Your Guide to Choosing the Best Time of Year for Family Photos


Choosing when to have family photos can make all the difference in capturing beautiful, natural moments. Each season brings its own unique charm—whether it’s the fresh blooms of spring, the golden glow of summer, or the rich colours of autumn. But how do you decide which is right for your family?


As a family photographer in Nottinghamshire, I’m here to help you find the perfect season to suit your style, personality, and vision. Here is your guide to choosing the best time of year for family photos!



Best Time of Year for Family Photos


  • Springtime Charm
  • Summer Radiance
  • Autumn's Beauty
  • Practical Tips for Each Season

SPRINGTIME CHARM


If you want that fresh vibe, spring is the best time of year for family photos.


Everything's waking up, flowers blooming, and there's this lovely pop of colour everywhere. The trees start sprouting those soft green leaves, making the perfect backdrop for family photography in Nottinghamshire. Plus, the weather is usually quite mild, so you won't have to worry about shivering through your smile.


But, watch out for the rain. You know how it is with spring showers; one minute it’s all sunshine, the next, it’s pouring. So, might be good to keep a brolly handy, just in case.


A favourite place of mine to shoot in the spring is at Rufford Abbey, when all the bluebells are starting to come out. It makes a perfect back drop for your photos with the pop of purple and blues in the background.

A girl stands amongst a scenic woodland path winds through a springtime forest filled with vibrant purple bluebells in bloom, Nottingham
Young girl amongst spring woodland filled with blooming purple bluebells and tall trees, during family shoot in Nottingham
A young child kneels among vibrant purple wildflowers in a forest setting wearing denim and white clothing during family shoot in Nottingham
A child stands in a spring forest wearing a denim jacket and white dress among blooming purple bluebells, during family shoot in Nottingham

SUMMER RADIANCE


Summer's all about that golden light, long days, and everything's just bursting with life!


The best time of year for family photos is summer if you want lush greenery and vibrant colours; it's like Mother Nature's putting on a show just for your photos. Plus, those extra daylight hours mean there's loads of time to get everyone looking their best.


But, here's the catch – it can get hot. Sometimes that sun's a bit too much, casting harsh shadows and making everyone squint. It is best to pick a spot with some shade, or go for an early morning or late afternoon shoot when the sun’s a bit kinder.


Elvaston Castle is perfect in the summer. They have a beautiful walled flower garden which is burst with flowers and colour in the summer.

Siblings captured amongst climbing red roses on stone pillars creates an enchanting natural archway, during family shoot in Derbyshire
A baby wearing white is lifted up against a background of blooming red and white roses in a garden, during family shoot in Derbyshire
Two children in white outfits walk hand-in-hand down a garden path on a sunny summer day, during family shoot in Nottingham
Children sitting together on wooden steps with their feet touching in a playful pose at the park, during family shoot in Derbyshire

AUTUMN'S BEAUTY


Autumn’s got that stunning mix of red, orange, and yellow leaves–the best time of year for family photos if you love a cosy vibe.


The light’s softer too, which can be super flattering for photos. And let's be honest, who doesn’t love the sound of crunching leaves underfoot?


That said, it can get a bit nippy as the season goes on, and the days start getting shorter. So, make sure to plan your shoot with enough daylight to spare.


Bring along a cosy jumper to keep warm while waiting for the perfect shot!


Wollaton Hall is one of my favourites all year round but in the autumn it's especially beautiful with all the trees turning brown missed with the house as a back drop. it makes for the perfect setting for your family shoot. (Plus its perfect to have a little bit of fun and kick around amongst all the leaves)

Family captured against the grand architecture during family shoot in Nottingham
A Dad crouches on a wooden deck outdoors while holding a smiling baby in white clothing, during autumn family shoot in Nottingham
A family share tender moments together while sitting on a wooden bench in a garden setting, during family shoot in Nottingham
A baby wearing a dark grey sweater smiles while being lifted up in front of a grand historic building, during family shoot in Nottingham

PRACTICAL TIPS FOR EACH SEASON


Think about your outfits. This could potentially determine the best time of year for family photos!


In spring, light layers and pastel colours are perfect to match the fresh vibe. Summer’s ideal for lighter colours, and breathable fabrics. You don’t want to look all sweaty in the photos. Autumn's great for rich, earthy tones, and adding a scarf or hat can be stylish and practical.


Also, a bit of planning goes a long way when dealing with each season’s quirks. In spring and autumn, keep an eye on the weather forecast, just in case of rain or sudden chills. During summer, avoid the midday sun and maybe bring along some water to stay hydrated.


And don’t forget about the little details. In spring, you might want to pick a location where the flowers are in full bloom. They add a lovely touch to your photos. For summer, find a spot with a mix of sun and shade to avoid those harsh shadows. Autumn’s all about those beautiful leaves, so head to a park or forest where you can really capture the season’s colours.


Another tip – be flexible with timing. In spring and autumn, the weather can be unpredictable, so it might be worth having a backup date in case of rain. For summer, try to schedule your shoot early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the harsh midday sun.


And remember, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the time with your family. These are your memories, so make the most of them!

Girl in white dress twirls joyfully among vibrant purple bluebells in a spring woodland setting, during family shoot in Nottingham
A parent lifts a baby up in the air against a garden background with red and white flowers, during family shoot in Derbyshire
A joyful moment captured on a autumn day outside an ornate stone building during family shoot in Nottingham

Ready to Book Your Family Photos in Nottinghamshire or Beyond? 


That’s your guide to choosing the best time of year for family photos! No matter the season, family photos are all about capturing love and the little moments that make life special. 


Thinking about booking a family photo session? Let's find the perfect time to tell your family's story in a way that feels natural and fun. Get in touch with me to enquire about your family photography in Nottinghamshire or beyond.