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I'm Kate, a photographer of motherhood and all of the love and change that it brings. Photographing your connection with your children brings me such joy, and I am so grateful that this career has chosen me.
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People tend to start talking a lot about family photos as the fall approaches, but is fall the only time for photos?
With each season offering a different backdrop and various factors to consider when making your choice, choosing the best time of year for your family photos in New Jersey can feel overwhelming.
Whether you are drawn to a bright summer beach, the pastel blooming flowers in the spring, the vibrant colors of the fall, or the magical landscape of winter, knowing what to consider in each season will help you plan a session that reflects who your family is while also making sure you enjoy a stress-free session.
Spring is a beautiful time to have family photos taken. All of the flowers and greenery are starting to bloom and temperatures are more mild. There are fewer people doing family photos at this time of year so you won’t have to worry about locations being as crowded with people.
With a large variety of flowers blooming at different times and gorgeous fresh greenery, spring provides a beautiful backdrop for family photos in New Jersey. There are many different locations around New Jersey to have family photos taken such as Willowwood Arboretum, Cross Estate Gardens, or Sayen House and Gardens. These locations each provide different backdrops and styles, but all three put on a breathtaking display in the spring.
The temperatures in the spring can make your family photos very comfortable. While winter and summer sessions can have extreme and uncomfortable temperatures, spring and fall family photos tend to have more mild temperatures.
Another benefit to spring family photos in New Jersey is the later sunrise and earlier sunset times. I prefer to photograph at golden hour which is the hour after sunrise or the hour before sunset. This time of day provides gorgeous, glowing light that makes photos look magical. Having family photos in the spring means that you won’t have to wake up as early, or keep your children up too late to make sure that we can photograph in the ideal light.
When planning a spring photo session it is important to keep in mind the potential for rain and mud. Here in New Jersey, spring can be very rainy so it is important to keep in mind the potential need to reschedule your session due to rain. Along with rain comes mud so when you are thinking about a location for your session, it’s important to consider how muddy it could get.
Another consideration for spring sessions is seasonal allergies. Since pollen allergies can cause red, itchy, or swollen eyes, it might be worth scheduling your session for a different season so that you can look and feel your best.
So, who are spring family photos in New Jersey best for? They are idea for families looking for pops of color in their photos, who are comfortable outside in the spring, and who have younger children that might not be able to stay up for a later session time in the summer.
Summer can be a wonderful time of year to have family photos taken – especially with the right planning. There is more daylight in the summer, and having kids out of school means that you have more flexibility to schedule a session. Certain locations are better suited for summer family photos in New Jersey as well – the beach for example!
While summer can be jam-packed with activities and trips, longer days and more flexible schedules mean that planning your summer family photos in New Jersey can be much easier than the rest of the year.
Speaking of trips, family vacations are a wonderful time to have family photos taken. They are a great way to commemorate a trip while also capturing your family’s growth over the past year.
Certain locations or activities are better suited for summer family photos in NJ because of the weather. Beaches, creeks, or lakes are perfect for summer because they offer the opportunity to cool off and enjoy the water at the same time as having your photos taken. Another great idea is doing an activity like having a picnic or going for ice cream while having family photos done. Finally, certain locations are only available in certain seasons such as sunflower or lavender fields.
The most obvious consideration for summer family photos in New Jersey is the weather. It can get very hot here in the summer, so being aware of the temperature and packing plenty of water is key. Dressing correctly for a summer session is important as well for comfort.
Another important thing to keep in mind when planning your family photos in the summer is that later sunsets mean that young children will have to stay up later in order to have your photos taken in good lighting. The middle of the day is both very hot and has harsh, unflattering lighting so it is best to avoid this time of day.
A good option for families with young children is a morning session in the summer. Lots of families with young children are up early anyway, the light is soft and beautiful, and it’s usually cooler in the mornings. One thing to keep in mind is that it can be tougher on families when it comes to getting out the door on time in the morning. That being said, it can be worth it if you are excited about a specific location in the summer.
Summer family photos in New Jersey are ideal for families who enjoy outdoor activities, are traveling for a vacation, or who need more flexibility scheduling their session.
Ahh, the season we all expect to have family photos taken. Fall is full of beautiful colors, comfortable temperatures, and mini-sessions galore!
There is something very classic about the vibrant fall colors on the trees. If this is the look you are hoping for, then fall is your go to time of year!
Fall also means cozier clothing options in a variety of colors. If your family is more of a jewel toned, vibrant color family when it comes to clothing, fall and winter are better times of year for you to have photos taken. Cozy sweaters, scarves, and cute boots are also better suited for fall family photos in New Jersey.
