Best Time of Year for Family Photos in Utah
One of the most common questions I get from Utah moms is:
“When is the best time to do family photos?“
And honestly, there is a best time… but it depends on your family, the season of life you’re in, and your vision for how you want your portraits to look.
Utah gives us some of the most beautiful outdoor backdrops anywhere — mountains, fields, sand, and gorgeous wildflowers — but it also comes with real considerations like weather, heat, school schedules, and changing lighting. This guide breaks down the best time of year for family photos in Utah, so you can choose a season that feels enjoyable for your family instead of stressful.
As a Utah family photographer, I help moms plan family photo sessions that fit real life, are stress-free, and look beautiful for the relaxed, timeless family portraits you can’t wait to hang on your walls.
Why Timing Matters for Family Photos in Utah
Utah is unique when it comes to outdoor family photos. We experience:
- Four very distinct seasons
- Dramatic changes in light throughout the year
- Temperature swings depending on elevation and location
The right season for your family can mean relaxed kids, comfortable outfits, and photos that feel natural. The wrong timing can lead to rushed sessions, cranky kids, and unnecessary stress — and sessions with me are all about making everything as simple and stress-free as possible for you.
Spring Family Photos in Utah (April–June)
I intentionally wrote the spring season as April-June instead of March-May because in Utah, most of March usually still feels (and looks) like cold and dreary winter. And Utah’s springtime is beautiful, blooming, and fresh, so I want to ensure to set a real expectation of when spring in Utah typically is.
Although most of the month is still wintery, the magic of spring starts right at the end of March with the soft pastels of cherry blossoms, leading the way to April when orchards bloom, and in late May-early June we start seeing playful yellow wildflower fields and stunning red poppies. It’s truly a time of magic and new life, perfect for timelessness and soft beauty. The days also start to feel longer, so golden hour sessions feel more manageable.
Moms love springtime family sessions for its soft, flattering light, (mostly) comfortable temperatures, golden hour earlier in the evening for happier littles, and fresh greenery with stunning blossoms. Click here for the best flower locations for family photos in Utah!
Things to consider:
Blossoms can bloom late or early, and some locations may not bloom at all
Snow can happen in spring but typically stops mid-March. Light rain is expected throughout the season
Although typically getting warmer in April, it can still be chilly outdoors until May or even June
Spring is great for families who:
Love soft, pastel blossoms
Don’t mind layering for warmth if needed
Want timeless, light and airy photos
Have flexible schedules to plan around blossoms
Summer Family Photos in Utah (June–August)
Summer sessions outdoors in Utah can be stunning, but timing is everything to have an enjoyable, comfortable, and stunning session.
With its long days, I capture my outdoor summer sessions most often with golden-hour lighting for the warm glow that flatters every skin tone and creates that glowing, sun-kissed look of summer that families love. It creates such a different and dreamy feel than the harsh light of the sun earlier in the day. In summertime, golden hour happens later in the evening which means a slightly later start time, but with school out, summer offers more flexibility for scheduling. This timing is intentional not only for lighting, but also for comfortable weather. Summers in Utah are hot, so evening sessions offer a more pleasant experience with less sweat, happier kids, and no stress. It is always worth it to have an evening session in the summertime to avoid heat, harsh daylight, and cranky kids (and parents!).
Landscapes in summertime can be vibrant greens, neutral browns, or spotted with colorful wildflowers – perfect for any vision and any family.
Things to consider:
Summer landscapes are typically lush and green, but some locations may dry out or brown later in the season
Golden hour happens later in the evening, which means sessions often start closer to bedtime for younger children
Hot temperatures are common, so lightweight clothing and planning around the heat are important (click here for more on what to wear for family photos!)
Summer is great for families who:
Don’t mind later evening sessions for sun-kissed, glowing portraits
Love rich greenery and golden light
Appreciate school being out for easier scheduling
Enjoy a relaxed, playful feel with kids free from school routines
Fall Family Photos in Utah (September–November)
Fall colors in Utah typically start showing off at the end of September until late October/early November.
