Why is Sumer the Best Time for Family Portraits?

May 28, 2025

Summer is the best time of year for Family Portraits

Three women in white dresses sitting on a stone wall overlooking the ocean at sunset during a Laguna Beach family portrait session by Orange County family photographer Blue Sky’s Studio.

Family portraits are timeless treasures that capture the love and connection between family members. Choosing the right time of year for your family portrait session can make all the difference in achieving stunning results. While family portraits can be done year-round, summer stands out as the ideal season for creating lasting memories. Here's why summer is the best time for family portraits.

1. Longer Days and Golden Hour Magic

Family standing on rocky beach in Laguna Beach during golden hour, wearing coordinated white and blue outfits—captured by Orange County family photographer.

More Time for Perfect Shots

One of the most significant advantages of summer for family portraits is the longer days. During summer, the days are longer, providing more daylight hours for your photo session. This gives you the flexibility to plan your session during the ideal time when the sun is at its best.

Golden Hour – The Best Lighting for Photos

Summer offers the perfect golden hour—the time just before sunset or after sunrise when the light is soft, warm, and flattering. This natural light creates beautiful, glowing portraits and helps avoid harsh shadows. The golden hour is an ideal time for family portraits because it adds a magical, soft glow to the skin and enhances the overall warmth of the photograph. Capturing your family’s love in this light will elevate the quality of your portrait session and provide timeless images.

2. Beautiful Outdoor Settings and Scenic Backdrops

Sunset family beach portrait in Laguna Beach featuring parents, three daughters, and two dogs, captured by Orange County family photographer Blue Sky’s Studio.

Laguna Beach’s Natural Beauty

When it comes to scenic backdrops, summer gives you endless possibilities for outdoor family portraits. In places like Laguna Beach, the golden sand, blue skies, and breathtaking coastal views make for stunning portrait locations. Whether you're looking for beach portraits, natural greenery, or urban backdrops, summer provides a vibrant environment that enhances the beauty of your photos. At Blue Sky's Studio we have a list of the very best spots in Laguna Beach and beyond for your family portraits.

Nature in Full Bloom

In addition to beaches, summer also brings lush gardens, vibrant flowers, and colorful foliage. This natural beauty can serve as the perfect setting for family portraits, adding rich colors and a sense of freshness to the images. Your family photos will reflect the beauty of the season, with lush green landscapes or blooming flowers in the background.

Couple sitting on the sand at Laguna Beach during sunset, smiling and embracing—captured by Orange County family photographer.

3. Comfortable Weather for Outdoor Sessions

Warmer Weather Makes It Easy to Dress Comfortably

Summer’s warmer temperatures mean that you won’t have to worry about heavy layers or coats, making it easier to wear stylish, comfortable clothing that flatters your family. This is particularly beneficial for family portraits, as it allows for more freedom in clothing choices, from light dresses and shirts to stylish shorts and summer outfits. Family portrait attire will be more relaxed and natural, which helps everyone feel at ease in front of the camera.

Sunset beach portrait of a young woman with long red hair in jeans and a white tank top, captured in Laguna Beach by Orange County family and senior portrait photographer Blue Sky’s Studio.

More Fun and Relaxed Vibes

Warmer weather creates a more relaxed and enjoyable environment for family portraits. You can incorporate fun, natural interactions that reflect the true spirit of your family. Whether it’s running along the beach, sitting under a tree, or playing in a park, the pleasant weather encourages fun, candid moments that make your family portraits feel more personal and authentic.

Natural light beach portrait of a young woman sitting on the sand at Picnic Beach in Laguna Beach, wearing a white eyelet blouse and denim jeans, photographed by Orange County senior and family photographer Blue Sky’s Studio.

4. Fewer Scheduling Conflicts and More Availability

The Perfect Time for Family Memories

Family portraits are more than just pictures—they capture the essence of your family and preserve memories for years to come. Summer provides an opportunity to create lasting memories in an environment filled with warmth and joy. By scheduling your family portrait session during this season, you’re not only getting beautiful photos but also creating cherished moments that you and your loved ones will look back on fondly.

Golden hour beach portrait of a young woman sitting on coastal rocks in Laguna Beach, dressed in a white blouse and jeans, photographed by Orange County family and senior photographer Blue Sky’s Studio.

Ideal for Holiday Card Photos

Summer portraits can also serve as the perfect foundation for your family’s holiday cards. With your family portraits ready early, you can enjoy the holiday season without the rush of last-minute photo shoots. Summer gives you time to plan ahead, select your favorite images, and design beautiful holiday cards that showcase your family in the best light.

Three sisters sitting on the sand in coordinated white tops and jeans during a sibling beach portrait session in Laguna Beach, captured by Orange County family photographer Blue Sky’s Studio.

Conclusion

Summer is undeniably the best time for family portraits, offering the perfect combination of beautiful lighting, scenic backdrops, and comfortable weather. Whether you're looking for beach portraits, nature-filled shots, or a casual family shoot, summer allows you to capture your family’s love and happiness in the most flattering way.

Ready to book your family portrait session this summer? Take advantage of the warm weather, golden hour magic, and stunning outdoor settings to create lasting memories. Better yet, click here to check out our Christmas in July Promotion.