Fall is a popular time for family photos, and I get it—pumpkin patches, cozy sweaters, golden leaves. The idea of fall photos sounds dreamy, but let me tell you why it might not be the best time to schedule your family photo session. As a photographer, I’ve seen firsthand that while fall seems like the obvious choice, it’s not always the most practical or stress-free option. Here’s why you might want to reconsider fall photos and what could work better for your family.

1. Everyone Wants Fall Photos

Fall is a crazy busy time for photographers, and that means I’m often fully booked weeks, if not months, in advance. If you’re set on fall, you’ll need to plan way ahead. But even then, the sheer volume of sessions during this time can sometimes make it feel a little rushed.

I love giving my clients a relaxed, enjoyable experience, and fall can sometimes make that harder to deliver because of tight schedules. Trying to schedule weekend sessions can be tricky when everyone else is also trying to schedule their sessions on a weekend. Weekdays tend to be easier but if you can only book a weekend, another time of year might be easier!

2. The Weather is Unpredictable

The Bay Area in the fall can be a little unpredictable when it comes to weather. One day it’s sunny and warm, the next it’s cold and foggy—or even raining or smoky. As much as I love a moody foggy vibe, not every family wants to deal with last-minute rescheduling or battling the elements.

Spring and early summer tend to have more stable, pleasant weather, and that means less stress for both you and me. Choosing a season with reliable weather can ensure we don’t have to deal with rescheduling headaches or unexpected weather surprises.

3. The Fall Look Might Not Be Your Style

Fall colors are gorgeous, but they also limit the aesthetic of your session. If you want bright, vibrant tones or a modern, minimal look, fall’s earthy palette might not be the best fit. The golden oranges and browns are beautiful, but they’re not for everyone.

Spring and summer offer more variety. Imagine the creamy, soft light in the winter with green hills, pretty pastel blooms in spring, or bright, bold sunlight and vibrant colors in the summer. You’ll have more freedom to play with color, both in your outfits and the natural backdrop. Plus, lighter clothes can often make your photos feel timeless and fresh, rather than seasonal.

4. Fall Is a Busy Time for Families

Let’s be real: fall is a busy time for most families. School has started back up, sports practices are in full swing, and the holidays are just around the corner. Throw in a family photo session, and it can start to feel like one more thing on an already-packed to-do list.

Scheduling a session in the winter, spring or summer gives you more breathing room. You won’t have to coordinate around all the fall chaos, and you can actually enjoy the process rather than rushing through it. It also means you’ll have your photos ready well before the holiday season hits, so you’re not scrambling to get prints or cards done at the last minute.

5. Other Seasons Have Stunning Light, Too

Fall is known for its dreamy golden-hour light, but guess what? Winter, spring and summer have that, too! In fact, if you have young kids, scheduling golden hour in winter is perfect because you won’t have to try to keep kids up past bedtime. And if you don’t care about golden hour, the longer daylight hours of spring and summer give you more flexibility to schedule your session at a time that works best for your family—without feeling like we need to cram everything into a short, early sunset.

Spring light can be incredibly flattering, and summer sunsets are pure magic. Whether you want a light, airy vibe or those sun-kissed, glowing photos, you can get beautiful light in other seasons without the unpredictability of fall weather and full schedules.

6. Unique Locations Year-Round

One of the fun things about not sticking to fall is that it opens up a whole new world of location possibilities. In the fall, families often feel limited to parks and forests where we can capture the autumn vibes, but other seasons give us more variety. Spring means fields of wildflowers, lush greenery, and blooming gardens. Summer offers sunny beaches, cool urban spots, or even hikes in the hills.

When you’re not limited by the fall frenzy, we have the freedom to explore more unique, less crowded locations, and that’s where some of the most magical sessions happen.

So, When Should You Schedule Your Family Photos?

If you’re thinking about skipping the fall rush, here are some other seasons I recommend:

• Spring: Mild temperatures, longer days, and flowers in bloom. You’ll get vibrant, colorful backdrops and a relaxed vibe. Plus, spring sessions give you plenty of time to plan ahead for holiday cards!
• Summer: Who doesn’t love a golden sunset or beachy fun? Summer sessions mean warm evenings, playful outdoor settings, and no rush. With more daylight, you can easily schedule a time that fits your family’s routine.
• Early Fall (September): If you still want a hint of fall without the busy holiday season, consider booking a session in early fall. The weather is still nice, and you’ll avoid the last-minute holiday scramble.
• Winter (After the Holidays): Winter in the Bay Area is mild, and a post-holiday session can be a great way to capture cozy, intimate moments without the holiday stress. Plus, it’s less crowded, the hills are usually green, and we can take our time to create something special.

Final Thoughts

While fall photos have their charm, they’re not the only option—nor are they always the best option. Other seasons can offer more flexibility, better weather, and more unique, personalized locations. At the end of the day, the most important thing is to have a session that feels relaxed, fun, and authentically you.

So, if you’re thinking about skipping the fall frenzy, let’s chat about what time of year works best for your family. Whether it’s spring blooms or summer sunsets, I’m here to capture those beautiful moments, no matter the season.

Let’s create something special together—without the stress!

All the photos in this post were taken in January at Albany Bulb.