The Best Time of Year for a Family Photoshoot:
A Seasonal Guide 

When we start planning your family photo session, one of the questions you’re most likely to ask me is:

“When’s the best time of year for a family photoshoot?”

My genuine answer is always the same: it depends.

It depends on your family’s personality, your favourite colours, whether you love to keep warm in a jumper or stay cool in a floaty dress, and how you feel about the unpredictable British weather. Every season has its own charm, and with the right location and styling, any time of year can produce beautiful images with unique character.

To make your choice easier, here’s your ultimate guide to the seasons for family photography – with expert tips on what to wear, what to expect from the weather and light, and some of my favourite shoot locations across Hampshire, Berkshire, Surrey and London to inspire your perfect session.

Spring Family Photoshoots

Best for: Soft colours, blooming trees, and a fresh feel.

Traditionally, mid-March onwards is the beginning of my outdoor family portrait season. With good reason – everyone feels happy and optimistic about the days finally starting to get longer, and the new buds on trees and colourful flowers poking their heads up here and there. I’d go as far as saying that Britain was built for Spring – the combination and freshness of the colours and light all around us make a perfect backdrop for a family photoshoot. Read more about spring family photoshoots here.

What to Expect:

• Weather: Changeable (but optimistic)! You might get sunshine or you might get a light drizzle, sometimes within the same hour. The trade-off is light that is soft and dreamy.
• Light: Gentle and flattering, especially in early morning or golden hour.
• Colours: Pastels, sage, dusty rose, pale blue and soft yellows all complement springtime blooms.

Styling Tips:

Layering is key. Think cotton dresses with a cardigan, or shirts with a lightweight jumper. Boots or trainers for muddy paths. Keep it relaxed and tactile. We might take an umbrella to keep on the safe side (and also because it is fun).

Seasonal Backdrops:

Cherry blossom, daffodils, apple trees, bluebells, and cow parsley make frequent appearances in spring portraits.

Location Ideas:

• Winkworth Arboretum, Surrey: A bluebell and wildflower wonderland from late April.
• The Vyne, Hampshire: Blooming wisteria and wide open space.
• Bishops Meadow, Farnham (Surrey): Riverside views and wildflowers.
• Kew Gardens, London: Tulips, magnolia trees, and a greenhouse or two for shelter just in case.

Summer Family Photoshoots

Best for: Early mornings or long evenings, relaxed styling, and golden light.

Summer is a favourite for many families – especially with school holidays affording us more flexibility, and warm evenings to play with. Summer shoots feel particularly easygoing as our styling options can be as casual as you’d like – including going barefoot in the grass or on the beach! During summer, morning or early evening shoots are ideal for avoiding harsh midday light. I check weather forecasts regularly to avoid overly hot days, when it gets a bit too sticky (when it comes to heat and sunshine, you can have too much of a good thing – take it from a Sicilian).

What to Expect:

• Weather: Generally more reliable, though our summers do vary greatly from year to year. Water and SPF strongly recommended no matter what!
• Light: Golden hour can be magical in summer – especially with slightly older kids where bedtimes can be more flexible.
• Colours: Muted earth tones, soft neutrals, ochres, creams, dusty pinks for countryside shoots; blues, whites, turquoise and pinks for seaside shoots.

Styling Tips:

Think breathable fabrics and styles. Linen shirts, cotton dresses, straw hats, and sandals all photograph beautifully and keep everyone comfortable.

Seasonal Backdrops:

Tall golden grasses, beach scenes, wildflower meadows, and sun-dappled woodland.

Location Ideas:

• West Wittering Beach (Sussex, worth the drive): Pastel beach huts, open skies, and the perfect setting for some carefree beach portraits.
• Mayfield Lavender Farm, Surrey: Rows of lavender from late June to early August (but we’ll need to book ahead).
• Richmond Park, London: Wildflowers and deer in a peaceful Royal Park setting.

Autumn Family Photoshoots

Best for: Cosy textures, bold colours, and all the leaf-kicking.

Autumn is definitely a family portrait favourite, due to its incredible colours and proximity to Christmas (because those pictures will make incredible Christmas presents). Family portraits in autumn feel rich and opulent, lit with low, warm sunshine and a myriad different tones of yellow, orange and browns. 

An autumn photoshoot is ideal if you love warmer, layered styles, and you can be as stylish as you like – from woolly jumpers to muddy boots, it all aligns very well with the mood of the season. It’s an ideal time to shoot before the days shorten too much and before the winter chill really sets in.

