Do you have a favorite season? Or two seasons that tie for your favorite?
Personally, I am a HUGE fan of fall. I also really like the coziness of winter. Okay, if I’m being honest, I also love the inspiration that I feel as spring hits… and the adventure that awaits for our family in the summer. If you’re resonating with this, do you ever find yourself struggling to choose which season to schedule your annual family photos in? I have struggled with that decision in the past.
BUT! I’m here to tell you that there is good news… they’re all great for family photos!
Yes, even the rainy days of winter. Why? Because, if you really lean into the positives of each season, you can end up with some of the most special photos for your family album… greeting cards… wall art prints… or the 8x10 print update that you like to send the grandparents every now and then.
Let’s start with winter.
Sure, Oregon weather can be craaaazy Nov-March. Even into June, if we’re being honest. But what do you love to do in the winter? Do you like to sneak up to the snow? Do you hibernate in the house with cozy clothes, warm drinks and board games? Do you spend more time checking out the local museum, wineries, bookstores or coffee shops? Or would you like to take advantage of a studio photo session? These would all make for some of THE coziest family photos! We just have to dodge germ season and build in a little extra flexibility for rescheduling.
Spring…ahh, the sweetness of spring.
I adore the spring blooms in the local orchards. They seem to be tricky for planning around the timing each season, and even if you catch them, you could have a random torrential downpour mid-session. So is spring a no-go for family photos? Nah. Aim for indoors as a back up plan with the suggestions above, or try a local nursery with a greenhouse covering (P.S- I’m aiming to host my spring minis at a local nursery This year! If you want first dibs on one of the very few spots, make sure to sign up for the email list below if you haven’t already!). Quick tip: Sports scheduled usually ramp up in the spring, so look ahead to find a few dates that work well for your family and keep a couple of them open as a backup date for any illness/conflict reschedules.
Sweet summertime!
Summer is likely very busy for your family. I get that. It can also be hot and smokey from nearby fires (hello, west coast!). And there are often ticks, bees and mosquitos (my own personal fears). But as I mentioned earlier, there is a lot of adventure! There are dreamy, sun-drenched evenings that can be a relief from some the heat. Or quick day trips to the coast. Summer brings a special magic, especially to childhood. Embrace the late bedtimes for those golden-hour sessions with your favorite people. Even as a toddler mama who tries to protect that bedtime routine and window, I can tell you that pushing it late one evening is so worth it. I promise!
Okay, last but not least… fall!
Fall is probably the most frequently booked season for family photos. I find that I schedule my own fall photos most years. It truly is my most favorite season because of the changing leaves, fun events, yummy flavors and cozy, earth tone fashion. On the downside, fall can bring some overwhelming feelings as well. There’s a lot going on with school back in session, sports resuming, prepping for those bigger holidays and trying to avoid the returning germs.
So back to the original question- What is the best season to schedule family photos?
They all have their benefits! If you’re struggling to choose between them, I have a few questions for you to consider that will aid in the decision.
What colors do you want to wear or be surrounded by? Or, what colors would you like to see in the photos that you print for your home?
What is a location, activity or theme that would really represent your family in the here and now? Is there an ideal season for it?
Do you have a printed product deadline that you’d need to meet? (Example- Christmas cards, annual calendar ordering, etc.)
Would any of the four seasons line up with a significant milestone? (Examples- a planned proposal, engagement announcement, pregnancy announcement, wedding anniversary, older children leaving the nest for college, etc.)
Is there a special outfit you’ve been dying to wear and would need a specific season for it?
A couple final thoughts for you:
Remember that you can always rotate the seasons each year! It allows you to truly diversify your family photos, experiences and memories made as the years pass.
Photographers often book a couple of months in advance for family sessions. Plan ahead and reach out early to reserve your date! As a bonus, this also helps with budgeting if you’re making a couple of payments on the session package.
Studios can be utilized and enjoyed all year round! If you book a photographer who offers studio sessions, check with them about it being available as a backup option. I love photographing families (smaller groupings due to space) in my tiny studio for a fresh, minimalist look.
If you would like to schedule your family session, email me through the contact tab. It is never to early to inquire about your photo session needs. Also, if you want info on the seasonal mini session events coming up, make sure to sign up via the form below! I am SO stinking excited for these and would hate for you to miss out! If you have questions or would like to go ahead and schedule your session, please email me directly at hello@alyshasanfordphoto.com or via the contact tab in the menu above. I’d love the chance to photograph your family!