When to Schedule Your Yearly Family Portraits
The Florida Edition: What to Consider and How to Plan Ahead
Capturing your family year after year is one of the most meaningful traditions you can create. But if you're in Florida, where sunshine is a year-round companion and we don’t exactly have four distinct seasons, you might wonder: When is the best time to schedule our yearly family portraits?
The good news? You have options, lots of them. Whether you prefer the comfort of an indoor studio, the salty breeze of a beach session, or the natural charm of a flower farm or your own backyard, here’s how to decide when and where to book.
Spring to Early Summer (March–June): Comfortably Warm + Beautiful Light
This is one of the best times for outdoor portraits in Florida. The humidity hasn’t fully set in yet, flowers are blooming, and the light is soft and flattering in the evenings.
Great for:
Flower farm sessions
Beach photos before tourist season peaks
Backyard or park portraits before it gets too hot
Summer (June–August): Studio Season or Golden Hour Magic
Florida summers are hot and humid, but we can still create magic, especially indoors or during carefully timed outdoor sessions. Early mornings and late evenings offer beautiful light and a break from the heat.
Best for:
Studio portraits (climate-controlled and styled beautifully)
Minimalist beach sessions at sunrise or sunset
Milestone sessions for kids on summer break
Fall (September–November): A Popular Choice + Holiday Magic
While Florida may not offer crisp autumn leaves, fall still brings a fresh energy: back-to-school routines, a drop in humidity, and the perfect window for scheduling family portraits before the year-end rush.
It’s also when Sylwia Ok Photography hosts our client-favorite Holiday Limited Edition Sessions in the studio! These festive, beautifully styled sessions book quickly every year and are perfect for holiday cards, gifts, and seasonal memories.
Perfect for:
Holiday card portraits
Studio Holiday Limited Edition Sessions (book early, they always sell out! Dates to be released beginning of September!)
Family portraits in local parks, private homes, or the beach
Tip: Fall is a busy season, reach out early to secure your preferred date.
Winter (December–February): Mild Weather + Cozy Vibes
Winter in Florida is gentle and surprisingly photogenic. It’s a great time for both outdoor and studio sessions. Families love the cool but comfortable temps, and the natural light is often crisp and clean.
Best for:
Fine art family or motherhood portraits in the studio
Coastal sessions in softer winter light
At-home sessions (especially decorated for the holidays)
How to Decide What’s Right for You
Here are a few helpful tips:
Think about your purpose. Are you planning for a holiday card, an updated wall gallery, or a milestone birthday?
Consider your preferred setting. Beach? Park? Studio? Your own home?
Coordinate with your calendar. Think school schedules, vacations, and family availability.
Style matters. Dreaming of neutrals in a sun-soaked field or bold tones on a dramatic studio backdrop? Classic and timeless black and white? Dramatic Vanity Fair style? Let that guide your timing.
Let’s Create a Tradition Worth Framing
Whether you're dreaming of a breezy beach session or a timeless fine art portrait in my Lakewood Ranch studio, I’m here to help you plan a family portrait experience that’s relaxed, beautiful, and meaningful.
Ready to schedule your yearly session? Reach out here and let’s find the perfect time for your family.