Fall can be great for finding a mini session opportunity for your family photos in New Jersey. Many photographers offer mini sessions in the fall which can be idea for lots of families. Head to this blog post to read more about whether a full session or mini session is right for your family. If you are looking for a particular themed mini session such as photos with Santa, or other holiday decorated sets, there are usually plenty of options this time of year.
Finally, the weather in the fall is usually much more mild than summer, meaning sessions won’t be as hot and uncomfortable as in the warmer months.
A very important thing to consider is that lots of families are looking to have family photos done in the fall. Scheduling early with a photographer is important as our fall calendars book up very quickly. This also means that some locations will be busier and you might have to wait and work around other families to photograph at a particular spot.
Fall is a busy time of year for families as well. Back to school and the start of lots of extracurriculars means schedule adjustments and new routines. Finding the time to schedule a family photo session might be more difficult.
Fall family photos in New Jersey are perfect for families looking for the vibrant fall colors, a cozier look to their photos, and are willing to schedule their session in advance to ensure their photographer’s availability.
Winter family photos in New Jersey can offer a magical look and give you access to certain locations that might otherwise be too busy.
While it may be cold, photographing in the winter provides some stunning scenarios for family photos. If there is snow, your photos will automatically feel more magical. The snow also provides a natural reflector which makes your skin look beautiful.
Winter family photos are perfect for cozy, bundled up photos. Think hats, mittens, scarves and blankets. If your family loves outdoor winter activities, this is a great option for getting everyone bundled up and outside to play.
Some locations may only be available in the winter months, or may be significantly less busy in the winter. Ski or sledding areas are only available during the winter, while places like the beach will be much less crowded and/or don’t require payment in the off season. Don’t discount the beach in the winter – it can be absolutely beautiful! Another option is to have your family photos taken in a studio where the weather isn’t a factor. This is perfect for families who need photos done for a specific reason such as maternity photos but don’t want to brave the elements.
Due to the shorter days, scheduling winter family photos in New Jersey means that your session will likely be happening in the afternoon, around 2-3 pm. If your photographer photographs on weekdays, this may require taking some time off of work to be able to have a session.
It is important to keep the temperatures in mind. While the idea of snowy outdoor family photos might be exactly what you are hoping for, will your family be willing to be outside for an hour in the cold and wind? If the session is happening in the snow, it is very likely everyone will get a bit wet and the odds for mud are high!
Winter family photos in New Jersey are perfect for adventurous families who love outdoor winter activities and have the availability in their schedules. If you are looking for cozy, snowy, magical photos, this is the time of year for you!
Let’s go over the key elements to think about when deciding which time of year is best for your family photos.
It’s important to think about the things your family loves to do together. Are you a family that loves to spend time at the beach? Are you more likely to be found exploring a local hiking trail? Or will you all be bundled up at the ski resort enjoying the fresh powder? Selecting a time of year that your family enjoys will make the photos more meaningful and enjoyable for everyone.
Do you envision light, bright airy photos, or vibrant, jewel-toned images? Different times of year lend themselves to certain styles. Those light, bright and airy photos are better suited for spring and summer sessions, while the more colorful, vibrant photos are easier to accomplish in the fall and winter.
Take a moment to evaluate your family’s schedule. Does your family travel in the summer, or are your kids away at camp? Or is the summer when everyone is home enjoying family time together? Likewise, is the fall your busiest time of year with back to school and extracurricular activities? Knowing where you have the space in your schedule to have family photos taken will take a lot of the stress out of your session.
It’s also important to consider your photographer’s availability. Are they at a popular summer vacation spot? If so, it may be more difficult to book a summer session with them. If you are looking for fall mini sessions, they may book them as early as July – keep your eye on their website and email list for more information about upcoming events so you don’t miss out.
It’s important to think about what your plan is for the photos one you have them. If you are looking to use them for a holiday card that will be using Christmas colors, you might want to consider fall photos. If you are looking to create a custom gallery wall for your home that is decorated in mostly bright neutral colors, maybe a summer beach session is more appropriate.
At the end of the day, the best time of year for family photos in New Jersey really is up to you, your vision for the session, and your availability. After going through this post and considering all the important factors, hopefully, it is obvious to you which season makes the most sense. If you still have questions, you can always reach out to your photographer and ask them what they think would be best based on your vision.
Ready to book your family photos in New Jersey?
Hi there! I’m Kate – a New Jersey Photographer celebrating and photographing all stages of your unique motherhood journey. From the exciting days during your pregnancy, to the whirlwind newborn moments, to the beautiful chaos of life with littles, my goal is to beautifully photograph each stage so you and your children can have and hold those sweet memories in your hands forever.
You can see more of my work on instagram, learn more about me, inquire about a session – I would love to get to know you and your family and create beautiful memories together!
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