I love seeing families year after year and watching their kiddos grow! I have been photographing some couples and families in the PNW for over a decade! While the fall is very popular for annual family photos, I want to offer an alternative season up for consideration - summer!

How Often To Take Family Photos

In a perfect world, I would recommend taking family photos every 6 months if your kiddos are under the age of 2 or 3. They change SO much at this age, and photography is a small way to freeze this moment. If a full session every 6 months isn't feasible, consider a mini session or seasonal special, like my spring blooms or mommy & me sessions in the spring, and holiday tinies in the fall. I'd love to see you for a full session at least once a year to give us the time and space to capture the personality of your family!

Minis and seasonal specials are also a great way to capture milestones "off season" - like birthdays or subsequent pregnancies!

What Season to Take Family Photos

Fall tends to be a fan favorite primarily because of holiday cards. Families have hopes of sunny fall days with beautiful foliage. And a lot of times, we get that! And it really is magical. But fall weather can also be pretty unpredictable in the PNW! I often joke that in the fall I am part photographer and part meteorologist, constantly checking the hourly forecast.

Turn around time can also be stressful. Parents want to share images of their kiddos at the age they are *right now*! I personally aim to return final galleries to my families before Thanksgiving so they can utilize and cyber week sales. It can feel like a bit of a crunch in an already busy time of year. Back to school quickly transitions into fall festivities and holiday commitments.

How To Keep Your Holiday Cards Timely

If you have tiny ones and take family photos with me earlier in the year, you could use a more recent photo on the back of the card. This is also a great way to show some more personal family moments!

The Season and Your Season

I have been taking this particular family's photos every summer for the last 4 years. I love that what is consistent is the beautiful summer evenings on the beach, and that it captures their growing family, from bumps to babies.

I also find summer sessions can be a bit more playful. You don't necessarily have holiday cards on your radar and you're more relaxed. Kiddos may be out of school and off normal routine anyway, so throwing in a fun morning or evening session in the mix isn't as much of a curve ball.

Fall can also start to get very cold for tiny ones! I do not recommend doing an outdoor session after October in the PNW with little kiddos. It's much harder to get relaxed smiles when they are shivering on the beach! If you want to take photos later in the year, I highly suggest doing an in home session! They are some of my absolute favorites!

Book Your Session Now!

Summer availability is live! As well as seasonal specials - spring blooms and mommy & me minis!

See booking options HERE

And don't worry - I still want to see you this fall!! I just wanted to let you know there are other times of the year that can be just as magical! I can't wait to see you!