A planning guide for engagement pictures in Springfield, Missouri: when to book, where to go, what to wear and bring, and how to use the photos before the wedding.

The Stevens family paired blue denim with tan pants and casual shoes. Here’s how to try the look for your own fall family photos.

How to plan a family photo session in the 417, from booking and choosing a setting to outfits, getting kids ready, and what happens after.

Fall sweaters can have a second outing on your Christmas card. Work back from mailing day through printing, gallery delivery, and your family photo date.

A cream bow, a ribbon braid, or her favorite clip. Find a way to wear it, check the fit, and pack for photo day.

A plain studio backdrop or a path with fall trees? Compare the photos you like, your family’s day, and the setting that fits your group.

Fall outfits, a date that works for your crew, and a bag by the door. Plan family photos in Bolivar and the 417 with room for the people coming along.

A cream knit with jeans, an olive overshirt, a floral dress with boots. Seven complete teen looks with colors to try beside the rest of your family.

A leaf to show Grandma, a game to learn from Grandpa, and a recipe to make together. Seven fall ideas for your next family visit.

A few cookies, a favorite book, and time in the fall leaves. Here are four ways to spend an afternoon together at home.

A walk together, a scratch behind the ears, and the kids tucked in close. Picture a fall family session with your dog, with ideas for photos and what to bring.

A walk through fall leaves, a leaf your child wants to show you, and a blanket with room for everyone. Picture your family photos at Nathanael Greene Park in Springfield.

A drum, a red wagon, and Tigger came along for Winston’s first birthday photos. See his one-year session at the studio in Bolivar.

A studio set in soft blue, then a spa day in white robes and towels. Hannah and Ary's mother daughter session ran two very different ways in one afternoon.

Tessa brought dominoes, coloring supplies, and a skateboard for a throwback-kid session in the studio. I loved seeing the hand-drawn sketches while editing these photos.

Seventy-five engagement captions, sorted by the mood you are actually in. Short, funny, heartfelt, or low-key, plus a few ways to make one sound like you.

See Sam and Mike's golden-hour engagement photos in Bolivar, MO, with wildflowers, tall grass, casual outfits, and late-summer light.

The Stephens family's studio photos in Bolivar, MO included a pink backdrop, bright outfits, four boys, dinosaurs, LEGO dragons, and a monster truck.

Emma and Eisley ran cross country and track together. This time, they met in the studio for Eisley’s senior photos, with jeans, a cute top, and plenty of fun.