One question people often ask me, “When is the best time of year for Baltimore outdoor family photos?” And I get it! You’re investing your money, and more importantly, your valuable time in a family portrait session, so of courseyou want to make sure you choose the best time of year.

Truthfully, I believe you can have beautiful family photos taken any time of the year! Clouds and sunshine, though different, both create a lovely look for photos. Only in the case of rain do I reschedule! There are some things to consider before deciding, though. Let’s get into it.

What do you want to wear for outdoor family photos?

Think about the look you prefer and what you want to wear! Do you love lighter fabrics, and brighter or softer colors? Spring and summer might be the best time of year for you. Conversely, if you love bold, rich colors and fabricsIf you take your photos in the spring or summer you will likely be dressed in clothing that is a bit more, well, summery. Typically brighter colors and more casual. If you have your photos taken in the fall or winter you may be wearing more layers, have more rich and bold colors, and may even need to wear a coat. So, think about the aesthetic you prefer.

What kind of Baltimore location would you like?

It’s true that I have several spots in the area that I love and will always recommend because they photograph beautifully. Some of these are great year round, and some are best during specific times of the year. But I want to make sure our location makes sense with your preferences, too! If you love the gorgeous colors of fall (like me!), then that’s something to account for. If you love the beautiful blooms of spring, let’s plan for that. If a beachy sunset is more your vibe, I’ve got a spot for that, too. If you’re not sure, let’s chat and I can make suggestions!

How late can you start?

Because I am a golden hour (LINK TO GOLDEN HOUR BLOG) photographer, it’s important to consider start time. This is something I’m happy to share prior to you picking your session, but remember that summer evenings mean late sunsets. Conversely, the sun sets much earlier in the afternoon in late fall, so that’s something to consider, especially for weekday sessions.

Here’s the bottom line

There isn’t really a “best time of year” for outdoor family photos. The best time is when your family has an hour to spend together, playing, connecting, and loving on each other so I can capture meaningful images for you to lvoe forever. Don’t get too hung up on the time of year to book – just make sure you book!

I can’t want to get you in front of my camera soon!