Weekends in Autumn book out early, and I always leave some flexibility in my schedule to account for the unpredictable weather – so these are best booked ASAP.

What to Expect:

• Weather: Traditionally, early Autumn (September and early October) tends to be dry and mild – although lately I’ve extended my autumn photoshoots well into November. Later in the season brings more bare trees and windier days.
• Light: Warm, low sun with rich golden tones.
• Colours: Burnt orange, deep red, forest green, mustard, rust and navy work beautifully.

Styling Tips:

Shoot for a combination of texture and tone. Cable knits, denim, corduroy, scarves and layers give visual interest. Waterproof boots may be recommended depending on our choice of location.

Seasonal Backdrops:

Falling leaves, crunchy paths, golden fields, and scenic treetops.

Location Ideas:

• Dinton Pastures, Wokingham: Glorious colour across the wooded areas and striking reflections over the open water.
• Virginia Water Lake, Surrey: Stunning reflections and forest colours.
• Basildon Park, Berkshire: Dramatic trees, golden light and plenty of space for running.
• Greenwich Park, London: Autumn colour with skyline views.

Winter Family Photoshoots

Best for: Intimacy, drama, and festive atmosphere.

Winter isn’t just for Christmas card shoots (though they’re a very frequently requested session type!). With its bare trees, soft light and quieter parks, winter has a quiet beauty that lends itself to more intimate, storytelling sessions.

What to Expect:

• Weather: Crisp and cold, with short shooting windows due to light. I recommend morning or early afternoon slots.
• Light: Soft, diffused, and low even at midday – great for flattering portraits with a slightly nostalgic vibe.
• Colours: Creams, deep greens, navy, cranberry, camel. Add texture with wool, faux fur or velvet.

Styling Tips:

Layer up and don’t worry if it gets chilly – woolly blankets, big scarves and hats, and snuggly coats lend a lovely seasonal feel and keep the little ones happy (and warm).

Seasonal Backdrops:

Frosty fields, bare trees, foggy paths, or even snow if you’re lucky!

Location Ideas:

• South Downs, near Winchester: Big skies and gentle hills for a dramatic look.
• Runnymede, Berkshire: Peaceful riverside scenes with tall trees and natural colour.
• Hampstead Heath, London: Bracken, frost and a view over the skyline—winter perfection.

Choosing the Best Time for Your Family

Choosing your ideal photoshoot season is almost like picking your favorite child – they’re all wonderful in their own unique ways! It really comes down to your family’s personality, energy levels, and what kind of vibe you want your photos to capture.

Think about when your family feels most comfortable and natural. When are you at your most vital and excited? Do you thrive in the sunshine and heat, or feel revitalised when the temperatures start dropping and the air feels fresher? 

Consider practical stuff too – any seasonal allergies, school, travel or work schedules, or any birthdays that you might want to celebrate (with or without a photoshoot!). If you have young children, how would their feeding and sleep schedules fit in with the long summer evenings?

And of course, the end result is important too. If we’re shooting to put some incredible pictures on your walls, we might want to consider how the seasonal palettes complement your room decor and favourite colour schemes.

What About the Locations?

While I encourage you to think about and fall in love with our photoshoot location in advance, it is important to bear in mind that the perfect location isn’t just about aesthetics. While we plan together, we will touch on those secondary considerations that can make or break our session.

For example, you might need an accessible parking option, good amenities and a flat path if you’re bringing a buggy, or if the grandparents are part of the photoshoot. 

If you are thinking of a location that only gets good light early on, or later in the day, we might need to discuss whether these times will work for you.

Or you might have already a place that is important to you, in which case we’d want to take the unique features of it into account, to decide which time of the year your special place looks its best, and is most accessible.

And if you’re feeling overwhelmed – I’ve got you. When you book with me, we’ll talk through the right setting for your family, your vibe, and the season you choose.

Ready to plan your photoshoot?

When all is said and done… a brilliant photographer can create absolutely stunning images in any season. The most important ingredient isn’t the weather or the foliage or even the lighting – it’s choosing a time when your family can relax, be yourselves, and let your natural connections flow through.

I offer relaxed, location-based family photography across Hampshire, Berkshire, Surrey and London all year round. If you’re not sure which season suits your family best, drop me a message and we’ll talk it through.