Summer vs Fall Photos

October and November are my BUSY season! And I get it…the leaves are changing, the temperature is cooler, and you want updated photos for that holiday card. BUT let’s not sleep on those dreamy sun-kissed summer photos… here are some pros and cons to consider.

Summer Photos: Pros

1) It’s probably going to be warm! And if your kids are sensitive to cold weather, this could be a real win. The reality is that a too-cold session can lead to a red nose, shivering, and general fussiness. And while fall temps can also be lovely, it’s hard to predict. So if you have little ones and you don’t want to potentially bundle them up for photos…consider summer photos!

2) Photos are more likely to be sun-kissed. Yes, the sun comes out in both summer and fall, but we do tend to have sunnier weather in the summer.

3) Flowers! There’s no need to worry about when the leaves will fall and if the background will be stick-y. Summer backdrops are naturally colorful in every month!

4) Outfit options. Warm temps allow for bare arms, sandals, and all the colorful prints and patterns. And while you may or may not like summer clothing, it’s important to consider that you may need to bundle your family up come fall. October sessions are sometimes 70 degrees and sometimes 40 degrees…and I just can’t predict it.

5) Availability. Photographers are SWAMPED in October and November, and you will have a much easier time booking a session in summer. (AND you can get your holiday card printed early and not have to worry about it later.)

Summer Photos: Cons

1) Sunset is later in the summer, so start times are later. This can be difficult with bedtimes for some families.

2) Sweat. Listen, I get it! Summer gets hot, and you might be sweaty by the end of the session. Although, truth be told…family photos with little ones are pretty active, so that may happen regardless of month.

3) Holiday card timing. Some families with little babes want to take their card photo as close to December as possible because babies change so fast! If you think your kids will look super different in July vs November, a fall session might be the right choice for you.

4) Leaves. While I can’t tell you exactly when the leaves will change each fall, I can tell you the leaves will probably be green in summer. So if you’re just absolutely obsessed with fall foliage, a summer session may not be for you.

Regardless of timing, I hope to see you for photos this year! :)

Schools Don’t Have to Use Lifestouch

There, I said it. Schools don’t HAVE to use Lifetouch. And if recent news is making you feel a little uncomfortable with the company, you can advocate for change. Or perhaps you haven’t heard anything in the news and maybe just aren’t thrilled with your experience with Lifetouch. Also a totally fine reason to advocate for change!

Lifetouch is the McDonalds of photography. They’ve found a way to photograph loads of kids quickly and (somewhat) cheaply. They offer parents customization options, and they give schools free stuff to incentivize the relationship. But what if there was a locally owned burger shop next door that offered superior eats at similar prices? I don’t know about you, but I’d be going there instead!

So I suppose this is a PSA of sorts. If you want change, voice that to your kids’ school! You can even recommend a local photographer (like me!) to replace Lifetouch. It can be hard for schools (especially large ones) to make these types of changes. But it CAN be done! And you, as the parent, have everything to gain. :)

(As always, I never feature student photos without the permission of parents. So thankful to have permission to share these cuties!)

Sunny Days in Pittsburgh??

If you’re a Pittsburgher, you know that sunny days are not always to be expected! But oh my goodness, my last 2 sessions had the most gorgeous lighting! Just had to share…