Best Seasons to Book Your Session With a Utah Family Photographer

If you’re thinking about updating your family photos, one of the first questions I usually get is: When is the best time of year to book a family photographer?

And honestly? Utah is one of the most stunning states for family photos because we truly get all four seasons. Each one offers something completely different — from soft spring blossoms to golden fall mountain light.

As a Utah family photographer who has photographed families all over Salt Lake City, Park City, and the surrounding mountain areas for years, I can confidently say there isn’t one “perfect” season. There’s just the season that fits your family best.

Let’s walk through what each season looks like — what to wear, what to expect, and how to prepare.

Spring Family Photos in Utah

Spring in Utah feels fresh and hopeful. The trees begin blooming, the grass turns green, and everything feels light again after winter.

Best for:
• Soft florals
• Light, airy color palettes
• Families who love pastel tones

What to wear:
Think creams, blush, soft blues, light sage, muted lavender. Flowing dresses photograph beautifully in spring. Lightweight layers are key because Utah weather can shift quickly — I always recommend bringing a neutral cardigan or light jacket just in case.

What to expect:
Spring weather can be unpredictable. We may reschedule for rain if needed, but overcast skies actually create the dreamiest soft light.

Preparation tip:
Bring wipes for muddy little shoes and allow a little extra time in case the ground is still slightly damp.

Summer Family Photos in Utah

Summer gives us long golden evenings and warm mountain sunsets. It’s one of the most popular times to book a Utah family photographer because the weather is reliable and the light is stunning.

Best for:
• Mountain sessions
• Wildflower fields
• Long golden hour glow

What to wear:
Neutrals with warmth photograph beautifully — tan, cream, soft rust, muted blues, olive. Linen, cotton, and breathable fabrics are your best friend. Avoid heavy fabrics that feel hot or stiff.

For kids, comfortable shoes are important. We often walk short distances to reach those breathtaking views.

What to expect:
Sessions happen later in the evening during golden hour to avoid harsh light. Younger kids might need a slightly later bedtime that night — but I promise it’s worth it.

Preparation tip:
Pack water and a non-messy snack. Summer sessions are relaxed and playful, and a quick snack break can work wonders.

Fall Family Photos in Utah

Fall is magical here. The canyon colors, the golden grass, the crisp air — it’s easily one of the most requested seasons for a Utah family photographer.

Best for:
• Warm, rich color palettes
• Canyon sessions
• Cozy textures

What to wear:
Cream, camel, deep green, rust, soft navy, warm browns. Sweaters, knits, layers, and movement in fabrics add so much depth. Fall is the perfect time to play with texture.

What to expect:
Fall books quickly. If you want peak foliage, it’s important to reserve your session early.

Preparation tip:
Bring an extra layer for little ones. Evenings cool down quickly once the sun drops behind the mountains.

Winter Family Photos in Utah

Winter sessions are underrated. Snow-covered landscapes are clean, minimal, and incredibly timeless.

Best for:
• Elegant neutrals
• Minimalistic backdrops
• Cozy, snuggly images

What to wear:
Cream, gray, soft camel, winter white. Structured coats, scarves, knit sweaters — layering is everything. Avoid neon or overly bright winter jackets.

What to expect:
Sessions are typically shorter due to temperature. We keep things moving so everyone stays warm.

Preparation tip:
Hand warmers in pockets are a lifesaver.

Where to Shop for Elevated Family Photo Outfits

Once you know what not to wear, the next question is usually: Okay… so where should we actually shop?

If you’re wanting outfits that feel timeless, elevated, and cohesive (without looking overly trendy), here are some of my favorite go-to stores for family photo styling.

Nordstrom is one of my favorites for polished, flattering pieces that photograph beautifully. Their dresses, soft sweaters, and neutral-toned blouses are often perfect for sessions. I love Nordy’s because they have a great section for not just adults, but for the entire family.

Anthropologie is wonderful for flowy dresses, subtle prints, and soft textures. If you love movement and a slightly romantic feel, this is a great place to start.

Madewell and Everlane are excellent for clean lines, high-quality basics, and elevated neutrals.

J.Crew and Banana Republic offer polished but relaxed pieces that feel timeless and photograph well.

Gap and Gap Kids consistently carry soft, neutral basics that coordinate beautifully without being busy.

Zara and Zara Kids can have beautiful elevated pieces with a European feel — especially for fall and winter textures.

H&M sometimes has surprisingly great neutral options at affordable price points — just focus on simple silhouettes.

If you’re shopping for a cohesive look, I recommend starting with one outfit you absolutely love (usually mom’s), then building the rest of the family around those tones and textures.

