Short answer: There is no single perfect time to schedule family photos. You can create meaningful family portraits throughout the year, and the best time is often simply the time that works for your family.
Between family vacations, school, sporting events, work, appointments, and everything else life brings, family photos can be one of those things that keeps getting pushed off. There's always something else that needs your attention and, before you know it, another year has passed.
But while life keeps moving, so does your family.
Kids grow. Personalities change. The little things that make them them at this age doesn't always stick around forever. The way they pronounce a word. Their current favorite thing. Their silliness. The way they still reach for your hand.
Those are the things you don't always realize you'll miss until they've changed.
That's why I don't think there's one "perfect" time for family photos. Because there will always be something going on, another busy season, or another reason to wait.
And none of us are promised tomorrow. We have today. We have this version of our family, right now.
So, maybe the question isn't really, "When is the perfect time for family photos?"
Maybe it's, "When am I going to make the time to capture my family as we are today?"
The goods news is, you don't have to wait for a specific season, milestone, or occasion. Family photos can happen throughout the year. And if you're in Palm Bay or anywhere in Brevard County, Florida, there are a few things that can help you decide when the right time might be for your family.
Fall Family Sessions
Florida doesn't exactly give us the changing leaves and crisp fall air you might picture when you think of autumn. Growing up in Kentucky, I know firsthand how different fall looks here.
But that doesn't mean we can't create that feeling in our own way.
As the temperatures begin to cool toward the end of the year, you can incorporate warmer colors, layers, and cozy textures into your outfits. You can also lean into the feeling of the season by focusing on connection rather than trying to recreate a traditional fall scene.
Late September through early December can be a great time for family photos if you want that fall-inspired-look - and it's also a popular window for families planning to use their photos for holiday cards. If that's your goal, scheduling earlier in that window gives you more time to have your gallery delivered and order your cards before they need to be mailed.
And honestly, that's one of my favorite things about photographing families in Florida. We don't have to wait for the leaves to change to make the season feel special. We can work with what we have and create something that feels like your family.
Winter Family Sessions
Florida doesn't really have a traditional winter, either. Instead, November through February - and sometimes into March - tends to bring some of our coolest and most comfortable weather.
That makes these months a great time for families who want those cozy, seasonal vibes without having to deal with freezing temperatures.
You can still bring out sweaters, layers, boots, and other elements that give your portraits a winter feel, or simply take advantage of the more comfortable weather and let your family's connection be the focus.
The best part? You don't have to wait for a particular holiday or occasion to make these photos meaningful.
Spring Family Sessions
March through May brings a lighter, brighter feel to family portraits.
Think lighter colors, pastels, fresh greenery, and more of that spring feeling.
Spring can also be a great time to plan photos around the people you love. Mother's Day can be a perfect excuse for a Mommy + Me session, whether you're celebrating a first Mother's Day or simply want to document the relationship you have with your kids right now.
And, just like every other season, you don't need a special occasion to make it worth doing.
Summer Family Sessions
June through September is when Florida really starts reminding us that we live in Florida. Instead of fighting the heat, summer sessions can lean into it with water, movement, playing, exploring, or activities that let your family's personalities come through. Think water gun fights, beach days, or simply letting the kids be kids instead of asking everyone to sit still and smile.
Summer can also be a great time for Father's Day photos or a Daddy + Me photos. Of course, hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, so Florida weather can be unpredictable. I keep an eye on the radar and we adjust when necessary. And if you're someone who would actually be up for a light summer rain session? I'm totally game.
What About the Time of Day?
The season isn't the only thing to consider. The time of day matters, too.
Golden hour - shortly after sunrise or before sunset - gives us that warm, flattering light that's popular for outdoor portraits. And because we're on the east coast of Florida, sunrise can be a beautiful option depending on the location and the look you're going for.
For outdoor sessions, I generally recommend avoiding the middle of the day when possible. The light can be harsh and, in Florida, you're also dealing with peak heat and humidity. That can make things pretty uncomfortable for everyone, especially younger kids.
But there are always exceptions. The cover image for this post was taken around 1 pm in December. We were in the shade with the sun shining through the trees, which gave us beautiful backlighting without the summer heat.
And for indoor sessions, the time of day is much more flexible.
What If You Have a Baby or Toddler?
This is where your child's routine matters more than finding the "perfect" photography time.
For younger children, early morning sessions can help us avoid some of the Florida heat. But, I also want you to think about your child's sleep schedule and when they're typically happiest and most alert.
That said, don't let the possibility of a nap stop you from scheduling photos.
A sleepy child doesn't mean a bad session. It simply changes the outcome.
Instead of lively smiles and running around, you might end up with quiet, peaceful images of your little one snuggled against you.
Both are part of your family. Both are worth remembering.
How Far Ahead Should You Plan?
You don't necessarily need to book your family session months in advance, but if you have a specific date or location in mind, it's worth planning ahead. Popular dates and locations can fill up faster, especially during busier seasons.
If there's a particular location you love, it's also worth considering when that spot tends to be busiest. Depending on the look you're going for, we may need to work around other people in the background - or choose a quieter time when we have more space to ourselves.
Ultimately, the earlier you know you'd like family photos, the more flexibility you'll have when choosing your date, time, and location.
So, When Is the Best Time for Family Photos?
Honestly?
Whenever you stop waiting for the perfect time.
There will always be something going on. Another vacation. Another school event. Another sports season. Another busy week at work.
Your kids will keep growing while you're waiting for life to calm down.
Their personalities will change. Their little quirks will change. The things they say and do today may not be the things they say and do a year from now.
You deserve to capture your family how you are today - not when everyone is older, your schedule is less hectic, or you finally feel like you've gotten everything together.
There is no perfect season. There is no perfect outfit. There is no perfect family.
There's just your family - right now.
At MWallen Photography, I'll help guide you through the details - from choosing a time and location to figuring out how to make the session work for your family. You don't have to know how to pose, what to do with the kids, or how everything is supposed to work.
You just have to show up as yourselves.
Ready to capture this version of your family? Explore Family Essentials or Family Portrait Experience to find the right fit for your family.
