Location Spotlight: Historic Oak View Park | Raleigh, NC Fall Foliage Family Photos

Meet the Gilmores!


I had the privilege of capturing some fall family photos for this wonderful gang. The whole Gilmore family came ready to have some fun! We chose Historic Oak View Park in Raleigh, NC for their session and picked the perfect time of year for some fall foliage!

Two young girls hug on a brick path while two adults stand in front of a white house in the background.
A family poses together on a path covered in fallen autumn leaves with golden fall foliage in the background.
Family of four sharing a joyful moment together outdoors during autumn family photo session at Historic Oak View Park in Raleigh.
A family of four poses together on brick pavement in front of a white barn at Historic Oak View Park in Raleigh.
Two young sisters laying on grass together wearing casual clothes and smiling at Historic Oak View Park in Raleigh.

Historic Oak View Park in Raleigh, North Carolina


When mom told me she wanted fall foliage for her family pictures - I knew Historic Oak View Park in Raleigh was the perfect place to head for this mini session. With a tree lined field, brick paver walkways, and stunning white buildings - it makes the perfect backdrop for this time of year. There are even goats, chickens, and a small indoor play center (geared for toddler age kiddos) & I love to wrap up a session right by the animal pens so the family can head over and check it out!

I have yet to meet a kiddo who doesn't love playing in the leafs at a fall session.


I like to save this for last incase some stray leafs get stuck in anyone's hair or clothing. This is a surefire way to end your session with your kids in a good mood, I promise. Brings me back to jumping in leaf pile as a kid... so fun!

Two children play in fallen autumn leaves under trees with vibrant orange and yellow foliage on a fall day.

When doing family pictures I always like to pull each kiddo to be photographed individually, and then we do the same for mom + dad. You'd be surprised how many couples haven't had their photos done since their wedding!

Child wearing a rustic red dress stands in front of autumn foliage and white fence on brown grass.
A young person wearing a sage green ruffled top poses outdoors against vibrant autumn foliage in the background.
A couple smiles together on an autumn path with fallen leaves and yellow foliage in the background.
Couple embracing outdoors in autumn with vibrant fall foliage and white fence in background.

what to wear for fall family photos


The Gilmore family told me they wanted a laid back feel for their fall family photos and felt most comfortable in jeans & sneakers --- perfect! Dressing in what you're most comfortable in will make you feel (and look) more relaxed in your session. By adding a layers, mixing different fabrics and textures, and using coordinataiting colors, they pulled together the cutest fall look.

Two young children wearing autumn colored dresses hold hands with adults while standing together outdoors.
A family walking together on a brick pathway outside a classic white country house with black shutters at Historic Oak View Park in Raleigh
Two young children in autumn attire sit together on white blanket on grassy hill during fall photo session in Raleigh.
Family sits together on grass in a park during autumn with fall foliage and trees in background at this Raleigh park.
A family stands together on a brick path in front of a white barn on a fall day.
Candid family portrait outdoors showing joyful laughter and genuine connection during autumn photoshoot.

I love al the sweet giggles and playful smiles from the girls - you can tell that they really love playing together! Letting your kids play and have fun will both keep them in a good mood and sneak out those genuine smiles that can be so hard to capture. Brining a favorite toy or stuffed animal can help nervous or shy kiddo feel more relaxed.

Jessie Peloso Photography is a lifestyle photographer in the Raleigh area and surrounding towns.

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