Fall in Maine is pure magic, and I'm opening a small number of portrait sessions for families, couples, and individuals who want vivid, timeless photos during peak fall color. I currently have 8 weekend spots total for fall 2025.
📌Book by Sept. 15 to secure a peak-color date ($25 retainer required).
Mini Session—$95 (reg. $150)
- ~30 minutes at a scenic fall location within an hour of Auburn, ME
- 5 edited, high-resolution images (downloadable)
- Option to purchase additional images
- Best for quick family updates, couples, or solo portraits
Best for quick family updates, couples, or solo portraits.
Full Session—$225 (reg. $300)
- ~60 minutes
- 15 edited, high-resolution images
- Multiple outfits welcome
- A variety of poses and nearby micro-locations
When We Shoot (Timed to Peak Color)
I schedule fall sessions based on Maine's official foliage patterns (Maine Foliage), which generally progress from north to south. Central and Western Maine typically peak in the second or third week of October, with Southern and Coastal Maine close behind in the third week of October.
Projected Peak Windows:
- Oct 6–13: Western & Central Maine priority dates
- Oct 14–20: Central & Eastern options
- Oct 21–27: Southern & Coastal options
I also adjust the schedule based on weekly state foliage reports as they're released, ensuring each session aligns with the strongest color possible.
Why Fall Sessions Hit Different
Maine's vivid reds (maple), golden yellows (birch), and warm oranges (oak) create a natural backdrop that's unlike any other season. Each session is planned around
- Locations that match the best color in your timeframe
- The most flattering natural light
- Scenic spots such as Mount Apatite, Lake Auburn trails, Rangeley overlooks, Bradbury Mountain, or quiet local parks
The final location is selected the week of your session to match where the foliage is peaking.
Booking & Session Details
Reserve:
Email zachsladephoto@gmail.com with "Mini" or "Full" and your preferred weekend dates.
Retainer:
A $25 retainer holds your spot and applies toward your total.
Weather Plan:
If it rains heavily, we reschedule. If peak color shifts, I offer nearby date swaps to keep your session aligned with the best foliage.
Turnaround:
Galleries are delivered within 10–14 days.
Upgrades:
Additional images and professional prints are available.
Why the Special Pricing?
Peak foliage is brief, and I want more Maine families and couples to experience it. This seasonal offer—saving $55 on Mini Sessions and $75 on Full Sessions—is designed to make fall photography more accessible during Maine's most beautiful (and short-lived) time of year.