Spring Family Photos

A Guide to Your Spring Family Photoshoot

The moment the first signs of Spring appear, I feel like singing from the rooftops. It’s one of the most magical times of year – after being cooped up all winter, we finally see nature wake up again, slowly but surely, and then, boom! Just like that – buds on trees, blooms everywhere, we’re surrounded by new life, colour, and light. And what better way to celebrate this triumph of beauty, than with a spring family photoshoot?

As a family photographer, spring is one of my favourite seasons to shoot in. Not just because finally I can stop wearing gloves and umpteen layers of clothing when shooting outside, but because spring gives us everything we could want for a beautiful, relaxed family session. We can take advantage of the soft golden light and vibrant blossoms, and the children will be very excited to finally run around in t-shirts instead of winter coats. Spring family photos really do look and feel really special.

In this post, we’ll take a look at what makes spring such a great season for family portraits, the types of natural backdrops you can expect outdoors, the kind of light we’ll be working with, and, helpfully, what to wear for your spring family photoshoot. Whether you’re planning your first ever family shoot or you update your family portraits every year and are looking for something a little fresher, read on to find out why I recommend considering spring as the season for perfect photos.

Why Spring Is the Perfect Time for Family Photos

Let’s start with the obvious: spring is beautiful. We’ve emerged from winter’s hibernation mode, and suddenly the world feels new again. Trees are budding, the grass is green again, and the air just has a scent I can’t quite describe. You can feel that warmer days are just around the corner.

Here’s why spring family photos work well for families…

Comfortable temperatures

If, like me, you feel the cold and winter just drags on, this is a big sell for Spring. Just the right level of warmth for outdoor sessions, coats off, but it won’t feel like a tropical workout by the third photo.

Nature’s at its prettiest

Trees and flowers are coming into bloom, fields are vibrant green, and there’s a sense of energy and newness that’s perfect for capturing your family at its most connected and relaxed.

Happy times

Everyone tends to be in a better mood come spring – especially children. We all benefit from that extra boost of vitamin D, it really does wonders for natural smiles!

More flexible daylight hours

Longer days mean we can shoot after school or work without feeling rushed, especially if we’re chasing that golden hour glow.

Whether you’re celebrating a milestone like a birthday, or just wanting to capture your family as it is now (before the next growth spurt hits), spring is the perfect stage for capturing this chapter of your story.

Natural Backdrops for Spring Family Photos

One of the absolute joys of spring photography is being surrounded by natural beauty. Outdoor sessions this time of year have the perk of built-in scenery – no props required (unless we’re bringing a bike, or a football, or anything that will keep the children engaged!).

Some of my favourite spring backdrops…

Blossoming trees

Cherry blossom, apple blossom, hawthorn – they’re everywhere, take your pick. These trees bloom in soft pinks and whites and create a magical, almost fairytale-like frame for your family portraits.

Wildflower meadows

Depending on where you are, spring brings us bluebells, daisies, cow parsley, and buttercups. A field speckled with wildflowers is a soft, picturesque setting perfect for natural family photos.

Woodland walks

Early spring is a lovely time for forest backdrops. You’ll often find carpets of wild garlic or bluebells underfoot, dappled light through new leaves, and winding paths perfect for storytelling images (and getting delightfully lost in the process).

Rolling hills and open spaces

With the return of green grass and sunnier skies, open fields become ideal for kids to run free. These wide, airy spaces give us a lovely sense of scale and freedom in your photos.

Walled gardens and estates

If you’re local to areas like Winchester or Basingstoke, you might know of some tucked-away gardens or National Trust properties that come to life in spring. I know one or two, myself! They are all great options if you want a more structured but still natural setting. Shooting at some of these locations requires a permit – but this is something that I can organise on your behalf.

Each of these locations has a different feel and vibe, but all benefit from the season’s freshness and colour palette. And don’t worry, I scout locations ahead of time, so we don’t have any strange surprises on the day (like that one time I found out my favourite bluebell wood had been turned into a building site).