Lay everything out together on a bed before the session. Seeing it as a full palette helps you catch anything that feels too bold or out of place.

And remember — quality over quantity. You don’t need brand new outfits for everyone. A few well-chosen, well-fitting pieces in complementary tones will always photograph beautifully.

If you’re ever unsure, I’m always happy to look at outfit options and give guidance. Styling is one of the easiest ways to elevate your final gallery — and I want you to feel completely confident walking into your session.

How to Prepare for Your Family Photoshoot in Utah With Me

No matter the season, here’s what you can expect when you book me as your Utah family photographer.

Before your session:
We’ll talk through location, wardrobe, and timing. I help guide outfit choices so everything feels cohesive and timeless. My goal is for you to feel completely confident walking into your session.

During your session:
You don’t need to know how to pose. I will guide you into natural movement and connection. I’ll prompt you to walk, snuggle, laugh, and interact. The best images often happen between the “posed” moments.

Your kids don’t need to be perfect. They just need to be themselves.

After your session:
I carefully hand-edit your images in a timeless, true-to-life style. You’ll receive a beautiful gallery where you can download, share, and print your images. I always encourage printing — these aren’t meant to live only on your phone.

My Biggest Advice Before Booking a Utah Family Photographer

Don’t wait for the “perfect” season of life.

Your kids don’t need to be older. You don’t need to lose 10 pounds. Life doesn’t need to feel calmer.

Utah gives us incredible backdrops year-round, but what truly makes your photos meaningful is this season you’re in right now.

If you’re looking for a Utah family photographer who will help you feel comfortable, guide you naturally, and create timeless images you’ll love for decades — I would absolutely love to photograph your family.

Let’s choose the season that fits your story best.

How Different Utah Locations Look Throughout the Year

One of the things I love most about being a Utah family photographer is that Utah doesn’t look the same everywhere — and it definitely doesn’t look the same year-round.

Where you choose to take your family photos makes a big difference depending on the season.

Here’s what that really looks like:

St. George & Southern Utah

If you’re dreaming of warmer weather, red rock backdrops, and minimal snow — southern Utah is your place.

St. George in the winter is dramatically different than Salt Lake or the mountains. While northern Utah may be covered in snow from November through March, St. George often stays mild and dry. It’s common to have 50–65 degree winter days there, which makes it perfect for families who want outdoor photos without freezing.

Winter in St. George:
• Red rock tones
• Neutral desert landscapes
• No snow (most of the time)
• Golden light year-round

Spring comes earlier in southern Utah too. While Salt Lake may still feel chilly, St. George is already blooming and warm.

Summer, however, gets hot — very hot. So if we shoot there in summer, sessions need to be later in the evening.

Salt Lake City & Utah Valley

Salt Lake gives us the most seasonal variety.

Spring:
Green hills, blossoming trees, soft mountain backdrops. The mountains still have snow on top, which creates a beautiful contrast with the fresh greenery below.

Summer:
Full green canyons, mountain wildflowers, golden sunsets over the valley. Summer in the mountains near Salt Lake is one of the most popular times to book a Utah family photographer.

Fall:
Canyons like Big Cottonwood and American Fork explode with color. Deep oranges, golden aspens, rich reds. This is peak busy season because the colors are unmatched.

Winter:
Snowy mountain sessions, frosted trees, clean white landscapes. It’s magical — but it’s cold. We plan for shorter, cozy sessions.

Park City & Mountain Locations

If you want that elevated mountain feel, Park City and higher elevation areas stay cooler longer and get snow earlier.

Fall colors often arrive sooner at higher elevations.
Snow can stick around well into early spring.
Summer is slightly cooler and absolutely stunning.

If you’re wanting snowy family photos, the mountains are typically the most reliable option in winter.

If you’re wanting warm golden grass without snow in late fall, valley locations might be better than higher elevations.

Why This Matters When Booking Your Utah Family Photographer

When families book with me, I don’t just pick a random location. We choose intentionally based on:

• The season
• The look you’re drawn to
• The weather
• How adventurous (or relaxed) you want the session to feel

If you want warm winter photos without heavy coats? We might head south.

If you want golden fall leaves? We time your session carefully in the canyons.

If you love snow but don’t want freezing temperatures? We plan strategically and keep the session efficient.

Utah truly gives us options year-round — it just requires knowing how each location behaves throughout the seasons.

And that’s one of the benefits of hiring an experienced Utah family photographer. I know when the blossoms hit. I know when the leaves turn. I know when the snow sticks — and when it doesn’t.

And we plan accordingly so you get the exact look you’re envisioning.