The Best Season For Photo Sessions

I know what you're thinking – this is a personal preference, right? And sometimes we don't have the option to decide because the photos are time-sensitive.

This post will be less Choose this, not that, and more This is what you can expect each season. One of my favorite things about Colorado is that we reliably experience all four seasons, often within a single day. From day to day and season to season, Colorado offers us beauty and unpredictability, keeping us on our toes and allowing for creativity that wouldn't otherwise be possible.

Keep reading for lots of photo examples from each season, as well as my thoughts on what you should expect from season to season. However, I want to be very clear when I say that gorgeous photos are possible in each and every season because Colorado delivers something for everyone!

SPRING

Pros: Moderate temperatures, flowering trees (based on timing), vibrant blooming flowers and colors, green grass, early evening photography session times (6:00 – 7:00pm is typical)

Cons: The spring flowering trees can be challenging to predict but typically bloom in late April and early May

Weather: As with all of the seasons, spring in Colorado is unpredictable. Spring photo sessions may include beautiful golden light or look overcast and gloomy (both of which can look beautiful!)

SUMMER

Pros: Warm/hot temperatures, green leaves, vibrant blooming flowers and colors, lush green grass, and late evening photography session times (7:30 – 8:30pm is typical). Sunsets are gorgeous! Morning photo sessions are an option for families with young children if the golden hour is too late for them. Mornings are a great alternative and often include milder temperatures and fewer mosquitos.

Cons: Hot temperatures can be challenging for photos due to sweating, and mosquitoes are often an issue.

Weather: As with all of the seasons, summer in Colorado is unpredictable. Summer photo sessions may include beautiful golden light or look overcast and gloomy (both of which can look beautiful!)

FALL

Pros: Colorado gives us some real beauty in the fall! This may include vibrant yellow leaves (green and brown leaves are also possible), depending on the timing, and early evening photography session times (5:30 – 6:30pm is typical). Early fall typically features more green in the leaves and grass, while late fall transitions into browns. Pine-treed locations are a great option once the leaves are gone.

Cons: Fall is the most popular season for photos, so scheduling is tight, and rescheduling is difficult. I recommend choosing a different season if you want more flexibility to reschedule due to weather.

Weather: You guessed it: unpredictable. Fall photo sessions can take place in windy or snowy conditions, or they may be beautiful, warm, and sunny. I have photographed families in temps ranging from 35 to 80 degrees in the fall. It's always a gamble!

WINTER

Pros: Winter photos in Colorado can be iconic! I typically have a couple of families who request snowy photos each year, and thanks to my lighter schedule in the winter, I am flexible and willing to plan when the weather cooperates. Winter calls for shorter days and early evening photography session times (4:00 – 6:00 pm is typical).

Cons: Cold temperatures, snow (this can be a pro and a con, depending on the person!), lack of color

Weather: You know the drill. It is unpredictable. Winter photo sessions can include wind or snow, or they may be beautiful, (moderately) warm, and sunny.