Fall family pictures are my most favorite of the year!  The colors and the light (and the weather) are all so perfect.  But how do you get an ACTUAL fall family picture that LOOKS like FALL when you live in Houston, Texas?

That can be tricky.  As a Houston family photographer I have learn that our peek fall colors in South East Texas are not in September.  Those peak fall color are not even in October.

Shocking, I know!

For your family pictures in the fall, the real fall colors don’t start showing themselves until late November, early December!

So when do you plan your fall family pictures in Houston?

I’m here to help!

Fall Family Pictures in Houston

Today is December 5^th.  When I was taking my kids to school, all of a sudden, we could see colors popping out.  There was yellow and orange sticking out of our normally thick green trees.  And there was noticeably more leaves flying around as we were driving down the street.

This is it!!!  If you want fall family pictures that look like FALL in Houston, the first week of December is the time to book!

I know this sounds crazy!  And, honestly, not ideal to get Christmas cards out on time (if that is what you are looking for).  But this is what you need to do if you want fall-looking family pictures in Houston.

Benefits of Scheduling your Family Pictures in December

There are several benefits to scheduling your pictures at the beginning of December in Houston and all of Southeast Texas (and, honestly, probably all of the south).

1. The weather is cooler.  The average high in Houston in December is 66 degrees.  Y’all!  That 1000% beats the average high in October that is 82 (but we all know it will most likely be much hotter). Go HERE to check out the almanac to see how the weather should be.

2. You can wear the sweaters that are so cute and fall-like that you could never wear in September or October.

3. You are passed the “busy season” for photographers.  Usually, after Thanksgiving photographers’ schedules calm down a little.  It might be easier to find a convenient time for your session.

4. Ideal locations will be less crowded.  Since busy season will be calming down, favorite locations will be too.

Downsides of Scheduling your Fall Family Pictures in December

1. The sun sets at 5:20.  Yes, most photographers start their sessions at least, 2 hours before that.  You absolutely (in my light and airy Houston photographer experience) cannot shoot up until the sun sets (unless you are shooting at the beach or a wide-open field).  It gets too dark.  So your mid-day schedule has to be flexible or shoot on a weekend.

2. You may not be able to get Christmas cards out before Christmas.  Most photographers have a 2 (ish) week turn around time. (Don’t ask if they can get them to you earlier, even just one, they can’t, they are over their head with editing.)

3. It might not be cool.  We all know, we get 90 degree days in Houston, even in December.

Family pictures are so special no matter when you do them.  But if you are ready for some fall colors in your fall family pictures in Houston, December is the time to do it!

Now that you know when to do your fall family pictures, CLICK HERE to go to a blog, especially about preparing those cute kiddos to see Santa!!!