Why You Should Book Your Family Photo Session for the Summer

A family sits on a bench at sunset - taken in Central NJ by Jennifer Fulton Photography

Central NJ Family Photographer | Mercer County, NJ | Princeton, NJ

Summer is upon us!! The days are long, it is warm, and the trees are green. So why do most people wait until the fall to have their family photos taken? Here are some reasons why now is one of the best times of year to schedule your family photo session.

A young girl swishes her dress at sunset - taken in Central NJ by Jennifer Fulton Photography

More dates available

Fall is the busiest time of year for professional family photographers. Our autumn schedules book up quickly, sometimes six or more months in advance! Summer oftentimes has more availability so you can have your choice of dates and not have to plan out so far ahead. 

Parents tickle their young children - taken in Central NJ by Jennifer Fulton Photography

Comfortable temperatures 

Many of my sessions take place in the morning because young children are usually up early. The temperatures are still a little cool and there is this magical dew on the ground. By the evening, the temperatures start to drop and become more comfortable. I don’t shoot in the middle of the day so we avoid the hottest, muggiest time of day (hello New Jersey summers). 

A father holds his daugher on his shoulder - taken in Central NJ by Jennifer Fulton Photography

Vibrant color palettes

Summer brings out vibrant colors. The leaves are bright green and we are wearing bold colors. This may work better with the color scheme of your home than the warmer colors that fall brings. Most people want to print and hang their photos as part of their decor, and they should coordinate with the rest of their home. Check out my Pinterest page for color palette ideas!

Parents hold their daughter in a field - taken in Central NJ by Jennifer Fulton Photography

Light, comfortable outfits 

Summer is a bit more casual with lighter weight fabrics, flowy sundresses, and cute sandals. If this is your family’s style, you may want to consider this time of year for your family photos. Your photos should reflect who you are and your favorite time of year.

A couple holds hands and kisses - taken in Central NJ by Jennifer Fulton Photography

Amazing natural lighting

Proper lighting is a big deal for photographers. Summer brings out the strongest sun of the year and it is GORGEOUS when it is peeking through the trees, bathing you in a warm glow. There is nothing quite like it, and as the days become shorter with fall, we start to lose some of that intensity. 

Mom holds her baby son - taken in Central New Jersey by Jennifer Fulton Photography

Better weather

Many worry about thunderstorms with evening sessions, but our summers have become drier and drier in New Jersey (not a good thing necessarily, but better for our schedules). Storms seem to skirt right around me in Hunterdon County, typically staying north or south of here. 

Parents hold their two young children - taken in Central New Jersey by Jennifer Fulton Photography

Kids can stay up later

Summer means that kids are out of school and schedules are more flexible. It’s an easier time of year to schedule an evening session and stretch bedtime. 

A father holds his baby son - taken in Central New Jersey by Jennifer Fulton Photography

Holiday cards will be ready early

One reason that fall is a popular time for people to schedule their family photo sessions is because they are thinking about their holiday cards. Summer is a great time to have those photos taken because there is plenty of time to get them back, choose your favorites, and design and order your cards. Having one less thing on your to do list around the holidays makes a big difference!

A young girl sits on a bench at sunset - taken in Central New Jersey by Jennifer Fulton Photography

Lots of ice cream after

Everyone deserves ice cream after their family photo session. Some of my favorite ice cream spots in Central New Jersey (in no particular order) are Sandy’s Scoops, Jimmy’s, and Polar Cub. Chocolate chip cookie dough is my favorite flavor 🙂

A baby boy sits and laughs - taken in Central New Jersey by Jennifer Fulton Photography

To summarize, these are the reasons why summer is a great time to schedule your family photo session: 

  • Photographers have better availability

  • Temperatures are comfortable in the morning and evening

  • Vibrant color palettes that work well with home decor

  • Outfits are light and comfortable

  • Natural sunlight is amazing

  • More sunny days

  • Kids can stay up later for evening sessions

  • Holiday cards will be ready early

  • Lots of ice cream opportunities after your session

Are you looking to hire a professional family photographer in Central New Jersey or Bucks County, PA? Take a look at my portfolio and contact me when you are ready! Don’t forget to follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest to see what I’ve been up to lately.

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