The Best Time for Family Photos in St. Louis

Wondering when to schedule your family photos in St. Louis? Choosing the right time of year can make a big difference in the look and feel of your photos.

As a St. Louis family photographer, I photograph families throughout the year, and every season has something special to offer. Whether you love colorful fall leaves, fresh spring greenery, or warm summer evenings, there is a perfect time for your family photos.

Here is everything you need to know about planning family photos in St. Louis.

When Is the Best Time for Family Photos in St. Louis?

The best time for family photos depends on the look you want, your family’s schedule, and how your kids do at different times of the day.

For many families, fall is the most popular season for family photography in St. Louis. However, spring, summer, and winter can all create beautiful family portraits.

The most important thing is choosing a time when your family can relax and enjoy the experience.

Fall Family Photos in St. Louis

Fall is one of the most popular times for St. Louis family photography, and it is easy to see why.

The changing leaves create beautiful backgrounds, temperatures are more comfortable, and cozy layers make it easy to create outfits that photograph beautifully.

Fall family photos are perfect if you love:

• Colorful trees and changing leaves

• Warm earth tones

• Sweaters and layers

• Cooler temperatures

• Cozy and timeless family portraits

If you want fall family photos, I recommend booking early. September and October are especially popular, and the best dates can fill quickly.

And remember, the leaves do not always follow the calendar. 😂 If you are hoping for peak fall color, having some flexibility with your date can help.

Spring Family Photos in St. Louis

Spring is another beautiful season for family photos in St. Louis.

After a long winter, everything starts turning green again. Trees begin blooming, flowers appear, and the landscape has a fresh and colorful feel.

Spring is a great choice if you love:

• Fresh greenery

• Flowering trees

• Soft colors

• Comfortable temperatures

• Light and natural family portraits

Spring can also be a great time to schedule family photos before summer sports, vacations, and activities take over your calendar.

Summer Family Photos in St. Louis

Summer family photography can be beautiful, especially if your children are out of school and your family has a little more flexibility.

For summer sessions, I typically recommend choosing a time when temperatures are more comfortable. Evening sessions are especially nice because we can take advantage of softer light later in the day.

Summer family photos can have a relaxed and carefree feeling that really captures this stage of childhood.

And there is something pretty special about photographing kids when they are enjoying those long summer days.

Winter Family Photos in St. Louis

Winter may not be the first season you think of for family photography, but it can create some of the most beautiful and timeless portraits.

Simple neutral outfits, cozy layers, and soft natural light can create a classic look that does not feel tied to one particular season.

Winter is also a great option if you want updated family photos but do not want to wait until fall.

If you are planning holiday cards or gifts, scheduling your session earlier in the season can also give you plenty of time to order everything.

What Is the Best Time of Day for Family Photos?

For outdoor family photography, I love photographing families during the softer light later in the day.

The light around sunset can create warm, flattering portraits and beautiful backgrounds.

However, the best time of day for your family photos also depends on your children.

If your toddler is happiest in the morning, a morning session may be a much better choice than trying to make it through a sunset session with an exhausted toddler.

Happy kids always win.

Where Are the Best Locations for Family Photos in St. Louis?

St. Louis has so many beautiful locations for outdoor family photography.

You can choose a location with:

• Open fields

• Tall grasses

• Large trees

• Gardens and flowers

• Historic buildings

• Beautiful architecture

• A more urban St. Louis feel

The location you choose can completely change the look of your family photos.

When planning your session, think about the style you love most. Do you want your photos to feel natural and outdoorsy, classic and elegant, or colorful and playful?

Your photographer can also help you choose a location that works well for your family and the type of photos you want.

What Should We Wear for Family Photos?

Choosing outfits is one of the biggest questions I hear from families.

My biggest advice is to coordinate instead of matching.

Start with one outfit you love and build the rest of the family’s outfits around it.

Neutral colors, soft earth tones, subtle patterns, and different textures tend to photograph beautifully.

Most importantly, make sure everyone is comfortable.

Especially the kids.

The cutest outfit in the world is not worth it if your child refuses to wear it. 😂

When Should You Book Family Photos?

If you have a specific season in mind, I recommend booking your family photography session early.

Fall is usually the busiest season for family photographers in St. Louis, especially September and October.

Spring and summer dates can also fill quickly depending on school schedules, sports, vacations, and other family activities.

If you are flexible with your date, you may have more options throughout the year.

Why Family Photos Are Worth Making Time For

I know getting everyone ready for family photos can feel like a lot.

Someone cannot find their shoes.

Someone suddenly hates their outfit.

Someone needs a snack.

Someone definitely does not want to take pictures.

And somehow you are supposed to arrive on time looking put together. 😂

But those are the moments you will miss someday.

Your children will grow. Their little personalities will change. Their favorite things will change. Even the way they hold your hand will change.

Family photography gives you something tangible to look back on during this season of life.

You do not need perfect kids.

You do not need a perfect house.

You do not even need everyone to cooperate perfectly.

You just need to show up and be together.

Looking for a St. Louis Family Photographer?

If you are looking for a St. Louis family photographer, I would love to help you plan your next family photography session.

From choosing a location and coordinating outfits to helping your kids feel comfortable in front of the camera, I will help make the process as easy and relaxed as possible.

Whether you are planning fall family photos, spring family photos, summer family photos, or an outdoor family session, I would love to photograph your family.

Ready to plan your family photos?