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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

Honestly… a little bit of everything. 📸

From professional headshots and personal branding to senior portraits and family sessions, I love creating photos that help people and businesses tell their story.

And there’s plenty more I can help with, too—large team group composites, in-office headshots for teams with different schedules, acting and modeling headshots, office branding, and more.

Basically, if you need photos for yourself, your family, or your business, let’s talk about what you have in mind. I’ll help you figure out the best way to make it happen.

📸 Not sure where to start? Book a consultation with me through the link in my bio.

75 0
Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 18078523865357162
Honestly… a little bit of everything. 📸 From professional headshots and personal branding to senior portraits and family sessions, I love creating photos that help people and businesses tell their story. And there’s plenty more I can help with, too—large team group composites, in-office headshots for teams with different schedules, acting and modeling headshots, office branding, and more. Basically, if you need photos for yourself, your family, or your business, let’s talk about what you have in mind. I’ll help you figure out the best way to make it happen. 📸 Not sure where to start? Book a consultation with me through the link in my bio.

Money may not buy happiness, but having photos of your family to look back on years from now? That’s pretty priceless. 🤍

Fall family portrait season is here, and I have a few weekend dates still available (spots are filling fast!) 👇🏻

September 20
October 3, 10, & 17
November 7 & 15

If you’ve been meaning to update the family photos, document this season, or get those holiday card photos checked off your list, this is your sign to get on the calendar.

And once you book, I’ll make sure you’re not left wondering what to wear, where we’re going, what to bring, or what to expect. My Family Session Welcome Guide walks you through everything you need to know to feel prepared for your session. (linked in my bio)

📸 Ready to make some memories worth keeping? Grab your date through the link in my bio.

14 0
Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 17898708867599007
Money may not buy happiness, but having photos of your family to look back on years from now? That’s pretty priceless. 🤍 Fall family portrait season is here, and I have a few weekend dates still available (spots are filling fast!) 👇🏻 September 20 October 3, 10, & 17 November 7 & 15 If you’ve been meaning to update the family photos, document this season, or get those holiday card photos checked off your list, this is your sign to get on the calendar. And once you book, I’ll make sure you’re not left wondering what to wear, where we’re going, what to bring, or what to expect. My Family Session Welcome Guide walks you through everything you need to know to feel prepared for your session. (linked in my bio) 📸 Ready to make some memories worth keeping? Grab your date through the link in my bio.

I’m gonna let you in on my secret… 👀

These are the camera settings I use as my starting point when I’m shooting during golden hour:

☀️ APERTURE
For one person: f/2.8–f/3.2
For families or groups: f/5.6

A wider aperture gives you that beautiful separation and soft background when you’re photographing one person. With a group, I stop down to help keep everyone in focus.

☀️ SHUTTER SPEED
I start around 1/160 sec—but if I have kids running, a couple moving around, or anything else with more movement, I’ll increase my shutter speed to keep everything sharp.

☀️ ISO
ISO 400 is my starting point, and then I adjust up or down depending on how much light I have.

The biggest thing to remember? These aren’t magic numbers you have to use every time.

Golden hour changes quickly, and your settings should change with it. Use these as a starting point, watch your light, and adjust for the people and movement in front of your camera.

And if you’re building your photography kit and wondering what gear is actually worth investing in, I put together my Photographer’s Gear Guide with the cameras, lenses, lighting, and equipment I use in my own business.

Grab your free copy through the link in my bio! 📸

138 1
Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 17868705066644933
I’m gonna let you in on my secret… 👀 These are the camera settings I use as my starting point when I’m shooting during golden hour: ☀️ APERTURE For one person: f/2.8–f/3.2 For families or groups: f/5.6 A wider aperture gives you that beautiful separation and soft background when you’re photographing one person. With a group, I stop down to help keep everyone in focus. ☀️ SHUTTER SPEED I start around 1/160 sec—but if I have kids running, a couple moving around, or anything else with more movement, I’ll increase my shutter speed to keep everything sharp. ☀️ ISO ISO 400 is my starting point, and then I adjust up or down depending on how much light I have. The biggest thing to remember? These aren’t magic numbers you have to use every time. Golden hour changes quickly, and your settings should change with it. Use these as a starting point, watch your light, and adjust for the people and movement in front of your camera. And if you’re building your photography kit and wondering what gear is actually worth investing in, I put together my Photographer’s Gear Guide with the cameras, lenses, lighting, and equipment I use in my own business. Grab your free copy through the link in my bio! 📸

Class of 2027, the clock is ticking! 🎓📸

Yearbook deadlines are getting closer, which means there’s not much time left to get those fall senior portraits on the calendar.

Senior photos are about so much more than checking a yearbook photo off the list. This is your chance to capture their personality, style, interests, and who they are during one of the biggest years of their life.

If senior portraits are still sitting on your fall to-do list, this is your sign to get them booked!

🎓 Now booking fall senior sessions. Head to the link in my bio to get started.

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Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 18136071466547138
Class of 2027, the clock is ticking! 🎓📸 Yearbook deadlines are getting closer, which means there’s not much time left to get those fall senior portraits on the calendar. Senior photos are about so much more than checking a yearbook photo off the list. This is your chance to capture their personality, style, interests, and who they are during one of the biggest years of their life. If senior portraits are still sitting on your fall to-do list, this is your sign to get them booked! 🎓 Now booking fall senior sessions. Head to the link in my bio to get started.

Come spend a headshot + branding day with me! 📸

One of my favorite things about on-location sessions is getting to step into a client’s space and create images that actually feel connected to their business.

We can capture updated headshots, team photos, working shots, office details, and plenty of branding content—all without your team having to leave the office.

A lot goes into a shoot day, but this is the fun part: turning an ordinary workday into a whole new library of images for your brand.

Need updated photos for your business or team? Let’s plan your session! Click the link in my bio to get started! 🔗

78 0
Open post by taraflanneryphotography with ID 18003744878986517
Come spend a headshot + branding day with me! 📸 One of my favorite things about on-location sessions is getting to step into a client’s space and create images that actually feel connected to their business. We can capture updated headshots, team photos, working shots, office details, and plenty of branding content—all without your team having to leave the office. A lot goes into a shoot day, but this is the fun part: turning an ordinary workday into a whole new library of images for your brand. Need updated photos for your business or team? Let’s plan your session! Click the link in my bio to get started! 🔗

- STAY IN TOUCH -

Serving the Greater Houston, Texas Area

tara@taraflannery.com

713-412-5437

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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.