I know, I know… it’s barely September and I’m already talking about fall family photos. 🍂

But if you’ve been thinking, “We really need to get family pictures done this year,” this is your reminder not to wait until the leaves are already changing to start planning!

Fall is one of my absolute favorite times of year to photograph families here in Mocksville, Clemmons, Winston-Salem and the surrounding areas — and it’s also one of my busiest.

Here are a few reasons why now is the perfect time to get your fall family photos on the calendar.

Fall Calendars Fill Up FAST

Once school starts, life seems to go from zero to sixty.

There are sports. Practices. Games. School events. Festivals. Birthday parties. And before we know it, the holidays are staring us right in the face.

Add everyone's schedules together and suddenly finding one evening when the entire family is available isn't quite as easy as it sounds.

That's why I always recommend getting your fall family session on the calendar early.

You don't have to have everything figured out yet. You don't need everyone's outfits hanging in the closet. You just need to claim a date that works for your family — and we can figure out the rest from there.

You Have More Options When You Book Early

One of the biggest advantages of planning ahead is simply having more choices.

Maybe you want a quick mini session because you really just need a few updated photos of everyone.

Maybe it's been a few years since you've had family pictures and you'd rather schedule a regular family session so we have a little more time together.

Or maybe you know you want those gorgeous late-October or early-November colors.

Booking early gives you the best chance of finding the session, date and time that works for YOUR family instead of trying to squeeze into whatever happens to be left.

Don't Wait for the "Perfect" Year

This one is important.

It's so easy to put family photos off.

I'll do it when I lose a little weight.

We'll do it when the kids are a little older.

This fall is just too busy.

Maybe next year.

And then somehow… next year becomes three years.

Meanwhile, your kids keep growing.

Their little faces change. Someone loses their front teeth. Someone suddenly isn't so little anymore. The toddler who wouldn't sit still becomes the elementary schooler with the cheesy grin — and then somehow you're looking at a teenager who is almost as tall as you.

There is always going to be a reason to wait.

But there is also always going to be a reason to remember right now.

Your Kids Don't Have to Be Perfect

I think sometimes parents put off family photos because the thought of getting everyone dressed, out the door and smiling at the same time sounds exhausting. 😂

Here's your permission to stop worrying about perfect.

Your kids don't have to stand still the entire session.

They don't have to look at me and smile perfectly for every picture.

They can laugh. They can be silly. They can snuggle you. They can make that ridiculous face they make every time you ask them to smile.

Because yes, we're going to get that beautiful family photo for your wall.

But I also want the photos that feel like your family.

Years from now, those little expressions and personalities are going to be part of what takes you right back to this season of your life.

Fall Sessions Are Already Coming!

I have several opportunities for photos this fall, so there's something for families looking for a quick seasonal session as well as those wanting a more traditional family session.

🌻 Sunflower Minis — September 20 & 23

🎃 Pumpkin Minis — October 4 & 7

🍂 Fall Family Sessions — late October & early November

And then we'll roll right into Christmas Minis in November and December. 🎄

It always feels like we have plenty of time at the beginning of September.

And then I blink.

Get the Photos

If you've followed me for a while, you've probably heard me say some version of this before:

Get in the picture.

Don't wait for everything to be perfect.

Don't wait until life slows down — because I'm not convinced it ever really does.

Your family, exactly as they are right now, is worth remembering.

The missing teeth.

The awkward stage.

The silly smiles.

The way your youngest still reaches for your hand.

The way your oldest is suddenly almost grown.

One day, these ordinary days are going to be the ones you wish you could step back into for just a minute.

So if family photos have been sitting somewhere on your mental to-do list, consider this your little September reminder:

Get them on the calendar. ❤️

I would love to photograph your family this fall!