Family photography is one of the most beautiful ways to capture moments that become treasured memories. I live in Paris and I get to see the most gorgeous seasonal changes each year. The city, with its historic architecture, charming storefronts, lush gardens, and traditional markets, is an absolute feast for the eyes. It genuinely does not matter what time of year you visit. You will ALWAYS find magic. Every season is the time of year for something. You just have to be creative and openminded when it comes to your photoshoot.

As the seasons change, they offer unique backdrops and opportunities for stunning photographs. Whether it’s the vibrant colors of autumn or the bright, airy feel of spring, each season has its own charm. So I wanted to go season by season, and give some useful tips on how to optimize the weather for the most beautiful portraits. 

Here’s how to capture the essence of each season in your family photography.

Spring: Embracing New Beginnings

1. Location, Location, Location

Spring is all about renewal and new beginnings. Look for blooming gardens, parks with cherry blossoms, or fields of wildflowers. These locations offer a vibrant, colorful backdrop for your photos. There are SO many parks in Paris with vibrant flowers to choose from. One of our favorite locations is the Luxembourg Gardens in particular because there are so many beautiful backdrops to choose from. During peak season, they are pretty much all natural, green, and very springy. 

2. Play with Pastels

During this time of year, pastel colors can be a great choice for spring sessions. Soft pinks, baby blues, and light greens complement the natural beauty of spring. These colors not only blend well with the surroundings but also add a fresh, airy feel to the photos. If you do end up choosing some pastel colors, we recommend adding in one darker accent (maybe shoes or shirt) to contrast with the light colors and make them “pop.”

3. Capture Candid Moments

Spring is a time for playfulness. We like to capture candid moments of children running through parks of green grass, families having picnics, or parents lifting their children in the air. These spontaneous shots often turn out to be the most cherished. Any beautiful moment with giggles and cuddles is what we go for. 

4. Use Natural Light

Spring light is soft and diffused, perfect for photography. Plan your sessions for early morning to take advantage of the "golden hour" when the light is warm and flattering. We actually do ALL of our outdoor sessions in the morning for this very reason. And because there are way less people out and about. 

Summer: Fun and Freedom

1. Beach and Water Fun

In many places, summer is synonymous with trips to the beach, lakes, and rivers. Depending on way you live, you might find a family photographer who wants to capture your family building sandcastles, splashing in the water, or enjoying a sunset stroll along the shore. After all, it's the best season for outdoor activities with its clear skies and warm days. Is there a fun activity you and your family like to do together? 

In Paris, our version of this is usually elegant portraits along the banks of the River Seine, or dynamic moments near a splashing fountain or peaceful duck pond. We have plenty of options here for combining beautiful families with the natural world to create those extra precious moments. 

2. Bright and Bold Colors

The Summer months are a great time to go with bolder color palettes. We like to suggest outfits in bright colors like red, yellow, and turquoise. These colors pop against the blue sky and green landscapes, making the photos more lively and dynamic. Be sure to coordinate colors with your family. For example, you could choose a theme color (like blue or burgundy) and then mix and match shades and neutral colors to create a cohesive look. 

3. Action Shots

Summer is all about activities. Whether it’s playing games, riding bikes, or strolling through the parl, capture the action. These photos exude joy and convey the spirit of summer fun.

4. Golden Hour Magic

In summer, the golden hour lasts longer. Use this to your advantage by planning sessions around sunrise. The warm, golden light will add a magical touch to your photos. The sunrise happens earlier in the summer, which means you can enjoy it and then have even more time to spend with your family afterwards. 

Autumn: The Season of Change

1. Autumn Leaves

Nothing says autumn like the changing leaves. Find locations for your fall session with a variety of trees to capture the full spectrum of fall colors. A local park, forest, or even tree-lined streets can provide stunning backdrops.

2. Earthy Tones

Encourage your family to wear earthy tones like mustard yellow, burnt orange, and deep reds. These colors complement the autumn leaves and give the photos a cohesive, seasonal look.

3. Seasonal Props

Incorporate seasonal props into your fall family photos like hot beverages or pastries that can keep the crisp air at bay, especially in the early mornings. These add a personal touch of autumn charm and can make your family portraits more engaging and festive.

4. Overcast is Okay

Don’t panic if there is a lot of cloud cover on the day of your portrait session! I promise you, this is NOT going to ruin your photos. Overcast days can actually be perfect for fall photography. The diffused light reduces harsh shadows and brings out the rich colors of the season.

Speaking of not-so-perfect weather…we’ve had plenty of sessions in the rain. And the portraits still turned out stunning. Not to mention, we can still manage to have a ton of fun with our clients even in a downpour. It’s all part of the experience. Mother nature has a mind of her own. If everything went perfectly, that would be boring anyway!

Winter: Cozy and Intimate

1. Winter Wonderland

If you’re somewhere very cold, you can capture the beauty of winter with snowy landscapes. Look for locations for your winter session with pristine white snow, frost-covered trees, or icicles. These elements add a magical, wintery feel to your photos.

Paris, and many other European cities, are known for incredible Christmas and winter holiday markets. So if there’s no snow and you’re set on a wintery backdrop, a Parisian Christmas market will do the trick. I look forward to visiting the markets with my kids every year. It never loses its charm and magical feeling. It’s basically like entering a fairytale world. Honestly, it might be the best time of year. But I'm not choosing a favorite season!

2. Warm and Cozy Outfits

We recommend dressing in warm, cozy outfits. Think knitted sweaters, scarves, and boots. Or long wool coats. Layering not only keeps everyone warm but also adds texture and interest to the photos. And you'll be ready for the unpredictable weather conditions of the winter months.

3. Holiday Spirit

If your session is around the holidays, embrace the festive spirit. We love to capture families doing festive activities together, like visiting the Christmas markets or sipping a mug of hot cocoa in a cute cafe. These moments are intimate and full of joy.

Lucky for us, Paris goes all out with the holiday decor! It’s so easy to find buildings done up for Christmas with garlands, ornamental trees, and elegant lights. These spots make perfect backdrops for family holiday photo sessions. 

Each season offers unique opportunities and challenges for family photography. By embracing the distinctive elements of spring, summer, autumn, and winter, you can capture the change of seasons and create beautiful, memorable photos. Remember to plan ahead, consider the colors and props, and most importantly, have fun capturing those special moments that your family will cherish forever.

And if you’re looking for a portrait photographer while in Paris, you can book an indoor or outdoor portrait session with us at Katie Donnelly Photography! Click HERE to book.