People often ask me when they should book their family session. My answer is almost always the same: if you can swing it, book for fall. October and November in the Inland Empire and greater Southern California offer a combination of light, temperature, and scenery that’s hard to beat any other time of year.
The light is extraordinary
As the sun sits lower in the sky through fall and winter, golden hour gets longer, warmer, and more forgiving. That soft, glowy light that makes everyone look their best? In October it lasts almost an hour before sunset instead of just 20 minutes. It’s a photographer’s dream.
The weather is finally cooperating
Summer in the IE is hot. Like, really hot. Nobody wants to be outside in 100° heat with their kids in coordinated outfits trying to smile for photos. By October, temperatures have dropped to the 70s and 80s — warm enough to be comfortable, cool enough to actually enjoy being outside.
The colors are warm and rich
We may not have the dramatic leaf changes of Vermont, but Southern California fall has its own palette — golden grasses, deep greens, warm browns, and occasional splashes of orange from trees that do change. Combined with those warm fall outfits and that incredible light, the images
have a richness that summer just can’t match.
Holiday card timing is perfect
A session in October or early November means your gallery is ready in time for holiday card orders. This is the single biggest reason my fall calendar fills up faster than any other time of year — book early if you want a spot.
When to book your fall session
I recommend booking your fall session by August at the latest. September if you’re flexible on dates. October weekends are the first to go and often fully booked by summer. If you’ve been thinking about it, now is the time.
Ready to grab your fall spot? Reach out now and let’s get you on the calendar before it’s gone.