As pumpkin patches in San Antonio and the surrounding area begin to open, many of us are hoping that 2024 will help us achieve the impossible — a perfect fall picture at the patch. Grumpy kids are a maybe, getting overheated is a definite, but I’m here with a simple guide to getting the best snaps this year.
Those of you who read my guide to bluebonnet photos will probably recognize the format, so read on for when, where, and how to make the most of your time at the pumpkin patch this year.
The Basics
To begin with, check out Anastasia’s round-up of pumpkin patches in and around San Antonio to find the best location for you. It really depends on whether you’re looking for in a patch — a half day (or even a full day!) of activities, a good selection of pumpkin varieties (for creating your own display), a half-hour of amusement, or just a pop-in pop-out picture backdrop. There’s a patch for every age, stage, and mom’s patience level.
Some patches are free to enter, so you’ll only have to pay if you want to buy pumpkins or anything else they offer (my local patch is at a church that makes delicious pumpkin bread, and I love to buy a loaf or two to keep around or gift to a neighbor or sitter). Others have an entry free, and you’ll also have to pay for certain activities (like pumpkin painting or hayrides) and food in addition. Many places have gone cashless so you’ll need to make sure you can pay with a card or app, but there are still places that might buck the trend. It’s always worth checking before you go.
Last thing to check is the hours — more on that shortly — as some of the bigger patches (those with plenty of activities and other things on offer) are only open weekends during the month of October. Smaller, local church patches may be open everyday of the week, or closed on Sundays during services.
What to Wear
Down to the good stuff. A gentle reminder that we are in San Antonio, Texas, and not New England, so I’m going to go out on a limb and tell you that wearing plaid shirts, jeans, and boots should be a no-go (unless we have an unseasonably cold snap). It’s already hot, and literally no one — child or adult — needs another reason to feel grumpy on a fall outing.
Instead, remember that the best family or group photos happen when everyone tones together, rather than matches exactly. My favorite thing about pumpkin patch pictures is the color pop you get from the pumpkins piled up against neutral hay bales, on crates, or in the grass. With that in mind, sticking with a neutral fall palette is a good rule of thumb — think naturals, cream, rust, greens, or brown shades. Pale blue also provides a nice, often-needed contrast. All these tones will both blend in with the patch and stand out against the pumpkins, and are easy to tie together if you’ve got a number of kiddos (cousins, friends, etc) taking the patch by storm.
For girls, cotton gauze fabrics were made for this season. They are light and airy, playful and fun to wear, as well as quite elegant. Lots of stores — from Carters, Target, Gymboree and Mila and Rose for littles, to J Crew Factory, H&M, and Gap for older girls — have cotton gauze dresses and smocks available in both block colors and small fall floral patterns. Tops can easily be paired with cute leggings, or the dresses worn on their own. I’d steer clear of sandals and ballet flats and go for more robust sneakers at the patch, as they can be uneven and hay is very slippy under foot.
For boys, shorts are still the best option — light pants (shades of brown, khaki, etc) if you’ve got an especially rambunctious one who will climb without abandon. Short sleeve button down shirts, soft polo shirts, and neutral T-shirts (neutral tones, greens, and rust colors) are the ideal pairing for boys of all ages. My style is quite traditional and I love a smocked detail tee with matching shorts; it always makes for a great and timeless photo. Again, stay away from sandals or slip ons like crocs and stick with sturdy sneakers for the patch — especially if you’ve got very little ones, or are going to make a day of it.
If you’re going for a whole family photo (and why wouldn’t you?), I’d suggest moms opt for a soft dress in a neutral color palette or light chambray; or shorts and a button down with sneakers. Dads look effortlessly great in shorts and a polo.
A Few Tips
If you’re looking to take a family or group picture at the patch, go early! That way, you don’t have to worry about people walking in and out of your photo, lurking in the back, or feeling like a spectacle. Let the kids explore if you can, then bring them back to a good spot once you’ve picked it out.
Many patches will have photo-ready spots set up, with hay bales to sit on, piled up pumpkins, and a scarecrow or two. This is especially great if you have babies or early walkers, because chances are you’ll just need/want to snap a photo then head out. If your kids are preschool age and above, chances are they’ll enjoy sticking their faces in those cut-outs of scarecrows, pumpkin piles, cowboys, etc. These can be a great way of getting them into “picture taking mode” or give them a break from posed snaps.
Don’t think you have to stick to the photo ops, though — a pile of pumpkins is a great backdrop and can be fun for kids to help build up, climb on, and take down. Large pumpkins and those flatter-topped, heirloom varieties make great seats for little ones! My son is 3, and I also love to capture him walking through rows of pumpkins from above when possible. I love classic orange pumpkins but those funky looking varieties and squashes add lots of extra visual interest. If you have access to a wagon — whether it’s one that you own, or borrow at the patch — a pumpkin-loaded wagon makes for a great photo.
Most of the smaller patches will have helpers — or other willing visitors — who can snap a family photo for you. Do the work and set up the shot! Literally no one minds if you ask them to stand in a particular spot, or take several shots to try and get everyone smiling and not blinking. A small phone tripod — failing that, propping it and using a timer — is a great option if you’re on your own or there isn’t anyone around.
Lastly, take plenty of cool water (often for sale, but you can’t rely on this) and snacks for little ones to keep them in a happy mood. Whether your little pumpkins are experiencing the patch for the first time this year, or are seasoned pros, I hope you all enjoy your time pumpkin patching this year! For more fall ideas, check out the Alamo City Moms bucket list here.