The Magic of Spring Light

Now let’s talk light – my favourite tool, and one of the reasons my spring family photos come out looking so dreamy.

Spring light is like the gentle cousin of summer light. It’s softer, warmer, and generally more forgiving, especially in the earlier parts of the season when the sun sits a little lower in the sky.

Spring light looks like this

Soft golden hour

That lovely, warm, hazy light straight out of a fairy tale? Spring delivers it late afternoon / early evening – perfect timing for young families with bedtimes to consider.

Gentle midday light

Even during the day, spring sun tends to be softer and more diffuse than summer’s harsher rays. This means we can shoot a bit earlier in the day and still get flattering, well-lit images.

Brighter cloudy days

Don’t panic if the sun disappears. Cloud cover acts like a natural softbox, diffusing light and eliminating harsh shadows -ideal for even skin tones, popped natural colours and relaxed portraits.

The lighting conditions in spring give us flexibility and variety, and that helps your family feel more at ease. We’re not chasing the light, we’re working with it.

What to Wear for Spring Family Photos

Now, onto the fun part: wardrobe!

Figuring out what to wear for spring family photos doesn’t have to be stressful. In fact, this is one of the easiest seasons to dress for. You can layer, you can play with colour, and you can finally do away with the thick socks and bulky coats.

General style tips:

• Stick to soft, natural colours: Think sage greens, soft blues, blush pinks, creamy whites, warm neutrals – colours that complement the landscape rather than fight it.

• Avoid bold patterns and logos: These can be distracting and date the photos. Instead, choose textures like linen, cotton and denim. They photograph beautifully!

• Layer, layer, layer: A lightweight cardigan, a soft jacket, or a scarf can add depth to your outfit and also help with the inevitable changes in spring temperature we all know and love(ish).

• Coordinate, don’t match: You don’t need to all wear the same outfit, or colours. Choose a colour palette and mix and match within it. This helps the overall look feel cohesive but still relaxed and individual.

• Shoes matter: We might be walking through fields, woodlands, or slightly muddy paths. Keep footwear practical (and safe for little legs). That said, wellies can be adorable and are always highly recommended!

For mums:

• Flowy dresses, midi skirts, or linen trousers can be comfortable and flattering.

• Add texture with a knit or a lightweight scarf.

• All aside the considerations above, choose colours that make you feel good – it’s your choice first and foremost.

For kids:

• Keep comfort top priority.

• Avoid anything too tight, too itchy, or that they’ll want to remove after five minutes.

• Bring a backup outfit, just in case nature or rogue snacks strike unexpectedly.

For dads:

• A button-down shirt, chinos, or jeans in a soft tone usually work well.

• Layers like a jumper or relaxed blazer can add interest.

• Avoid gym trainers (unless they’re neutral and clean).

Need help pulling it together? I always offer outfit guidance ahead of your session – my WhatsApp is always open for photos of possible outfits. I love helping families create a wardrobe that works with both the season and your personalities.

And Finally… When to book Your Spring Family Shoot

If you’re thinking about booking spring family photos, I highly recommend getting in touch early. The season is short, and those peak bloom times (especially if you’re after bluebells and cherry blossoms) come and go before you know it. I only take on a limited number of shoots each week to ensure each family gets my full attention (and the best light and location advice I can give).

And don’t worry if you’ve got toddlers, teens, or someone in your family who doesn’t “like having their photo taken.” My sessions are relaxed, playful, and centred around connection. We’ll chat, we’ll walk, we might even meet the noisy, stomping Cristina monster (sorry), and before you know it, you’ll have beautiful, honest photos that reflect this season in your family’s life.

Ready to Book Your Spring Family Photos?

If you’re in the South East – especially Reading, Basingstoke, Winchester or even the New Forest – I’d love to chat about creating something special for your family this spring.

Let’s capture the joy, the colour, and the quiet magic of this season, together.