What is the Best Time of the Year for Family Pictures?

I have tried to take my own family pictures. I thought if I could teach myself, I could have these lovely family pictures, and I would never feel the need to hire a photographer. I was wrong. In my daughters first four years of life, I never once took a family picture of us that resonated with me. It is incredibly hard to take family pictures on your own, and while I do have plenty of family photos that I love…I do not have many of me in them.

It can be hard to decide when to book family pictures, but to be honest, the best time is when you ACTUALLY schedule a date. Because if you don’t, your schedule will inevitably fill up and family pictures will get pushed off for another year…or five. Trust me, I have been there.

So, when is the best time of year to schedule family pictures?

When You are Expecting a Baby

Maternity pictures are often over looked. I didn’t get them professionally done, and I wish I had. Pregnancy only lasts 9 months. In the moment, it feels like it lasts forever, but looking back, the time flew. And no matter how difficult or easy a pregnancy is, you will look back on it fondly. I know I do. I like to do maternity pictures at around 30 weeks when you are able to freely move, and you aren’t as tired as the first trimester. It is such a special time as your family anxiously awaits the arrival of your little one. What better way to celebrate the strength and beauty of mother than to get maternity pictures.

You could also let your baby’s due date influence when you decide to update your family pictures. The days following your newborn’s arrival home quickly become a blur and that squishy newborn newness only lasts a few months. Consider booking a session during your newborn’s first month of life to capture the wonder and beauty of a newborn baby. It is so sweet to look back at just how tiny they looked in your arms and to remember what it was like to fall in love with the little human you created.

When Spring is in Bloom or Fall is “Falling”

There is only short window of time when spring is actually blooming and or the leaves are changing, but it makes for a beautiful backdrop for family pictures. The date may vary year to year so scheduling may be more last minute. However, this time of year (spring + fall) is perfect for families with young children because sessions typically start around 5:00pm in the evening or 9:00am in the morning. Also, the weather is moderate with minimal bugs, if any. Styling outfits can be fun for this time of year because you don’t have to worry about getting too hot and dressing in layers adds interesting to your family photos.

In the Summertime

The sunshine, the greenery, the sunsets…I love summer. Summer sessions are perfect for in-home because we aren’t just limited to an indoor session. I love to make it out to the front porch, backyard, or wherever it is you find your family hanging out. Summer sessions are also fun in the evening at an outdoor location, but it can prove to be difficult with little ones because the sun sets so darn late. This typically puts an outdoor session start time at 7:00pm or later. This may mean pushing nap times back or embracing the real emotions that may come up. If parents are up for it, so am I! If it is too late, we could always do a morning session at 8:00 am before it gets too hot.

Special Milestone

Whether your baby is turning 6 months, 1, or 5, any age can be considered a special milestone. I love 6 month or 1 year milestone photos because we can capture the milestones your baby is actually reaching like sitting, crawling, and walking. Children never do stop growing or changing, so I like to make time at EVERY family session, whether it is in-home or outdoors, to update the kids’ headshot. These portraits serve as a snapshot in time of who they were as they become who they were meant to be.

Another special milestone could be a pregnancy announcement or a private gender reveal with your family. Both would be lovely to photograph the excitement in real time to not only keep for yourself but share with your friends and family later.

Before the Holidays

If you are the type to send out a Christmas Card or maybe it is always your intention, plan ahead by scheduling family photos well before Christmas time. It could be Christmas Themed photos of decorating the tree or making cookies in your home or a few months earlier at a location outdoors. Either way, you will have a relevant family photo ready to put on your Christmas Card.

I couldn’t complete this list without mentioning all the seasons because I really do believe that there is no “wrong” or “bad” time for photography. I think each part of the year provides a different perspective. It gives a basis to reminisce on the special connection you have and always will have with your family. If you want to gift yourself and your family something that lasts a lifetime, something that tasks up minimal space in your home, and something you will always cherish, I’d recommend finding a photographer who specializes in what it is you want. Then, actually schedule a photography session. You won’t regret it.