Spring in the Boston area marks the end of hibernation – when any day over 50°F means you see shorts, sundresses, and at least one brave soul in flip-flops. Tulips start popping up, trees return to their full green selves, and parents are back to calling their kids inside for dinner. Spring is also the perfect time for family photos in Boston!
While fall is often the go-to season for many families planning their annual photo session, spring has just as many perks (if not more). If you have only ever considered fall for your family photos, here are some reasons to give spring a chance!
1. Warmer Spring Weather Means Happy Kids
One of the biggest perks of spring family photo sessions is the comfortable weather. While fall in New England can feel like summer one day and winter the next, spring offers more mild, predictable days. Kids can finally run and play outside after months of being cooped up indoors!
For parents, this means less stress about layering up, juggling bulky coats, or trying to convince everyone to “just smile” and pretend they aren’t shivering. Instead, they can focus on simply having fun and being in the moment with their family.
2. More Daylight = Later Sunsets and Golden Hour
For outdoor family sessions, I schedule photos about 1-1.5 hours before sunset to take advantage of the soft, golden hour light which you see in much of portfolio of outdoor family sessions. In the fall, this often means sessions start mid-afternoon, around 4:00 p.m. I know this timing can be tricky for families with school-age kids and working parents.
In the spring, later sunsets mean:
- There is no rush at the end of your day. Your after-school routine stays intact, and you don’t have to leave work early. Spring sessions fit more easily into your schedule with a later sunset providing more flexibility in your day.
- You have time to eat dinner before your session (or at least a solid snack)! In the fall, families often grab food on the go before photos. A session that starts a little later in the spring means no one is hangry – kids or parents!
- Post-session ice cream! Celebrate a successful family photo session with a sweet treat to reward little ones for their participation and give them positive reinforcement to look forward to future family photo sessions!
3. Spring Colors Make for Stunning Family Photos
Spring in New England is full of soft, beautiful colors – fresh greenery, pastel flowers, and golden sunlight. The colors are bright and joyful, creating a stunning natural backdrop for your family photos.
Unlike fall, when leaves are changing and sometimes unpredictable, spring guarantees a fresh and colorful setting. Spring’s soft, natural colors make outfit coordination easy and family photos even more beautiful.
Having your family photos taken in the spring allows you to wear light, breathable clothing – think long flowy dresses, linen shirts, cute sandals — all without the need for heavy coats or layers. I find it easier to coordinate my own family’s outfits when I don’t have to factor in warmth along with style.
Click here for more information on what to wear and how to dress your family for spring photos.
4. Less Stress & More Availability
Between back-to-school activities, sports, and the fast-approaching holiday season, fall tends to be one of the busiest times of the year for families. Fall is also the busiest season for family photos. Trying to squeeze a photo session into your family’s busy schedule during that time can often result in it being pushed off and added to the “to-do list for next year”.
Spring, on the other hand, tends to be a more relaxed season for families. It is often easier to plan your session without worrying about overlapping with school and sports schedules, and there is more flexibility in choosing a date that works best for your family.
5. A Head Start on Holiday Cards & Gifts
Spring photos are also a great way to have thoughtful and meaningful gifts for loved ones throughout the rest of the year. Whether it’s a framed photo for Mother’s Day, a custom heirloom album for the grandparents, or a series of images capturing the love and connection within your family displayed prominently at home, these photos can be enjoyed throughout the year.
Of course, this also means your holiday card is done months in advance! Look at you planning ahead!
Ready to Book Your Spring Family Photo Session?
I hope this has you thinking about the benefits of a spring family photo session in or around Boston! From comfortable weather and stunning colors to less stress and more scheduling flexibility, spring is a fantastic time to update your family photos.
