Why Fall Might Not Be the Right Time for Your Family Photos (And What to Book Instead)

Everyone wants fall photos, they are the “thing to do” in this area. The foliage in Massachusetts is gorgeous, and for a lot of families, “fall photos” and “annual family photos” have become basically synonymous. But after years of shooting through September, October, and November in the Boston area, I want to make the case that booking fall might actually be working against you – and that there are real, practical reasons why so many families end up stressed, scrambling, or missing their session altogether.

I’ve talked a lot about why Spring and Summer are great times to book family photos but I have never expressly said why NOT to book the Fall. So let’s dive in!

The Fall Fantasy vs. The Fall Reality

There’s a very short window when foliage actually peaks in Massachusetts. We’re talking maybe two to three weeks, depending on the year and where you live. Every family in the greater Boston area is chasing that same window and it’s all based on guesswork. Before the Fall hit this year, I saw on the news that they were predicting a much later foliage schedule than in years’ past. However, I can tell you right now that it’s actually AHEAD of schedule this year. And don’t get me started on the impending nor’easter which may or may not blow most of the leaves away.

And then there’s life – the very busy, very full life of a family with school-age kids – starts colliding with those dates in ways nobody planned for.

If you’ve ever had to reschedule a fall session due to illness, weather, or had to give up your date because of a playoff game or a curriculum night, you already know what I mean.

Eight Reasons to Think Twice Before Booking Fall

1. Back-to-School Obligations Take Over Your Calendar

September and October are packed with school events. Meet the teacher nights, welcome back parties, curriculum nights – and if you have more than one kid in more than one school, keeping up with all of it is a nightmare. If it’s anything like my own house, evening availability is limited, and the last thing you need is a photo session competing with a school commitment that you didn’t find out about until 10 days before.

2. Sports Schedules Are Unpredictable

Sports organizations are notorious for last-minute scheduling. In order to get a prime date, you have to book with popular photographers in June or July. By the time that October date finally rolls around it’s suddenly your kid’s playoff game or tryout day. A photographer who is fully booked for the season simply cannot move a dozen families around for sports conflicts. You may end up having to give up on a Fall session and wait for the following year.

3. Wind Is a Real Factor

Fall in New England is windy– more so than other seasons, as the temperatures shift and the air changes. As a photographer, I *love* hair and dresses blowing, but if you are envisioning a more perfectly polished look and are not someone who loves the “hair blowing everywhere” look, Fall may not be the best choice.

4. The Temperature Drops Faster Than You Think

That adorable linen shirt or flowy dress you had in mind? Unless you’re booking early September, it’s probably not going to work. By mid-October we are dipping into the low 50s, sometimes the high 40s. Layers, sweaters, tights, and outerwear become necessary – which is great if that’s the look you love, but a real surprise if you were picturing something lighter and more coordinated.

5. Boston Traffic Is No Joke at Golden Hour

Fall sessions happen between roughly 4 and 6pm, depending on where we are in the season. If you’ve ever tried to get from your office to daycare to a photo location in the Boston area during that window, you already know that this likely requires you leaving at approximately 12pm to get anywhere on time. Arriving stressed and rushed is not the vibe we’re going for – and if you’re stressed, that will absolutely affect your kids.

6. The Hungry Hours!

There is something about stepping out of the car into crisp fall air that makes kids immediately, urgently hungry. Sessions that fall right around dinner time mean you are working against a biological clock that your child did not agree to pause for photos. Snacks beforehand help, but they don’t fully solve it. I cannot tell you the amount of times a kid (especially toddlers!) is crying for snacks when the parents *just* gave them a huge one in the car.

7. Sick Season Peaks in the Fall

September through November is prime time for every germ your kid can pick up at school – strep, colds, the flu, the stomach bug. The odds of your child being sick, or recovering from being sick on your session date is higher than any other season. Rescheduling is sometimes possible, but only with a little luck and a lotttt of flexibility.

8. Q4 Work Pressure Is Real

If you or your partner works in a field where the end of the year is high-stakes – October and November bring a surge of last-minute travel, meetings, and deadlines. The likelihood of a work conflict appearing out of nowhere is significantly higher in Q4 than it is in the Spring or Summer. If you or your partner are suddenly hit with a last minute work trip during your scheduled date/rain date, there’s no guarantee you’ll be able to get another date during the same season.

So When Should You Book Instead of Fall??

Here’s what I want you to think about after reading this post: I am not telling you to NEVER book Fall. What I want families to consider is that you do not have to limit yourself to one narrow window every single year. Spring and summer in Massachusetts are beautiful *and* a lot more relaxed. Choosing other seasons every once in a while will also give your family photos some variety and allow you to explore the beauty of this area in ways that are not centered around foliage. Think Spring blossoms, Summer wildflowers, the beach, etc!

Reach out here to start planning your 2027 session.