

Snuggles in the Shade

Apple picking can be hard work and it’s typically still pretty hot, at least where we live in Marin and the Bay Area. Take a break in the shade for a quick snuggle and have your partner grab some shots or set up your camera or phone on a tripod to get it yourself. Try crouching down on their level and pulling them in tight. If you are pregnant, try standing and let them snuggle both you and their sibling on the way.

I hope you enjoyed our top 6 apple picking photo ideas! If you try them out tag us so we can see (@cristin_more and @tenleyclark) and use the #capturingeverydaymagic.

Want more tips for capturing better pictures this Fall!?

Our Fall Photo Guide is full of tips for each Fall tradition. From more apple picking tips to the pumpkin patch to making epic costume photos and so much more! There's even a section to help you style your family for those photos to take them up a notch!