Every year I get messages asking why I don’t photograph outdoor sessions in June and July. It might seem strange because summer is beautiful, the kids are out of school, and everyone has a little more flexibility. But after photographing families for more than 12 years, I’ve learned that the best photos don’t happen just because the weather is warm. They happen when the conditions are right.

The Light Isn’t as Magical as You Think

The challenge with June and July is the quality of the light.

During the middle of the day, the sun sits high overhead, creating harsh shadows under the eyes, noses, and chins. It causes people to squint, creates bright highlights on skin, and doesn’t produce the soft, glowing portraits that families love.

The dreamy images you see in my portfolio are created during golden hour, when the light is low in the sky and wraps beautifully around your family. While that light exists in June and July, it doesn’t arrive until very late in the evening, around 9 pm—simply too late for most young children.

Waiting until late August, September, or October means we can enjoy that beautiful golden light at a much more family-friendly time.

Fall Gives Us Everything We Love

There’s a reason fall is my busiest season every year.

By late August and into September and October:

• Sunset is earlier, making sessions much easier for young children.
• The light is soft, warm, and incredibly flattering.
• The temperatures are comfortable.
• Everyone is back into a routine, making scheduling much easier.
• The colours create timeless, cozy images you’ll love displaying all year long.

It’s simply the perfect combination.

What About Maternity Sessions?

Maternity sessions are a little more flexible since we’re not working around little ones’ bedtimes. If you’re expecting during the summer months, we can absolutely chat about the best timing for your maternity session.

Planning Ahead Makes All the Difference

Because I don’t offer outdoor sessions during June and July, my fall calendar fills much earlier than many people expect. In fact, it’s common for September and October dates to be fully booked before summer is even over.

If you’re hoping for beautiful golden hour family photos this year, don’t wait until August to start looking for a photographer.

Booking early means you’ll have the best choice of dates and can simply look forward to your session, knowing everything is already planned.

There are still a few days left to SAVE $100 off your fall Golden Hour Session! These are only on sale until June 30th, 2026. You can claim one of these discounted sessions HERE

I can’t wait to photograph your family when the light, weather, and timing all come together to create the beautiful experience—and the timeless images—you deserve.