The Best Seasons for Family Photos in Richmond (and What to Wear)

Richmond gives you four genuinely different backdrops a year, and the season you choose changes everything: the color behind you, the light on your faces, and what you should wear. Here's how each one shoots, and how to dress for it.

Spring (April–May)

This is peak color season. Bryan Park's azaleas and roses explode, Maymont's gardens fill in, and the dogwoods bloom across the Fan. Light is soft and the temperature is comfortable for little kids.

What to wear: Soft pastels, creams, and light denim. Let the flowers be the color — keep your clothing quiet so it doesn't compete.

Tip: Spring books up fast for the same reason it photographs well. Reserve 3–4 weeks out.

Summer (June–August)

Lush, green, and warm. The catch is heat and harsh midday sun, so summer sessions live and die by timing — we shoot the first hour after sunrise or the last hour before sunset, never noon.

What to wear: Breathable fabrics in earth tones — olive, tan, rust, muted blue. Avoid anything heavy that'll have everyone melting by the third pose.

Tip: Bring water and a small fan for the kids. Comfortable kids photograph happy.

Fall (late September–early November)

For many families, this is the season. Maymont and the James River light up gold and amber, the air is cool, and golden hour gets longer. It's also the run-up to holiday cards, so demand is highest.

What to wear: Warm, rich tones — burgundy, mustard, forest green, cream. Layers (cardigans, scarves) add texture and read beautifully against fall color.

Tip: If you want fall foliage in frame, book by mid-September. The peak window is short and unpredictable.

Winter (December–February)

Underrated. Bare trees, soft gray light, and the option of cozy indoor or downtown-architecture settings. Great for a clean, timeless look without crowds.

What to wear: Deep jewel tones, chunky knits, coats, and boots. Winter is the one season where bolder color works, because the background is muted.

Tip: Winter light fades early — we'll usually shoot mid-afternoon rather than evening.

The universal rules

No matter the season, a few things always hold:

• Coordinate, don't match. Pick a palette of 2–3 colors and let everyone pull from it.
• Avoid large logos, neon, and tiny busy patterns — they distract or create odd effects in photos.
• Dress for the weather you'll actually be in. Cold, miserable kids show in every frame.
• Bring the wildcard. A favorite stuffed animal or a planned "tickle the baby" moment gets you the genuine laughter that posed smiles can't.

Still deciding when to book? Reach out and we'll talk through the best season for what you're picturing — or just book a session and we'll plan the details together.