We are fortunate in Virginia, in that we have all FOUR seasons! Some years we experience more of one than the others. But for the most part we experience the flowers, thunderstorms, heat, and snow. There is never a “wrong” season to have your photos taken. There are just certain aspects to consider when selecting a season. Below I have provided insight on selecting a season, tips, and insight for engagements, weddings, and senior photos.
Summer [June – August]
Summer sessions are amazing! There is so much more daylight due to the time change. In some months, the light will last until 8:30 pm! The outdoor settings are beautiful with lots of green grass, blossoming flowers and trees full of greenery. Summer months are warm and humid, which doesn’t always work well with hair. Schedules can be challenging with families planning beach vacations and trips.
-Seniors, summer sessions allow for you to have gorgeous images your ENTIRE senior year to show off. Not to mention more flexibility with schedules because you don’t have school or sports.
-Couples that get married in the Spring will choose to get engagement photos done in the summer to match the feel of their wedding day. Outdoor ceremonies are popular but we STRONGLY encourage a back-up plan in the event of rain. As much as I love Summer weddings be cautious with the temperatures and keep yourself and your guests hydrated.
Fall [September – November]
Fall sessions are the MOST popular! The temperatures are mild and the colors! This is probably because of the beautiful scenery that we have in the Shenandoah Valley. Red, yellow, and brown colors make for a nice background.
-Fall portraits are ideal for seniors that get out of school early due to the decreased amount of daylight hours available. The Fall calendar typically books the quickest and session date availability is limited. I recommend booking Fall sessions 3-6 months prior to ensure you are on the schedule.
-Couples typically choose Fall for the temperature and beautiful colors to offer a different background to their Spring wedding photos. Fall weddings have the chance to be mild temperatures or even snow in Virginia. Remember that Halloween when we got snow?!
Winter [January – March]
Winter sessions are gorgeous! However, they do take some additional planning simply because of the sunset time. The hard part about the winter timeline is that fact that the sun sets around 4 pm. This means that all of your portraits have to be done before then! Snow photos are beautiful but pose a challenge to schedule since we are reliant on the weatherman.
-Winter senior sessions require additional planning to ensure the weather doesn’t cause a disruption for hair & make-up or our safety. Snow photos are AMAZING and are typically scheduled on short notice around snow storms. Snow sessions are also not guaranteed because we may have a winter with no snow.
-Couples typically bundle up with jackets and scares for their engagement photos.
Spring [March – May]
Spring sessions are the perfect combination of the fresh growth, blossoms and mild temperatures. However rain is inevitable, whether it be a chance of rain or unexpected thunderstorms. Spring months being unpredictable weather. Spring is a time where schedules get busy with the planning of summer vacations and taxes. The background may not be as green or lush as desirable.
-Seniors are preparing for graduation which creates an urgency for graduation announcements. I encourage seniors to schedule senior photos the Spring prior to graduating to allow for decisions to be made for graduation party displays.
-Spring is a very busy month for wedding photographers. The vineyard and barn weddings are popular since they don’t offer alternative cooling options. The increased number of weddings decreases availability for engagement sessions.
To see more of my recent weddings click here!
To see more of my recent seniors click here!
