If you live in the Boston area… you may have mixed feelings about our Boston Spring. On the one hand…those warm early April days are like a breath of fresh air after a long Winter. On the other hand, it’s still pretty darn unpredictable! We have had snow in April, there is a heck of a lot of rain and mud, and no one can really predict when the blossoms will turn up!

I’m going to let you in on a little secret though…in MY opinion, Spring blossoms are even prettier than Autumn foliage. There, I said it. There is something incredibly magical about a grove of blossoming trees…magical enough that I personally think it’s worth the weather risk!

How to Choose a Boston Spring Location

Here’s the thing: more so than any other time of year, you have to trust your photographer to select a location that will showcase the April and May beauty. In general, April and early May don’t have a lot going for them *besides* blossoms. The tall grasses are still short and a little dead from their Winter mowing. The landscape doesn’t start looking lush until late May. Grasses are new and a very bright shade of fluorescent green. BUT THE BLOOMS ARE MAGIC. The more flexibility you, as the client, has for a location, the better! We start Spring off with cherry blossoms which start and peak mid to late April. Magnolia blossoms are simultaneous and last a bit longer! Apple blossoms peek out in May. Much like Hagrid told Harry and Ron to ‘follow the spiders’, you need to ‘follow the blossoms’ for Spring magic!

What to Wear for Your Boston Spring Family Session

What makes a great image even better? Your outfits! I know, I know…everyone might be hoping I’ll tell you that what you wear doesn’t really matter. Here’s the thing, while being a snuggly/happy/connected family is paramount…if you are a snuggly/happy/connected family in matching neon outfits…no one is going to notice how beautiful you are. Instead their retinas will be burning from the glow of the colors you selected. Am I exaggerating a little? Perhaps. But the reality is that what you wear makes a significant impact on what people see when they look at your photos.

Tip 1: Keep it Light

When in doubt, choose light colors for Spring, and ideally lots of neutrals. The landscape is vibrant this time of year and light neutrals complement it best. Think cream, oatmeal, tan, camel, ivory. Mix in some of my favorite Spring colors like mauve, mustard, blush, chambray, light blue. For the love of Boston Spring, please do not wear any shade of green. Nature’s got us covered in the green department and we aren’t going for camoflauge!

Tip #2: Use Pinterest!

If you’re having trouble picturing how certain colors go together, open up Pinterest and search “spring family photo outfits”. Here’s what you’ll find. A whole bunch of light colors and neutrals! Just ignore all the green/sage if you live around these parts of the country ;).

Tip #3: Plan for Chilly Evenings

Boston Spring weather can vary widely. Sometimes it’s 80 degrees and sometimes it’s 50. Jean or canvas jackets, long cardigans, and pull-over sweaters are a *must* for every outfit. We may not have to use them at all, or maybe only briefly, but you still need to be prepared! I’ll bring some beautiful blankets for sitting and wrapping little ones in as well.

Tip #4: Where to Shop

Your family outfits do not need to break the bank. Check Amazon, Target, Old Navy, Zara Kids, and H+M. Look for items with detail and texture: buttons, lace, ruffles, suspenders, ribbing, linen, corduroy.

Questions about your upcoming Spring session? Reach out anytime and I am happy to help you plan!