Cynthia specializes in family photo sessions in Toledo Ohio. She photographs on-location candid and emotive photography and serves the Toledo, Sylvania, Maumee, Holland, Perrysburg, Oregon, and Northwest Ohio areas. Cynthia is available for maternity, newborn, baby, children and family portraits and storytelling photo sessions.

Should I schedule a spring, summer, or fall family photo session?

I grew up in Florida and having four seasons was not something I experienced there. Living in the south, gave me such an appreciation for the change of seasons here in Ohio. It feels like each new one brings along little gifts to me. They also allow so many different photographic opportunities.

I can’t say I have a favorite season because that really depends on the time of year you ask me that question. I really do love them all and I have different reasons to love each of them. The beauty of freshly fallen snow in winter takes my breath away. In the spring, the blooms make me happy and the leaves turning green again remind me how lucky I am to live someplace with so many trees (Florida has one kind of tree…palm!). Summer nights are my favorite! I love playing with my kids in our yard and soaking up the sunshine. And fall is so magical to this Florida girl who didn’t get to experience any of that gorgeous fall color that paints so much of the city. 

As we transition into a new season, I thought it would be fun to compare a spring, summer photo session to a fall one. There are a few differences that you may not realize. 

What do you want for your backdrop?

Each season brings its own beauty and I love finding landscapes that make beautiful backdrops for sessions. Spring has those beautiful blooms on the trees and everything is turning green. While Summer has gorgeous golden light and wildflowers popping up everywhere. Fall is full of red, yellow, and orange leaves that produce stunning scenery for photos. All the seasons offer wonderful options so this is really up to what you prefer. If you always schedule a photo session for one season, it may be fun to switch it up a bit and get a different vibe this year! 

What time do you want your session to be?

In summer, sessions are held late in the day or early in the morning. We all know that the longest days of the year are in summer and that means more sunlight. The ideal time for a photo session outdoors is about an hour and a half before sunset. This means that a summer photo session will start way after dinner. This can be a big plus for those with older kids but may be a bit of a challenge for the younger ones. Don’t worry if you have a little one and want a summer session, we can always wake up early and shoot right after sunrise. I have also found that even young toddlers love being outside in the summer nights and forget about bedtime with that distration.  

In the fall, when we go back an hour, we lose those long days and the outdoor session start time can jump to almost when those kiddos are getting out of school. This can be super challenging if your kids have after school activities or lots of events on the weekends, so something to keep in mind if you schedule a session after daylight savings time.

Spring sessions are similar to fall, depending on if it is before or after daylight savings time.

What do you want to wear?

When I’m photographing sessions outdoors, we will always have to be mindful of the weather but when you schedule a summer photo session, you can at least know that it will be warm. I can’t tell you how many spring or fall sessions I have had where the family planned their wardrobe options meticulously only to have to come up with something else at the last minute because mother nature decided to throw them a curveball. Usually, we can roll with it and cuddle under some extra blankets but if you have a certain dress or outfit you want your child to show off or don’t like to be cold, then a summer session may be better for you.  

So which season sounds best for your family? I’d love to know! Hop over to Instagram to tell me. I will be opening booking for the 2021 year on February 15th, so if you want a date this year be sure to get on my mailing list for first dibs!

Ready to schedule a family photo session in Toledo Ohio?

I am currently scheduling outdoor sessions for 2021 so be sure to email me to reserve your ideal session date. On that note, fall session dates tend to fill up fast so if that’s your preference it is not too early to schedule your session.