The Most Underrated Season for Family Photos (and Why You’ll Love It)

When you think about booking family photos, you probably picture one of two seasons:
Spring, with its pastel hues and fresh blooms
Fall, with its beautiful foliage, golden light and cozy sweater season.

And yes those are definitely beautiful times of year for family photos. But today I want to let you in on a little secret…

There’s another season that deserves more love: late summer!

That sweet spot between the height of summer heat and the first hint of autumn - think late August into early September - might be the best time for family photos in Buffalo NY.

Here’s why:

1. The Gorgeous, Golden Light

Late summer evenings are a photographer’s dream.
The sun hangs a little lower, the light gets warmer, and everything feels just a bit softer. We can start your session later in the evening without it feeling rushed, and the golden glow is unmatched.

It’s like nature is giving us a built-in IG filter 😆

2. The Weather Is Just Right

By late summer, the sweltering July heat has started to ease up - and summer 2025 has definitely been HOT. But the chill of autumn hasn’t crept in yet. You can just about feel that tiny switch in the air that signifies the seasons are changing, but they haven’t yet.

It’s a great in-between. Warm enough for bare feet in the grass, but cool enough that you’re not sweating through your outfit before we even start.

Plus, if you’ve got little ones, this can make a huge difference in how comfortable (and cooperative!) they are during your session. Summer evening photo sessions in Buffalo are where its at 😉

3. Everyone’s Still in That Summer Mindset

By this time of year, the chaos of back-to-school hasn’t fully taken over yet.
Evenings are still long, kids are still playing outside until dinner, and your family is in that relaxed, sun-soaked rhythm.

That ease shows up in your photos. There’s just something about late summer energy that makes for joyful, connected, and genuine moments.

4. More Flexibility for Booking

Here’s the truth: fall books up fast and spring still has iffy weather. Late summer? It’s often easier to grab a spot that works perfectly for your schedule.

If you’ve ever tried to book a prime fall weekend and realized everything’s full, late summer is your ticket to gorgeous images without the scheduling stress.

5. More Location Options

From wildflower fields to the lakeshore, late summer gives us so many choices. The grass is still green, the flowers are still blooming, and the lake has that dreamy, hazy look in the evening light with the bonus of a beautiful Lake Erie sunset.

Kids want to splash in the water at the end of your session? Doable. Want to wander through tall grass in a flowy dress? This is your season.

If you’re interested in seeing some of these options, check out my blog post here: Best Locations in Buffalo for Every Vibe

Final Thoughts

Late summer may not be the “obvious” choice, but that’s exactly why I love it. The golden light, the easy-going weather, and that relaxed summer energy all come together to create photos that feel warm, timeless, and full of life.

So before you wait for the leaves to starting changing, think about soaking up the last days of summer instead. Your future self will thank you, especially when you’re trying to plan your holiday cards and have family pictures ready to roll.

Ready to book? Let’s plan your late summer family session and make the most of this magical, underrated season. Contact me here →