Besides figuring out what to wear, one of the hardest parts about planning a photo session is determining when you'd like your photos to actually be taken. Each month holds the promise for beautiful scenery and photos; it’s just a matter of figuring out what aesthetic you’re striving for!
Do you want Fall leaves? Are you aiming for a holiday theme? What about wildflowers?
Below, I will take you through a list of possible photo session ideas for each month of the year. This list takes into consideration a few major holidays as well as seasonal changes here on Mother Earth. Between this list, your creativity, and your photographer’s experience, you should be able to design the perfect backdrop for your next photo session!
Find Your Perfect Photo Session Backdrop
January
January is probably one of the slowest months for photographers.
Why?
Because it's cold, silly! ❄️
A lot of people forget to consider January when scheduling a photo session simply because of the chilly temperatures.
However, there are still plenty of reasons why January is one of the best months to have a session. Going back to what I just said a moment ago: January is a slow month for photographers. Because of this, you’re a little more likely to have multiple dates to choose from for your photo session. It is likely that your photographer’s calendar has plenty of room for a little bit of flexibility in scheduling.
Another great reason to schedule your session for January is for some fun in the snow! At least in Michigan, January is one of the snowiest months of the year. Whether you like winter or not, we all know that a fresh snow is absolutely breathtaking. Snowy sessions can be romantic (picture suits or long dresses) or playful (did someone say snowball fight??)
For a session that makes use of fresh snow, you will need to be flexible in scheduling (good thing it’s January). Fresh snow does not keep itss perfect looks for long. A session involving snow needs to be planned around the weather and scheduled to take place before the sun has a chance to work its magic on the fluffy stuff! This most likely will mean scheduling an early morning session.
February
Well, we all know that February means Valentine’s Day, so you probably can already think of one type of session that is really popular this time of year.
Yepp, boudoir!
If you’re looking to go the sexy route with your gift-giving, a popular Valentine’s Day gift is boudoir (or empowerment) photos. At its simplest, all you need for a boudoir session is an empty wall as a backdrop, clothes you feel empowered in, and great lighting. A more complex boudoir session will also make use of common household furniture pieces such as a bed, countertop, or couch. No matter what type of backdrop you’re aiming for though, please make sure your photographer is someone you’re comfortable with!
Your safety and privacy should be the number one factors considered when planning a session like this. If that means bringing someone with you to your session then so be it! And, for my single friends out there, a February boudoir session is for you too. 🥰 Once your photographer has delivered your spicy photos, make sure to get them printed! Design yourself (or your significant other) an album, or order a display box. Better yet— make like a Kardashian, and frame your photos for your bedroom walls!
Wanna make things even spicier? Switch things up and opt for a couples boudoir session!
March
March is still a cold, slow month for photographers in Michigan. It shouldn't be though! This winter month is a great option for a photoshoot inside your home.
You and your loved ones cozied up at home? What could be more perfect for a chilly winter day! And, if you're doing a photoshoot in your own house, there are SO many options for a backdrop that truly fits who you are as a person!
Love a movie night? How about setting up a projector and cuddling on the couch with a huge bucket of popcorn to share?
Or, building a blanket fort together with string lights, plenty of pillows, and hot cocoa!
Prefer spending time in the kitchen? Cook a warm comfort dish together!
At-home sessions provide an intimate look into your relationships and capture who you are on an entirely different level than your typical photo session might. They do come with some prep work though. Before your in-home photo session, I highly recommend cleaning and decluttering! If there is anything that you do not what photographed, move it out of sight. Make sure your floors are clean, your bed is made up with sheets you love, and that your counters are empty. Only leave items out that you are okay with immortalizing in a photograph. The cleaner your home, the cleaner your photos will be!
April through June
Welcome to blossom season! 🌸
This is one of my favorite times of the year for floral-themed photos. In April and May, the tulips are out. And during this whole stretch, trees are also in bloom.
We are talking crabapple, cherry, redbud, plum, magnolia and more!
Spring has a romantic, poetic vibe to it. Colors in photos are typically softer with pops of green. If you are looking for an intimate outdoorsy session celebrating a new stage in life, be it a maternity or engagement session, Spring is the season for you.
July through September
It's .... 🌼 Wildflower Season! 🌼
And, actually...sunflower season too! 🌻
I'm absolutely in love with this time of year. I'm a sucker for wildflowers. My own wedding photos and decorations both revolved around wildflowers. There's another reason this time of year is amazing photos though and that is the sun! The evening light is extra golden in late summer. It brings a whole new level of warmth to photos. Colors in photos this time of year are typically richer too!
October
I know you know what October means.
Fall is officially in full force! In mid-Michigan, peak Fall colors ✨typically✨ peak around October 10th. Like during wildflower season, the evening light in October is extra golden this time of year, and colors in photos appear much richer. I might also add that not only is the light golden, but so are the tall grasses in nature parks?? Absolute perfection. 💋
Not into the traditional Fall aesthetic? Halloween provides the perfect excuse for extra creativity in planning a photo session! Spooky-themed sessions are becoming more and more popular with every passing year. Grab your friends, find some costumes, and have a blast!
A few quick ideas:
Create a mock cemetery for a backdrop
Dress in sheets and have a photo session as ghosts doing ordinary activities
Or wear pumpkins on your heads and do those same ordinary activities
These are just a few trendy spooky season inspired session ideas for October, but truly, the sky is the limit if you're willing to have some fun!
Keep in mind that Autumn is a photographer's busiest time of year. Almost everyone wants updated family photos with backdrops of Fall leaves for their holiday cards. In order to ensure your spot is claimed on a photographer's calendar, you will want to contact them as soon as possible. 🍂
November and December
The holidays are officially here! Holiday lights are up, and towns are creating picture-perfect scenes all on their own in the hopes of being chatted about.
They want to be the backdrop in your photos.
So, why not take them up on their free decorations? For the past two years, I have taken the most magical Christmas photos in Frankenmuth, Michigan. Of course, being known as the home of the world's largest Christmas store means Frankenmuth does not hold back on decorating.
Still though, every town has their own unique decorations, and they can easily be taken advantage of in a photoshoot. If holiday decorations aren't your thing, this is another good time of year to do a cuddly in-home session with hot cocoa, your significant other or children, and some blankets!
A few of my typical side notes:
This year's photography series, a little bit of cottage-core, is here and available for pre-order! Pre-orders for 12-month calendars and build-your-own notecard sets are open through October. Other orders will be accepted November through December. You can place your pre-order here.
Interested in buying your loved ones a gift certificate? Gift cards are available all year round! Send me an email to purchase one.
Visit my print shop for nature + landscape photos!
Pábitel Photography is on Society6! Visit my shop where you can find almost all of my nature + landscape work across a wide variety of great items for your home!
I am currently booking all of the sessions! Contact me to learn more, or check out my services to learn more about what session types I provide.
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