Fall is a favorite season for family photos thanks to its cooler temperatures, stunning color, and incredible scenery. The landscape transforms into rich golden tones and warm autumn colors, creating a timeless, cozy backdrop that feels both elegant and inviting. Fall also offers more consistent light, which allows for beautifully balanced images that show your family’s love and connection in a warm and cozy glow.
Things to consider:
Fall is a very popular season for family photos, so dates tend to book quickly and often require planning ahead
Peak autumn colors can vary slightly each year depending on weather and location, which may affect timing and backdrop options
As days get shorter, sessions typically start earlier in the afternoon or early evening
Fall is great for families who:
Love warm, golden tones and bright autumn colors
Want cooler weather for a more comfortable, relaxed experience
Appreciate earlier session times
Enjoy a cozy, timeless look for their family photos
Winter Family Photos in Utah (December-February)
Winter family photo sessions offer a beautifully calm and intimate experience, perfect for families who value simplicity and connection. With fewer crowds at popular locations, sessions feel more relaxed and private, allowing space for genuine moments to unfold. The season’s neutral, cozy tones create a timeless backdrop that keeps the focus on your family rather than the scenery, while shorter daylight hours naturally lead to more efficient sessions that are ideal for young children. Winter sessions have a quiet, peaceful feel that results in meaningful, heartfelt images that feel warm even in the coldest months.
If being outdoors sounds too cold and uncomfortable for your family, there is also always the option to have indoor portraits in a cute, cozy studio or in your own home! Families love this option for warmth, flexibility, and a cozy setting to capture connection and family love.
Things to consider:
Winter temperatures can be cold, so planning warm layers and cozy textures is important for comfort and also beautiful dimension in your photos
Daylight hours are shorter, which means sessions typically happen earlier in the day
Weather can be unpredictable, with snow, wind, or overcast skies occasionally affecting plans
Some outdoor locations may have limited access depending on conditions
Winter is great for families who:
Love a calm, intimate feel with fewer crowds
Like neutral, cozy tones that feel timeless and understated
Appreciate shorter sessions that can be easier for little ones
Want a relaxed experience with a focus on connection over scenery
So, after all of that, the best time of year for family photos is… Whichever one fits your schedule and your vision the best!
For flexible schedules, stunning blossoms and soft light — spring.
For relaxed planning, lush greens and glowing light — summer.
For cozy layers, warm tones, and a seasonal feel — fall.
For fewer crowds, neutral textures, and an intimate feel — winter.
Now, when is the best time to book family photos for each season?
Here is a realistic timeline:
- Fall sessions: Book at least 3 months in advance
- Spring & summer: 2-3 months ahead is ideal
- Winter: A few weeks ahead — often easier to schedule
Many Utah moms reach out feeling overwhelmed by timing, planning, and being in front of the camera — and that’s completely normal. Planning ahead removes so much stress and allows the experience to feel enjoyable instead of rushed, and to prepare the entire family to look and feel their best.
If you’re feeling unsure about when to book, what season fits your family best, or how to plan a session that feels effortless, that’s exactly where I come in. I guide my clients through every step — from choosing the ideal Utah season and location, to outfit coordination, session timing, and gentle posing that keeps things relaxed and natural and captures the real love and connection of your family.
If you’re ready for a calm, well-planned family photo experience (and artwork you’ll love seeing on your walls), I’d love to help. Reach out here to start planning your Utah family portrait session, and we’ll find the perfect time, look, and season for your family.
I’m Christina, a family and newborn photographer in Provo serving Utah County and surrounding areas, and I specialize in creating a simple experience and timeless portraits for families who want to feel taken care of every step of the way. From guiding you with stress-free planning to finished artwork, my goal is to make this experience easy, thoughtful, and personal. If you’re ready to plan your own family or newborn photos, I’d love to connect.
