With each passing day your family evolves and grows. The kids are growing up, your high school senior is transitioning to college, the grandparents are aging, and even the dog refuses to stay a puppy.Family portraits are one of the most meaningful traditions a family can create and the “right time”, is right now. They capture not only how everyone looks at a certain age or stage of life but also the laughter, closeness, and unique personality of your family in that moment. Whether you are planning fall family portraits for holiday cards or simply want family pictures you can put on your walls to treasure year after year, the best time to schedule is always sooner rather than later.
The sooner you plan your family portraits, the easier it is to coordinate schedules and make the experience enjoyable for everyone. This is especially true for larger family sessions or if you know that your calendar gets booked long in advance.
Why Timing Matters for Family Portraits
Our busiest seasons for family portraits in Raleigh and Cary are undoubtedly the fall and spring. Families love the colorful foliage of fall and the beautiful blooms of spring for their sessions. We are lucky to have all four seasons in our area, so we can make the most of the beauty of each one, but there’s something so special about gorgeous fall leaves and plentiful spring flowers that make a perfect background for family photography. These times of year are especially popular for families looking to create portraits that double as family pictures for holiday cards or gifts for loved ones. Naturally, our weekend availability books up quickly, so we always recommend reserving your date at least a season ahead. That means if you are hoping for fall family portraits, it’s best to book in summer, if possible.
Many families plan even further in advance. Some of our clients reserve their family portraits six months out, to ensure that they get the exact date and season they have in mind. For families who make annual portraits part of their tradition, booking early is part of their planning process, and is something that we would recommend – especially if your family calendar gets booked up months in advance!
Planning for Larger Family Portrait Sessions
If your family pictures will include extended family, like grandparents, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, and cousins, planning ahead becomes even more important. With multiple work schedules, school calendars, and kids’ sports activities or clubs to coordinate, finding one date that works for everyone can take a little time. We recommend having those conversations early so that once everyone agrees on a date, you can book your family photographer right away. This avoids last-minute stress and gives everyone something to look forward to. It’s also especially helpful if you’re planning to coordinate outfits (which we highly recommend!) so that you have time to find the right pieces without the rush.
Booking now means your family portraits will be ready for holiday cards and gifts. We’ll create beautiful family pictures that help you remember this moment for the years to come.
Family Portraits for Holiday Cards
One of the most popular reasons families book sessions in the fall is to have updated family portraits for holiday cards. A fall session ensures your images are ready well before the busy season of printing, mailing, and gifting begins. Families who book early enjoy the peace of mind of knowing they will have beautiful, print-ready family pictures and they will have enough time to design and print their holiday cards, as well as leaving enough time to mail them out.
Why Booking Early Makes a Difference
Booking your family portraits in advance helps to guarantee your preferred date, while also leaving enough time to plan outfits, choose the perfect location, and ensure everyone feels prepared. Whether you love the idea of family portraits in a local park with fall leaves around you, family pictures in urban Downtown Raleigh, or a cozy at-home session, early booking makes the process smooth and enjoyable. If your idea of perfect family pictures is in the comfort of your home or your own backyard, planning in advance allows you time to prepare the space ahead of your portrait session. Otherwise, you can leave all the preparations to us!
From little moments to big memories, family portraits tell the story of your year, and the people who made it memorable.
Be You, With Us
At My Friend Teresa Studios, we create a stress-free family portrait experience (even for mom!) to create heirloom-quality family pictures that tell your family story. Whether your session is for a holiday card, an annual family tradition, or a once-in-a-lifetime gathering of extended relatives, as the premier family photographer in Cary and Raleigh, we’ll take care of every detail and you’ll leave us with family portraits that you’ll be proud of.
Ready to book yours? Get in touch today to talk about your family portrait session.
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