October is a fantastic time for taking pictures here in the Treasure Valley, whether it’s family portraits, senior portraits, or even engagement photos. Why?
The weather is fabulous
It’s not too hot, not too cold: you won’t be sweating profusely if you wear long sleeves (like in July, am I right?), but you don’t need a thick coat yet. Any time of day is good for picture taking. Now that summer is over, we have clouds again, and cloudy days make for fantastic portraits because clouds disperse the sunlight more evenly. Also, the temperature is just right for layering your outfits. Layers are key to coordinating your family’s outfits. Layers are also great for individual portraits because you can put together wardrobe options more easily. Check this next post for more variations of this red, white, and blue theme seen below.
There isn’t a lot of layering you can do in summer, unless you want to be uncomfortably hot:
But in September when the weather cools off (at least here in the Treasure Valley) and autumn begins, you can start layering your outfits. A contrasting shirt under a sweater or cardigan is an easy way to tie in a particular color. Scarves, headbands, belts, and shoes are also helpful.
Things are still green, but there are some colors in the leaves
Let’s face it, autumn leaves are a hugely popular backdrop for family pictures. If you like parks and other green spaces, you can find plenty of variety to suit your tastes. However, if you wait until early November, you risk rain and snow causing everything to turn brown and yucky. Right after I photographed the family above in 2014, it rained. Goodbye, beautiful-colored leaves covering the ground; hello, soggy brown compost.
Plenty of time to put together Christmas cards and photo gifts
Most people don’t want to think about Christmas until after Thanksgiving. However, that’s usually too late to start thinking about family photos for Christmas. My turnaround for portraits is 2-3 weeks (which is pretty typical for most photographers). Schedule family portraits in October and save yourself some stress this holiday season. This would also give you sufficient time to order photo gifts–pictures make great presents for grandparents!
Also plenty of time to turn in senior photos
Many high schools have early deadlines for submitting your senior picture to the yearbook. Give yourself plenty of time to choose an image and turn it in.
You’re only going to get busier
Thanksgiving planning, Christmas shopping, studying for finals, college applications due in January…late fall and winter get busy very quickly! Don’t miss what could be the last good opportunity of the year to get your family together for photos.
