Thinking about booking a family session but not sure when?
You’re not alone. One of the most common questions I get asked is, “When’s the best time to book my family photos ?”
The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer (just like parenting huh!) Perth’s light, colours, and weather shift beautifully across the year and every season brings something different to your session.
The right time to book depends on your family’s schedule, the kind of vibe you want, and the memories you’re hoping to create (and the outfits you are planning to wear!)
Let’s break it down season by season, so you can choose the time that feels right for your family.
Spring (September to November)
This is hands-down one of the most popular times to book a family photoshoot in Perth. The weather is warming up, wildflowers are blooming, and everything feels fresh and full of life.
It’s the best time to book your family photo session if sunsets are a must for your overall look. Sunset times change from 6pm (September) to 7pm (November.) If you have younger children who need an earlier bedtime, then booking in early September means a sunset session with younger kids before bedtime stretches too late.
The colours in bushland and open fields are lush and vibrant. Wildflowers are popping up, and speciality spring locations such as Raeburn Orchards and S&R Orchards create a beautiful spring blossom background. Both places run Spring (and Autumn) festivals, so there is more to enjoy at the venue than just a family photo shoot. Please note that there are entry costs to the orchards and a photography fee to shoot there, which will need to be covered by the client.
Wardrobe options are abundant with the change of seasons. It’s time to bust out the summer dresses and flowy skirts while also having a cardigan handy in case it’s a bit chilly come sunset. Textures are still something to consider when layering. Not sure what textures work? Click here to read more about what to wear to your family photo shoot.
Spring is also the perfect time to book a family session in Perth if you’re planning ahead for Christmas gifts or cards. Who doesn’t love being organised and ticking one more thing off your to do list?
Summer (December to February)
Summer brings golden sunsets, beachy vibes, and long warm evenings. But it also comes with late sunsets, unpredictable winds, and the occasional 40°C day. Best suited for beach sessions (hello, golden sand and salty hair!) Make sure you plan to get your feet wet at the end of the session. After the sun has dipped below the horizon, this is when the light is at its most magical!
Great for older kids who can handle a later bedtime. The beginning of December has the sunset around 7pm. The end of January is when the sun sets at its latest 7:18 and by the end of February its setting is around 6:50pm.
Did you know golden hour happens twice a day? If you have young children who are up at the crack of dawn (or before!) then consider having a sunrise beach session. It’s usually much cooler and there are less people at the beach. You will get the prettiest soft light and those pinky blue cotton candy skies. Just remember to pack snacks because all that play and excitement in the water will make them hungry!
Its the best time to book your family photos in Summer if wardrobe choice is important to you. Summer outfits are all about comfort and being able to move about freely. Think long flowy dresses and skirts, linen shirts and barefeet in the sand. Light colours are best in beach locations and creams, greens and shades of caramel look amazing in the long grass fields. (Shoes are always recommended for grass/bush sessions!!)
If you LOVE the beach look but aren’t keen on gambling on the wind or crowds, the trick is to head to one of the gorgeous locations near the Swan River. Just ask for my list of favourite spots!
Autumn (March to May)
Autumn is Perth’s most underrated season for family photos. The light turns soft and golden, the leaves start changing, and there’s a warm stillness to the evenings. Aside from Christmas, its one of the most popular times for family photos thanks to Mother’s Day and the change from hot weather into the cooler months.
By now you must have realised how much I love sunsets. Just like Spring, the sunset times change quickly during Autumn. The beginning of March has sunsets at approximately 6:50pm moving quickly to 5:20pm by the end of May.
Parents and kids alike will appreciate fewer flies and less wind compared to summer (something we can all rejoice in!)
I think Autumn wardrobe options are my favourite (and not only because my birthday is in Autumn!) Great for earthy tones and layering textures like knits and linen. Long sleeve dresses and oversized wraps bring warmth and personality to your shoot. Not to mention boots!
This season pairs beautifully with bushland and field locations. There are a couple of locations I know where the sun dips behind trees or hills early, meaning we can start the session 2 hours before sunset if your kids need to stay on a bedtime schedule.
Winter (June to August)
Hear me out. Winter photos can be magic. Moody skies, soft cloud cover, and rich colour palettes make for beautifully emotive images. Some of my favourite beach sessions have taken place in winter and the best part? The beach is almost always free of other people.
The sunrise is much later in winter meaning that sunrise sessions (whilst being cold) are much more achievable (and look magical with early morning fog!)
Ideal for forest type locations, cosy styling (beanies, boots and a blanket to wrap up in!) and more intimate sessions (what kid will refuse a warm cuddle in mum and dads arms?)
The downside? Be prepared to be flexible with dates in case of rain (or bring an umbrella?) Heavy cloud cover can also make photos seem a bit flat but as this is usually the quiet season for family photographers, there is flexibility with dates.
If you love layers, boots, and something a little different, winter might surprise you.
So, When is the best time to book your family photos?
If you’re after golden light, warm tones, and wildfields: book for spring or autumn.
Love beachy vibes? or want to capture a summertime memory: go with early summer.
Got some flexibilty in your schedule and love the idea of something cosy and unique: consider winter.
And remember, sessions book out fast around spring, autumn, and Christmas holidays. The earlier you reach out, the better chance we have to plan something beautiful around your schedule.
Still unsure when’s the best time to book your family session in Perth?
Reach out and tell me what you’re imagining, whats important to you and some possibly dates. I’ll help you choose the perfect season, time, and location to bring it all to life.
x Eileen
