Why Summer is the best time for family photos

As a San Diego Photographer, I have photographed hundreds of families throughout the years and have found the best time of year for having pictures taken… Summer! Summer is the best time of year for family photos. Most families think of getting scheduled for portraits in the Fall. Even though the Fall is lovely, it just isn’t the best time of year to get those pictures taken, and here’s why…

1. Slower Schedules

During the school year family’s schedules are filled with sports, dance/cheer, music lessons, tutoring, school activities, church commitments, and on, and on, and on. Each week of the calendar is filled and over-scheduled to the max. In the Summer months with the kids out of school, schedules are less hectic, and have more open time for family pictures. Not trying to squeeze in your photo session between soccer and bedtime at a reasonable hour lets the pressure off. And one of my main goals as your photographer is to create a stress-free experience from start to finish.

2. The Weather

Rainy, windy, foggy, cold, overcast, and just plain yucky is most of the year. The endless gray skies and constant drizzle can make even the simplest outings a chore. The wind whips through the streets, leaving you bundled up and bracing against its chilly gusts. Fog rolls in thick, reducing visibility to mere feet and giving everything an eerie, damp feeling. Summer, however, is a welcome change, bringing sun all around. Yes, it can be a bit warmer, but you don’t have to worry about kids' teeth chattering through a smile or your husband’s hair flipping up in the wind. The warmth allows for carefree days spent outdoors, where picnics in the park and trips to the beach become regular activities. The bright, sunny days lift everyone's spirits, making the long wait through the dreary months feel worthwhile.

3. Easy Breezy Wardrobe

We have already established that the Summer is warm, but that isn’t a bad thing! Warmer weather means fewer articles of clothing you need for your family to wear to get pictures taken in. A flowy dress, shorts, and a tee for the boys, a cute sundress or jumpsuit for your daughter, and a button-up for your hubby. There isn’t a need to layer up to stay warm or accessorize too heavily to make the outfits feel complete. Shoes are even optional, especially if the location you chose for photos is the beach or a park.

4. Color, Color, Color

Those long sunny days in the Summer mean lots of color in your images, especially on analog film. The process of using film loves light. Like LOVES it! More sun means more colorful, airy, and timeless images for you to treasure over time.

Also, Summer is when locations like La Jolla Euceliptis Grove, Del Mar Bluff, San Marcos Lake, Torrey Pines Coastal Cliffs, and more are all at their most lush and full.

5. Ya’ll Look So Dang Good!

The saying “Sun-Kissed” is very applicable to that summer glow everyone gets through July and August. Kids are more relaxed and rested without the pressures of school. Parents are more at ease with a slower schedule and coming off the post-vacation high. And the whole family is sporting a bit of a tan and naturally lightened hair. Everyone just looks amazing without trying too hard.

So, if you’ve gotten to the bottom of the blog post you should be singing the praises of Summer for your next family, maternity, or newborn session and are ready to book. If you need a little more convincing, contact me, and let’s continue this conversation.

Alison Hatch is an analog film photographer, educator, podcast host, and artist. Alison offers her Albuquerque and San Diego clients a stress-free and memorable experience getting photos taken. She has been featured in Shoot It With Film and published in the Front Steps Project Book. Alison splits her time between New Mexico and Southern California with her husband and three boys.