Summer Portraits: 10 Reasons to Book Now Instead of Fall

Tara Flannery is a  Certified Professional Photographer (CPP), Photographic Craftsman, and Master of Photography based in Houston, TX.  Tara Flannery Photography specializes in family portraits.  See more family photos in the gallery.  Contact me to book your family portrait today!

Summer Portraits vs. Fall Portraits

Summer is here—and while fall may get all the attention for family photos, this sunny season might just be the perfect time to schedule your next portrait session. I know fall is the traditional favorite, but hear me out: summer portraits come with some serious perks.

From golden-hour light to flexible schedules and happy, relaxed vibes, here are 10 reasons why summer portraits might be your new favorite family tradition.

Summer Portraits

10 Reasons to Book Your Family Portraits This Summer (Not Fall)

  1. Summer Schedules Are More Flexible Without the rush of school days and packed calendars, it’s easier to find a time that works for everyone.
  2. College Kids Are Home Take advantage of having the whole crew under one roof—especially those kids who are off at college most of the year.
  3. Fall Gets Crazy Busy Beat the autumn chaos. Between school events, sports, and holiday prep, fall fills up fast.
  4. Longer Days = Golden Light Summer evenings offer more time and that dreamy sunset glow photographers love.
  5. You’ll Actually Enjoy It With fewer time pressures and nicer weather, sessions feel more fun and relaxed.
  6. More Wardrobe Options Think light, colorful outfits. Summer style is carefree, photogenic, and comfy.
  7. Beautiful Outdoor Settings Blooming flowers, lush green parks, and golden fields are perfect backdrops.
  8. Better Photographer Availability Summer is less hectic for bookings, giving you more flexibility in choosing a date.
  9. Beat the Holiday Rush Get your photos done early and be ahead of the game for cards and gifts.
  10. Capture Summer Memories The warmth, joy, and connection of summer deserve to be remembered.

Worried About the Heat? Indoor Options to the Rescue

Yes, it’s Texas. Yes, it gets hot. But that doesn’t mean you have to sweat through your summer portraits.

Here are some indoor-friendly options that still bring style and personality:

  • At Home: Cozy, meaningful, and 100% personal.
  • Studio Rental: Crisp, professional, and temperature-controlled.
  • Airbnb or Styled Space: Adds a unique, stylish backdrop for something different.

Indoor sessions offer comfort for little ones, reliable lighting, and no weather worries. You can still get that polished, heartfelt look—without braving the heat.

Bonus: Ideas to Make Your Summer Portraits Extra Special

Looking to make your session more personal? Here are a few fun ideas:

  • Bring a picnic blanket and snacks for relaxed, candid moments.
  • Include the family pet if they’re part of your summer story.
  • Add a splash of personality with summer props like sunglasses, hats, or a favorite book.
  • Choose a meaningful location like a favorite park, your backyard, or even a lakefront.

The more personal your session, the more meaningful the images will be.

Final Thoughts

Summer portraits offer more than just beautiful light. They come with freedom, fun, and the chance to capture your family’s joy in the moment.

Whether you’re dreaming of an outdoor golden-hour session or a cozy indoor setup, I’m here to help plan every detail.

Want to chat about summer portrait ideas or grab one of the remaining dates? BOOK HERE and let’s make it happen.

Tara Flannery is a  Certified Professional Photographer (CPP), Photographic Craftsman, and Master of Photography based in Houston, TX.  Tara Flannery Photography specializes in family portraits.  See more family photos in the gallery.  Contact me to book your family portrait today!

- INSTAGRAM -

@taraflanneryphotography

One outfit isn’t enough. Here’s why…

In branding sessions, we plan intentionally—from your wardrobe to your messaging—so your photos work everywhere your brand shows up.

I always recommend bringing multiple outfits: start with your most formal look and end with something more relaxed. This gives you a versatile set of images—perfect for everything from LinkedIn to your About page to your social media.

✨ Pro tip: Think layers, textures, and pieces that feel like you.

💬 Not sure what to wear or how to plan your session wardrobe? Drop your questions below—I’m here to help!
Let’s talk about it 👇🏻

When people land on your website or socials, they want to know who you are.

But when you rely on stock photos, you risk looking generic, disconnected, or even untrustworthy — and that could be costing you real opportunities.

Here are 5 reasons to book a professional branding session and invest in photos that are genuine and authentically you:

1️⃣ Build connection. Real faces build real trust.

2️⃣ Show your personality. Let your brand voice shine visually.

3️⃣ Stand out. Your competition is using the same stock photos. You deserve better.

4️⃣ Get consistency. Custom photos align with your colors, vibe, and messaging.

5️⃣ Boost confidence. When you love your photos, you show up more.

📩 Ready to ditch the stock and show up as the real you?

Contact me to book your branding consultation today! I’d love to help you elevate your presence.
If I had a dollar for every time a client said, “I’m not photogenic”… I could retire.

But here’s the truth:

That phrase? It’s not a fact.
It’s a story you’ve been telling yourself — one of those “little t” truths that feels real, but isn’t.

The real truth?
✨ You are photogenic.
📸 You just haven’t had someone help you see it yet.

Most of us aren’t perfectly symmetrical. Most of us feel awkward in front of the camera. That’s NORMAL.

But with the right lighting, posing, angles — and someone who knows how to bring out your best — that all changes.

You don’t need to look like anyone else.
You just need to feel like you.

And that’s where I come in. 💛

Ready to finally love the way you show up in photos? Contact me — I got you.

#photographytips #brandingphotography #headshots #professionalheadshots
Want people to remember you? Start with this 👇🏻

Your face is your most powerful branding tool — and science backs it up. 🧠

We’re wired to recognize and remember faces, especially when we see them consistently. So if your headshot is outdated, inconsistent, or missing altogether… you could be missing out on real connections.

Here are 5 reasons to invest in a professional headshot that aligns with your brand:

1. First impressions happen online. Make yours count.

2. Visual consistency builds trust. People recognize what they see often.

3. A polished photo = instant credibility.

4. It helps people feel like they know you. Before you’ve even met.

5. Recognition = recall. Repetition helps people remember you.

📩 DM me to book your consultation — let’s create a headshot that helps your brand stick.

- STAY IN TOUCH -

Serving the Greater Houston, Texas Area

tara@taraflannery.com

713-412-5437

Facebook logo
Instagram logo
Pinterest logo
Linked In logo

FloDesk FREE STYLE GUIDE

Tara is a member of the Professional Photographers of America PPA.
Tara is a Certified Professional Photographer.
Tara is a member of TPPA Texas Professional Photographer's Association.
Tara has earned her Master of Photography degree.
Tara has earned her Photographic Craftsman certification.
Tara is a member of the Professional Photographers Guild of Houston PPGH.