It’s Still 90 Degrees, But It’s Time to Book Your Orlando Fall Family Photos

I know. It’s September in Orlando.

It’s literally still 90 degrees outside, nobody is wearing a sweater, and “fall” mostly means pumpkin cold brew and sweating while we put up Halloween decorations.

But if you’re thinking about family photos for holiday cards, gifts, or just because your kids somehow grew six inches since last year, now is the time to get them on the calendar.

As an Orlando family photographer, fall is easily one of my busiest seasons — and for good reason.

When should I book fall family photos in Orlando?

If you want family photos anytime between October and early December, I recommend booking as early as you can.

Fall dates, especially weekends, tend to go first. And even if you’re flexible about the day, booking early gives you more choices when it comes to location and timing.

There’s also one very important Florida-specific thing to remember:

Our sunsets start getting EARLY.

That gorgeous evening light we use for outdoor family photos creeps earlier and earlier as we move toward winter. That can mean starting a session before the workday is even over.

This is one reason I’m a huge fan of weekday sessions when families can swing them. They can sometimes give us more flexibility, quieter locations, and an easier overall experience.

But Orlando doesn’t exactly look like fall...

Correct.

I cannot promise you crunchy orange leaves and crisp 62-degree weather. I would be lying to you, and we have only just met.

But Orlando in the fall can be absolutely beautiful for photos.

We still have gorgeous greenery, warm golden light, big, mossy oak trees, open fields, urban locations and plenty of places that photograph beautifully without needing to pretend we live in Vermont.

You also don’t have to dress your entire family in burgundy, mustard and plaid just because it’s November.

Choose colors and clothing that feel like your family and work well with the location. Neutrals, denim, earthy colors, soft blues, greens and warmer tones can all work beautifully.

And please: nobody needs to be sweating through a chunky sweater for the sake of a Christmas card.

Full session or mini session?

This depends entirely on what you want.

A mini session is perfect when you primarily want an updated family portrait, a handful of great images and something for the holiday card.

They move quickly, though. Because mini sessions are scheduled back-to-back, there isn’t much room for warming up, outfit changes or letting a skeptical toddler spend 25 minutes deciding whether I can be trusted.

A full family session gives us more breathing room.

We can walk, play, let the kids loosen up and create a bigger variety of photos. Full sessions are especially helpful with little kids, larger families or anyone who wants the session to feel less like “picture day” and more like hanging out together while I happen to have a camera.

If you’re trying to decide between the two, I have an entire post about mini sessions vs. full family photo sessions that can help.

What if my kids don’t cooperate?

Excellent. Bring them anyway.

Your children are not required to become tiny professional models for family photos.

I don’t expect them to stand perfectly still, stare directly into my camera and smile on command for an hour. Frankly, those usually aren’t my favorite pictures anyway.

We’ll move. We’ll play. We’ll take breaks. I’ll give you direction when you need it.

The goal is to photograph your actual family — not create photographic evidence that everyone behaved perfectly for 45 consecutive minutes.

And yes, I will absolutely get the everyone-looking-at-the-camera photo for Grandma.

Give yourself enough time for your holiday cards

If holiday cards are the goal, don’t schedule your session for December 22 and then put that emotional burden on both of us.

Give yourself some breathing room.

After your session, I carefully edit your images before delivering your gallery. Then you still need time to choose your favorites, design cards, order them and theoretically address them before they live untouched on your dining room table for two weeks.

Earlier is easier.

Mostly, just take the pictures.

I know family photos can feel like another thing on the list.

You have to find outfits. Coordinate schedules. Convince somebody who hates having their picture taken that this will not, in fact, ruin their life.

But then another year passes.

Your kids look different. Their little faces change. Somebody loses their front teeth. Somebody suddenly looks way too grown up. And the pictures become more valuable than they felt when you were standing in your bedroom throwing clothing options onto the bed.

So yes: even though it is still ridiculously hot outside, this is your reminder.

Fall family photo season in Orlando is here.

If you’ve been thinking about updating your family photos, you can check my current availability and book your Orlando family photography session here.

I’ll bring the camera.

You bring your people.