We’re really fortunate to experience all four seasons here in British Columbia, especially in the Kootenays where our winter season is truly spectacular. Understanding how outdoor photo shoots change with the seasons is key when scheduling your family session! Light plays a huge role in how your photos turn out. If you’re drawn to that warm, golden glow, we’ll aim to shoot in the last two hours of the day—it’s when the lighting is most flattering. But this timing shifts a lot depending on the month. If your little ones have early bedtimes, consider waiting until the sun sets sooner. If they’re older or have more flexible schedules, any time works. Milestones matter too, even if they don’t align perfectly with the ideal season. I’ll always avoid harsh mid-day light but we can adjust and shoot earlier if needed, though we might have to compromise on location for some shade. Locations can be change a lot throughout the seasons too! What’s perfect in summer might not be in winter. If you’ve got a special spot in mind, we’ll figure out the best time to shoot there.Think about your family’s favourite activities and the season that holds the dearest memories. I hope this helps you pick the perfect season for your family’s current stage!
Spring
April - May - June
6pm - 7:30pm - 8pm
Spring can be awesome for family pics! It’s warming up, we’re emerging from our winter hibernation, and the flowers are popping up everywhere. We have Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, both great reasons for a family session! My favourite time for Spring in the East Kootenays is May-June when the wildflowers come out. In April and early May, we still have that cool yellow grass with the tones I love. It gradually turns a lush green by June which is equally as beautiful in the right lighting. The ideal shooting time in April is around 6pm. Evenings in May are perfect for photos around 7 or 7:30pm, and in June, when the sun sets super late in the Kimberley/Cranbrook area, around 8 or 8:30pm is best. If your kids stay up late, it’s a great time for photos! But if they get cranky in the evening, maybe wait for earlier sunsets.
For clothes, bundle up or layer in April and early May, it can still be chilly and the wind can pick up in the mountains. Later in May and June, go for light, neutral colours that won’t clash with the bright green grass.
Summer
July - August
7:30pm - 7pm
Nothing beats the warm feeling of a summer evening. With the kids on break, there’s loads of family time. You’re already making those memories you never want to forget. Plus, there’s more sun and the evening light is just pure magic. Perfect for a photo shoot at your favorite lake, doing all those fun summer things. In July, aim for around 7:30pm for the best shots, but by August, we can begin to start earlier, like around 7pm, and even as early as 6 or 6:30pm by late August and early September.
Summer calls for laid-back attire! Go for flowy dresses, either long or a bit shorter is nice, so you can easily dip your toes in the water and cool off. Dad can rock shorts and a short-sleeve button-up. Kids can sport shorts and T-shirts, or cute little summer dresses or jumpers. Sandals or going barefoot are the way to go!
Fall
September - October -November
6pm - 5pm - 3:30pm
I LOVE fall! If bedtime is a big deal, then fall is your season. It’s super popular for family photos because you can get that perfect evening light without keeping the kids up too late. Plus, it’s a great time to plan ahead for Christmas cards or gifts. The rich colours look amazing in photos, and the fields turn that gorgeous yellow again. By late September, our evening sessions can begin around 5:30pm, and as October rolls in, we can start them closer to 5pm and even earlier from there.
I usually can’t wait to break out my cozy comfy clothes again. Fall colours are fantastic in clothing: think warm colours like terracotta, mustard yellow, burgundy, camel, emerald, and olive greens. Opt for jeans, cozy sweaters, or long-sleeved dresses. Accessorize with scarves, hats, and boots in case we hit some wet grass or mud.
Winter
December - March
2:30pm - 5:30pm
Winter might not be the obvious choice for family photos, but we adore it here in the East Kootenays! It’s why many of us settled here. There’s a ton of outdoor fun to be had, and the snowy trees and mountains are breathtaking. We’re blessed with lots of sunny days where the snow sparkles, making everything feel magical. With Christmas bringing extended family together, it’s the perfect time for photos. Plus, you can add activities like snowshoeing or sledding to your session. Snow usually starts falling in December and sticks around until March, with the best snow from late December to Early March. For winter shoots in Kimberley/Cranbrook, we want that fluffy snow! Since the sun sets early, we can start shoots in the late afternoon, around 3pm.
Bundle up in your winter gear, with a snowy backdrop toques, scarves, mittens and snow suits will seem like a natural fit in the photos . Bright colours are welcome in the winter! they’ll pop against the white backdrop. Winter bookings are usually light, so plenty of room for rescheduling if we get a really cold or gloomy day.
Get in touch to pick the right season for your Kootenay Family Photos!
