Best Time of Year for Family Photos in San Diego
San Diego’s warm climate makes it possible to take beautiful family photos pretty much year-round. Each season offers something unique, from golden summer sunsets to cozy fall sessions perfect for holiday cards.
Here’s what to expect during each season when planning family photos in San Diego.
Spring Family Photos
Spring time brings fresh greenery, blooming flowers, and soft temperatures which is perfect for outdoor family sessions in parks and gardens. Before day light savings- it is recommended to start a session at 4pm to catch golden hour. If the day is overcast, the mornings will also work well to have soft even lighting. Once the time change happens- a session can start between 5:30-6pm to catch beautiful lighting.
Best for:
Local Parks
Local Gardens/farms
Balboa Park
Open Fields
What to wear for Spring photos-
light tans, white, pastel colors
floral prints (not a print that is too small or detailed)
light and airy
romantic, bright, lots of movement
*The key is to coordinate, not match
Summer Beach Sessions
Summer is ideal for beach family photos. The long golden sunsets create beautiful light and allow families to enjoy relaxed sessions by the ocean. If you wanted an open field look during summer, keep in mind that it won’t be as green and most likely more brown.
Best for:
Beaches
Sail boats
Wineries (most vineyards are still green)
Balboa Park
Mountain tops
What to wear for Summer photos-
light tans, white, denim, blues, earth tones
simple prints like pinstripes, florals that aren’t too small and detailed
light and airy,
barefoot or flats
very playful, fun and organic
*The key is to coordinate, not match
Fall Family Photos
Fall is the most popular time for family photos in San Diego. That is when many families schedule sessions for holiday cards and gifts. It could be harder to schedule a session last minute with your photographer because fall time get booked fast. Think about planning ahead and scheduling in early or picking a different season.
The color in fall is over very warm, neutral and rich. Golden fields and warm light create beautiful autumn images.
Best for:
Local Parks
Local farms
Mountain tops
Open Fields
What to wear for Fall photos-
Earth tones, creams, denim
Layers like cardigans, coats, scarfs
Boots or flats
fun, playful and lots of movement
*The key is to coordinate, not match
Winter Family Photos
Winter sessions can go two ways. One often features cooler and cozy styling. Beaches and open landscapes are often quieter, making sessions feel relaxed and intimate or in a house living space. The other option is embracing Christmas time with greens, red, jewel tones, plaids, sparkles, and festive inspiration.
Best for:
Beaches
Local Parks
Mountain tops
Homes in a living space with lots of natural light
feels romantic
What to wear for Winter photos-
Pick one color way- 1) cool tones, blues, creams, blacks, grays OR 2) festive red, green, jewel tones, plaid, sparkle
Pick one or two people in the family to have pattern/sparkle. Not everyone.
higher contrast, rich colors
not as playful and more formal vibes
*The key is to coordinate, not match
Planning Your Family Session
The best family photos happen when families focus on enjoying time together rather than worrying about posing.
At Poppy and Monarch Photo, I don’t just “take pictures.” I like belly laughs, wind-blown hair, muddy toes, and spontaneous dance moves. I photograph the feeling of the moment—so when you look back, it doesn’t just look beautiful… it feels like home. We’ll play tag, jump around/on eachother, splash, and snuggle. The result? Photos that feel like your family.
As a San Diego family photographer, I guide sessions in a relaxed way that captures natural connection and genuine moments.
Book Your Family Photo Session
If you're planning family photos in San Diego, Orange County, or Temecula, I would love to help capture your family’s story.
✨ Contact me here to book your session:
poppyandmonarchphoto.com/contact
