When To Book Your Outdoor Family Session
I’ve been photographing families since 2005. I’ve learned a LOT during that time.
One big lesson I’ve learned was how to help people to be themselves. How to get real smiles and laughter in front of the camera. You’ve got to create an environment that makes them comfortable. A huge part of that when outdoors is light and temperature! Here are some things to take into account when choosing a date for your family’s outdoor photos.
Average Monthly Temperatures
I photograph outside between April and October. There’s a reason why, of course. I live in Grimsby, Ontario, just about an hour from Toronto. Five months out of the year, it’s just too cold for young families outdoors. Cheeks redden, noses run, and kids are not happy outside for long. The best photo sessions I’ve done have been outdoors in warmer weather. I’ve written an average list of temperatures in the Niagara Region below, but here’s a link for your reference.
April: 1-12 °C
May: 7-19 °C
June: 13-24 °C
July: 15-27 °C
August: 15-25 °C
September: 11-22 °C
October: 5-14 °C
Approximate Start Times
Another important thing to consider when booking your outdoor family photo session date is time of day. I love the light one hour before sunset. Here are the average start times for my outdoor photoshoots. (And a handy calculator for that!)
April: 7 pm
May: 7:30 pm
June: 8 pm
July: 7:45 pm
August: 7:15 pm
September: 6:30 pm
October: 5:30 pm
The fall colours are glorious, but there's another reason everyone loves fall family photos in Niagara, Ontario. Temperatures are mild but not too cold. With start times between 5:30-6:30 pm, kids still love to play outside and aren’t quite ready for bedtime yet.
And yes, I’m highly organized so you don’t have to be! 🥰 Hope this blog post helps you choose the best date and time for your family’s next photoshoot!
If you’re in need of a great family photographer, I’m happy to help! xo
About This Beautiful Family
This is Angelo, Brittany, Matteo and Bria. For this family photo session, they really wanted natural images that were “in the moment” or more playful, as well as some traditional ones.
Matteo and Bria were so happy to be playing outside with their parents. The photoshoot took place in mid-September just after dinner and the temperature was 16 °C but there was a warm breeze. With careful planning of date, start time, hair, makeup and wardrobe, everything came together and it was just perfect!
Clothing provided by the studio wardrobe.
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Client Testimonial
“Karen's demeanor is very calming and professional it was met with very organize emails and conversations that helped create an amazing experience! We could not be more satisfied hanging our photos in our house for loved ones to see! We are very proud with the moment she captured!” - Angelo Marrama
Hi there, I'm Karen! I am obsessed with newborn baby yawns, giggling kids, and jumpsuits. I'm a mama of four who understands the busyness of everyday life. I've learned to love and enjoy it through lifestyle photography. I know what it’s like to look back on my children’s first years and feel like they flew by so quickly. I don’t want any other mamas to forget what their baby’s little fingers and toes looked like all curled up. My hope is that I can help you create albums and prints to serve as physical reminders of these sweet times throughout your baby’s early years. Contact me for info.
