Outdoor Family Photo Session in St. Louis

What Is the Best Time of Year for Outdoor Family Portraits in St. Louis & O’Fallon, MO?

If you're wondering when the best time of year is for outdoor family portraits in St. Louis, O’Fallon and St. Charles County, my answer is simple: late August through November.

As a family photographer in O’Fallon, MO, I photograph families throughout O’Fallon, St. Charles County and the greater St. Louis area, and this is one of my favorite times of year for outdoor sessions.

The weather starts to cool down, the evening light is beautiful, and eventually the trees begin showing off those gorgeous fall colors that make Missouri such a beautiful place for family photography.

Whether you're looking for family photos in O’Fallon, a family photo session in St. Louis, or an outdoor location somewhere in St. Charles County, late summer and fall are some of the best months to get your family in front of the camera.

And if you've been putting off updating your family photos, now is the time to book.

Why Late August Through November Is the Best Time for Family Photos in St. Louis

St. Louis summers can be HOT. That's why I love the transition into late August and September for outdoor family photography.

As we move toward fall, temperatures become more comfortable and the evenings become much more enjoyable for families. By October, we can often combine beautiful fall colors with the soft, golden light that makes outdoor portraits so flattering.

For families in O’Fallon, Wentzville, Lake St. Louis and throughout St. Charles County, this is one of my favorite seasons for scheduling an outdoor family photo session.

You don't have to travel all the way into St. Louis to get beautiful family portraits. There are so many gorgeous outdoor locations right here in St. Charles County.

September Family Photos: The Perfect Transition From Summer to Fall

September is a fantastic month for O’Fallon family photography.

The trees may still be mostly green, but the weather is usually much more comfortable than the hottest parts of July and August. This gives your photos a bright, natural late-summer feel without quite as much heat.

September is also a great month for families who want more flexibility with their outfits. You can wear dresses, jeans, short sleeves, sweaters or light layers.

If you want your St. Louis family photography to feel bright, fresh and natural, September is a great choice.

October: Peak Fall Family Photography in St. Louis & St. Charles County

If you're dreaming of golden trees, warm colors and that classic fall look, October is hard to beat.

This is when parks throughout the St. Louis and St. Charles County area can really come alive with beautiful yellows, oranges and reds.

It's also the perfect time to pull out those cozy fall outfits—sweaters, boots, dresses and layers photograph beautifully against the changing leaves.

October is one of the busiest times of year for a family photographer in St. Louis, so if you're hoping for a specific weekend or location, I recommend booking early.

November Family Portraits in O’Fallon, MO

Don't count November out!

Depending on the year, we can still find plenty of beautiful color in early November. Even once many of the leaves have fallen, warm tones, open fields and soft light can create gorgeous, timeless family portraits.

November is also a great option if you're hoping to have your family photos ready for Christmas cards or holiday gifts.

And for families with teenagers, November can sometimes make scheduling a little easier around school, sports and busy fall schedules

Busch Wildlife is one of the many beautiful outdoor locations that can work well for a family photo session near O’Fallon and St. Charles County.

What Should You Wear for Fall Family Photos?

The good news is that you don't have to put everyone in matching outfits.

Instead, choose colors that coordinate without being identical. Neutrals, earthy tones, creams, denim, soft greens, browns and muted fall colors can all photograph beautifully outdoors.

Layers are also your friend during fall family sessions. They give your outfits more texture and allow everyone to have their own individual style while still looking cohesive as a family.

And most importantly, wear something you feel comfortable and confident in.

Your family photos should look like your family—not like you all walked out of the same catalog.

So, When Should You Book Your St. Louis or O’Fallon Family Photos?

If you've been waiting for the "perfect" time, this is it.

Late August through November is one of my favorite windows for outdoor family portraits in the St. Louis area, especially here in O’Fallon and throughout St. Charles County.

We get beautiful natural scenery, comfortable temperatures and, eventually, those gorgeous fall colors.

Whether you're searching for family photos near me in St. Louis, an O’Fallon family photographer, or a photographer for your family in Wentzville or elsewhere in St. Charles County, fall is the perfect time to get your family in front of the camera.

And don't wait until the leaves are already changing to start looking for a photographer. Fall is one of the busiest seasons for family photographers, and the most popular dates tend to fill quickly.

Ready for Your Family Photos?

As a family photographer in O’Fallon, MO, I serve families throughout O’Fallon, St. Charles County and the greater St. Louis area.

My goal is to make your session feel relaxed, natural and actually enjoyable—not like a stressful hour of trying to get everyone to smile at the camera.

If you're searching for St. Louis family photography, family portraits in O’Fallon, or a photographer near you in St. Charles County, I'd love to help you plan your session.

You can see more of my recent work on Instagram and get a feel for my photography style and recent family sessions.

Your kids won't be this age forever.

Let's document them while they're here.