When is the best Time to Book a Family Photoshoot in Devon

Booking a family photoshoot is about more than picking a date! It’s about choosing a season, location, and experience that suits your family’s energy, your children’s needs, and the type of memories you want to treasure. Devon is beautiful year-round, with a mix of coastline, countryside, and woodland that changes with the seasons (as highlighted by Visit Devon).

As a family photographer who captures a playful blend of lifestyle documentary and lightly posed moments, I always focus on connection. When families feel relaxed and engaged, we capture genuine moments and emotions. The ones that truly represent your family.

In this post, I’ll guide you through the best time to book a family photoshoot in Devon, share what to expect in each season, and offer tips to help you plan a stress-free, memorable experience.

So make sure you save this post for later and  follow along for more tips!

How Far in Advance Should You Book a Family Photoshoot in Devon?

One of the biggest mistakes families make is thinking, “We want photos now, let’s book for this weekend.”  While last-minute sessions can sometimes work, the best experiences usually come from planning ahead.

From my experience, most families book a few months in advance, especially for popular seasons like summer and autumn. Planning ahead allows you to consider:

Season → Location → Outfits → Date

If you’re unsure which season or where to book your session, check out my guide to the best family photo locations in Devon.

Spring Family Photoshoots in Devon

Spring sessions are incredibly special to me because they’re my first sessions of the year! I get very excited to start capturing your memories as a family.

Why spring works well:

• Slightly warmer temperatures

• Less crowded locations

• Fresh greenery and soft light

• The sun starts to sit higher in the sky

Things to consider:

• Spring weather can change quickly (spring showers)

• The ground may still be damp

• It’s hard to know exactly when winter ends and spring truly begins

  
  

Spring is perfect for families who want a fresh, natural feel. For tips on keeping children relaxed, check out my post on how to prepare your children for a photo session.

Summer Family Photoshoots in Devon

Summer is one of the most popular times for family photoshoots and it’s easy to see why. Most of my clients book between May and September, especially after a sunny spell of weather.

Why summer is so popular:

• Warmer temperatures

• Longer evenings

• Tall, dry grass and beautiful countryside landscapes

• Soft, golden light that falls beautifully on your subjects

Summer tips for families:

• Book early, summer dates go fast

• Choose early morning or evening sessions to avoid the hottest part of the day

• Bring water, sun cream, and light layers

• Wear clothes that are comfortable and breathable. That also allows movement!

I personally recommend countryside locations in summer. They provide shade, open space, and room for children to explore! Which is perfect for capturing playful raw moments. On the other hand Beaches can be very busy, which makes it harder to relax. For inspiration, see my family photography gallery.

Autumn Family Photoshoots in Devon

Autumn is one of the quickest seasons to book up. Mainly because of the rich, golden colours.

Why families love autumn sessions:

• Warm, earthy tones

• Golden sunlight

• Leaves for children to play with

• The last warmth before winter

Booking advice:

• Autumn sessions book fast, so plan early in the year

• Weekdays offer more flexibility

• Flexibility is important in case of wet or cold weather

For families wanting a cozy, seasonal look, autumn sessions are unbeatable. Start planning early to secure your spot and enjoy the excitement of looking forward to your shoot!

Winter Family Photoshoots in Devon

Winter is often overlooked, but it can be truly magical.

Why winter works well:

• Soft, low sunlight for beautiful portraits

• Calm, quiet locations with fewer people

• Crisp, fresh air and intimate moments

Winter tips:

• Dress in layers you can move freely in

• Embrace texture — coats, scarves, and knits photograph beautifully

• Coastal winter shoots are amazing for empty beaches and peaceful landscapes

Winter is ideal if you want a slow, relaxed, and intimate session.

What About the Weather?

Devon weather can be unpredictable, no matter the season and that’s okay! If the weather isn’t right, we can always reschedule. Flexibility is key to ensuring a relaxed and enjoyable session.

So… When Is the Best Time?

There is no single “best” season! The best time to book a family photoshoot in Devon is the season that fits your family’s rhythm, energy, and story.

Connection matters more than perfection. When you feel comfortable, relaxed, and present with each other, the moments we capture will be genuine, joyful, and meaningful.

Ready to Book Your Family Photoshoot in Devon?

Whether you’re dreaming of golden summer evenings, colourful autumn tones, or the calm of a winter session, I’ll help guide you every step of the way to ensure your photoshoot is relaxed, fun, and authentic.

I photograph families using a playful lifestyle approach, focusing on connection and genuine moments rather than stiff poses.

Unsure which season or location works best? I can help you decide, including advice on outfits, props, and locations.

Get in touch to check availability, Plan ahead to secure your ideal season Let’s create meaningful memories together