What time of year should I book my family photo session?
Claire Westaway Photography
Family photographer in Cheltenham, The Cotswolds & Gloucestershire
As a family photographer in Cheltenham, I am often asked when is the best time to schedule a family photo shoot? So I thought I’d put together this blog to talk through the different options available through the calendar year and help you choose the perfect backdrop here in The Cotswolds for your family photographs.
In-Home: all year round!
The beauty of in-home photography is that it is not dependent on the weather or the season - it’s perfect all year round. Your home is very much a part of your family story and it’s where everyone is most comfortable and relaxed which is why I absolutely love to photograph in peoples’ homes - it’s the most unique and personal setting there is.
Have a look at this example of a beautiful in-home family photo shoot here
2. Cheltenham Town: all year round!
Setting your family photographs within the beautiful architecture of Cheltenham is another all year round option. Whether it be with the blossom of Spring or the golden leaves of Autumn, the town of Cheltenham always delivers. The only stipulation is that these sessions take place early in the morning on a Sunday to avoid the crowds and they can’t take place during the festival weeks as it’s just too busy!
3. Spring flowers: March-May
Over the winter, I don’t tend to run outdoor sessions - unless there’s a particular circumstance or personal request - as it tends to be too cold and muddy. But once we reach Spring and everything starts coming back to life, it’s the perfect time to begin outdoor family photo shoots in The Cotswolds again.
Think blossoms, daffodils and buttercups - lots of new life and colour.
4. Cow Parsley: May-July
I absolutely adore cow parsley - it grows in abundance here in The Cotswolds and provides the most beautiful texture for outdoor photos. It is usually in bloom from May-July and I have a number of locations where it’s found.
5. The Daisy Meadow: June-July
This wild daisy meadow, which is tucked away on the outskirts of Cheltenham, is the most beautiful, natural setting for family photographs. As it is wild and I want to keep the meadow and the flowers as protected as possible, I only run a handful of sessions here each year so if it’s the place you want for your photos shoots you need to get booked in quick!
6. The Big Views: May-October
There are a number of Cotswold hill-sides which I use for family photo sessions. They all give the most incredible views over The Cotswolds as well as the natural textures and backgrounds I always look for in my locations.
They are versatile and can be used from Spring through to the end of Autumn. The warmer evenings in summer do mean a later session time as I shoot in the hour before sunset but the kids love being able to stay up past their bedtime. And if we are blessed with a sunset, it is well worth it!
7. Autumn Meadow: October-November
There’s nothing like the golden colours of Autumn to create the most beautiful backdrop for your family photographs. And I use the most stunning meadow in Cheltenham which is full of autumnal colour and texture. This time of year is also great for families because sunset is quite a bit earlier than in the summer - so if you were worried about a late bedtime for the kids, this could be perfect for you.
8. A place personal to you!
Of course there might be a place within The Cotswolds which is really special to you and you would love for it to serve as the backdrop to your family photos. This family, for example, were moving back to the USA and having lived on the outskirts of Cheltenham for a few years, really wanted to set their family photos in the village in which they lived. So, with enough time for me to go and scope it out, I said yes! And we spent a lovely evening walking around their village and photographing them in the places which meant so much to them.
And of course, I’m always on the look-out for new places and new settings so my location list is ever-changing and growing!
