Each season has its own unique qualities that add to the feel and mood of a photoshoot. Thinking about scheduling a shoot this year? Read about how each season impacts your shoot in various ways to help determine which time of year you should choose.
Spring
Spring is a beautiful time of year for photos. Everything is in bloom, days are getting longer (but sunset is still at a reasonable hour for young children), and temperatures are usually mild and pleasant. The best outfits for Spring shoots include soft colors and pastel tones: pale yellows and pinks, sage greens, baby blues, creams, and whites. Temperatures allow you lots of flexibility in outfit choices because it is usually not too hot or too cold! Easter and Mother's Day are wonderful occasions to celebrate or commemorate with a photoshoot, and shoots or prints make great gifts. Be aware, shoots in the spring can get rained out often so keep flexibility in mind in case the weather gets in the way and rescheduling is needed.
Summer
Summer is one of the most popular times of year for photoshoots. It is perfect for those sun-filled golden-hour images (right before the sun sets, which gives pictures that warm, golden glow). Keep in mind, the sun sets very late in the height of summer, so golden-hour sessions often start as late as 7pm, especially in open areas like fields and beaches. That being said, I have never had a young child completely melt down, even when their bed time is stretched later to accommodate a shoot. Those golden hour shots are SO worth it, and kids are usually excited to play outside on a summer evening. Heat and mosquitos can be an issue, so dress accordingly and bring your bug spray!
Fall
Fall is the perfect time of year for that updated family session for holiday gifts and cards. With weather cooling down, cozy fabrics, layers, and rich tones like maroon, navy, rust, and mustard are perfect outfit choices. Days are getting shorter, so shoots can be scheduled earlier, while still giving us the opportunity to capture that perfect Fall golden glow. Tall wheat-like fields and colorful foliage provide gorgeous backdrops in the Fall. Keep in mind, Fall is the busiest time of year for family photographers, so if you decide on a Fall shoot, book early!
Winter
Winter is definitely a slower time for many family photographers, especially in areas where it gets very cold. Days are short, so if you schedule an outdoor winter session, plan to be available earlier in the afternoon. The cold weather is perfect for close, snuggly poses, and hats, scarves, and blankets make for great additions to winter photos. If you are lucky enough to get a snowy day, the bright white backdrop really brings that unique winter wonderland feel to images. Winter is also a great time to schedule in-home sessions, showcasing your family in the warmth and comfort of home, where we spend most of our time in the winter!
No matter which season you choose, appreciate the beauty of that time of year and consider it when scheduling and choosing outfits and locations. A photograph evokes emotion, so embracing the season will really give your images character and feel. If you always do sessions in the same season, try a new season this year! Regardless of the time of year, capturing images of your family is important and will be treasured for years to come.