It’s that time of year again! Time to start thinking about your outdoor family photos session. As a photographer in Madison, WI and fellow mama to three, I know there are lots of things to consider when it comes to choosing a month for your outdoor family photos. My outdoor season runs May – early November and I’m excited to break down the pros and cons of each month. Hopefully you find it helpful when considering which month works best for your family!

Why Sunset Affects Session Times for Outdoor Family Photos

I know session start time is a big one for families, especially those with little ones. All of my outdoor family photos sessions take place during Golden Hour because it offers the best, most flattering and glowy light. Golden Hour occurs about an hour before sunset, and the time of sunset changes over the summer. Generally, late spring/early summer and late summer/early fall will give you earlier session times due to earlier sunset!

And of course, blooms and wildflowers vary by year, season and location but I have locations that feature each of the wildflower seasons I outline below!

May

Sunset: 8 – 8:30 pm
Session start time: 6:30-7:30 pm
Blooms/wildflowers seasons: can usually catch the Magnolias at the Arboretum in early May, with Lilacs and Japanese Blooms blooming through most of May
Pros: earlier sunset and comfortable temperatures
Cons: the weather can still sometimes be a bit unpredictable and greenery can sometimes still be sparse

June

Sunset: 8:30 – 8:45 pm
Session start time: 7:00 – 7:30 pm
Blooms/wildflowers seasons: purple flower season (wild geraniums)
Pros: much fuller greenery and trees
Cons: mosquitoes tend to start

July (my favorite month for wildflowers)

Sunset: 8:40 – 8:20 (the sun starts to set earlier further into the month)
Session start time: 7:00 – 7:30
Blooms/wildflowers seasons: a variety of wildflowers
Pros: trees and grasses are lush and wildflowers are plentiful
Cons: temperatures can be warm and humid, sometimes need to keep an eye open for ticks and mosquitoes

August

Sunset: 8:20 – 7:35 (the sun sets earlier the further we get into the month)
Session start time: 7:00 – 6:00
Blooms/wildflowers seasons: white Queens Anne’s Lace
Pros: trees and grasses are lush and wildflowers are plentiful
Cons: temperatures can be warm and humid, sometimes need to keep an eye open for ticks and mosquitoes

September (my personal fav)

Sunset: 7:30 – 6:40 (the sun sets earlier the further we get into the month)
Session start time: 6:30 – 5:30
Blooms/wildflowers seasons: orange and small purple wildflowers but mostly tall wheat grasses
Pros: earlier evenings, slightly cooler temps, and the scenery is all around beautiful, whether you want wildflowers or just greenery, it’s beautiful everywhere
Cons: the bugs can still be a nuisance, depending on the location

October

Sunset: 6:40 – 5:50 pm (the sun sets earlier the further we get into the month)
Session start time: 6:00 – 4:45 pm
Blooms/wildflowers seasons: autumn leaves start to change, grasses start to crisp up
Pros: cooler temperatures and earlier session times
Cons: it’s a very very popular outdoor family photos season so locations are typically crowded

November

Sunset: 5:50 – 4:25 pm
Session start time: 4:45 – 3:30 pm
Blooms/wildflowers seasons: some lingering autumn color, lots of browns and neutrals
Pros: cooler temperatures, great Holiday Card vibes, neutral scenery is always great!
Cons: the weather can be unpredictable and sometimes quite cold

I hope you found this article helpful in deciding which month to book your outdoor family photos! If you would like to chat more about booking a session, don’t hesitate to reach out!

More posts you might enjoy…

• 3 Ways Your Printed Photos Add Significance and Beauty to your Home
• 13 Favorite Family-Friendly Madison WI Restaurants
• 12 Best Date Night Ideas Madison WI Before Baby
• 8 Best Date Night Restaurants Madison WI
• Best Month to Take Outdoor Family Photos

---