Houston Family Photographers know the question is coming every year: When’s the best time for fall family pictures in Houston?  After five years as a family photographer in the Houston area, I’ve learned to watch everything — the quality of light, the natural tones, sunset times, humidity levels, and how the weather actually feels in your photos. Honestly, half of my job is interpreting the forecast so your session hits that just-right moment.

So let’s dive in. I’m sharing the best times for fall family photos in Houston — plus the pros and cons of each month. I’m posting this early so you can plan ahead, book with confidence, and understand why certain dates disappear fast. Let’s make sure you’re ahead of the game this fall!

SEPTEMBER: THE UNDERRATED GEM OF FALL PHOTOS IN HOUSTON

This may not be the most popular opinion, but September just might be my favorite “fall” (or ‘ber) month for family pictures in Houston. Hear me out — there’s a lot to love.

Pros:

1. September green is gorgeous.
To me, green is beautiful — and, if you ask any of the Houston Family Photographers September is peak green season. The way sunlight filters through fully leafed trees creates this magical, glowy backdrop that I absolutely adore. It’s vibrant, alive, and timeless.

2. The golden hour light is next-level.
I might be the only person who notices this (occupational hazard), but light has different tones at different times of year. And after 20+ years behind the camera, I can tell you: late summer/early fall light in Houston is uniquely beautiful. It’s warm, rich, and incredibly flattering — unlike the cooler light we often get in winter and spring. One day I’ll learn the science behind it, but for now, just trust me: it’s so good.

3. Later sunsets = less stress.
In September, we still get those nice long days — which means no one has to leave work or pull the kids out of school early. If your session is on a weekend, most sports games are already done by the time we start. It’s a very happy time of year for timing!

4. It’s easier to grab a great date.
Because many people haven’t booked that far ahead (or aren’t fans of the heat — more on that in a second), September often has more availability, especially for prime weekend spots.

5. You’ll be ahead for holiday season.
Fall photos in September give you plenty of time to design your holiday cards and order gifts. No racing the clock to beat Black Friday! (P.S. I offer beautiful, high-quality holiday cards — way better than Shutterfly or Walmart’s options.)

Cons:

Let’s be honest: it’s still hot.
Yep — You don’t have to be one of the Houston Family Photographers to know September is still Houston summer in disguise. It’s warm, the humidity is high, and mosquitoes are definitely still hanging around.

For some families, that’s a dealbreaker. But y’all… we’re Texans! We’re tough. We know how to handle the heat — and I’ve got tips to help you stay cool and comfortable during your session:

• Bring a change of shirt for dad. The #1 complaint I hear is husbands sweating through their shirts. A fresh shirt halfway through can be a game-changer.
  
• Portable fans work wonders. Use them between shots to cool faces and keep sweat at bay. (Sweat is hard to edit out — and once your hair’s wet, it’s game over.)
  
• Bug spray = a must. Mosquitoes love this time of year, but we don’t have to love them back.
  

Bring ice water. Think: a Stanley or similar. Cold water keeps everyone happy — and prevents overheating.

If you love that lush green look, soft golden light, and a more relaxed timeline, as much as the best Houston family photographers, September might be your sweet spot. Yes, it comes with a little sweat — but in my opinion, it’s absolutely worth it.

OCTOBER: THE SWEET SPOT FOR FALL FAMILY PORTRAITS IN HOUSTON

October is the prime month for family pictures in Houston — and it’s not hard to see why.

Pros:

1. The colors start to shift.
October still has plenty of green, but nature begins to soften. Tones get more muted, more neutral — the first hints of true fall color start to appear, especially as we move deeper into the month. It’s that cozy, golden aesthetic so many families love.

2. The light is magical.
If you liked the light in September, October steps it up. Golden hour becomes warmer, richer, and even more glowy. It’s the kind of light that makes skin look beautiful, eyes sparkle, and every image feel warm and timeless.

3. Hello, cold front!
In Houston, October often brings our first taste of cooler air. While it’s not guaranteed, there’s a good chance your October session will come with more comfortable temperatures — and that always makes the experience more enjoyable for everyone.

4. Lower humidity = less sweat.
Houston family photographers are so grateful that the humidity usually begins to drop in October, which makes a noticeable difference — not just in how you feel during your session, but how you look in your photos. You might even be able to skip the backup shirt for dad!

5. Light is still on your side (mostly).
In early October, there’s still enough daylight that weekday sessions won’t require pulling kids out of school early. Later in the month, sessions typically begin around 5 PM — so for families with strict 9–5 schedules, that might take a little planning.

Cons:

1. Everyone wants October.
Because it’s the perfect mix of great light, comfortable weather, and early-fall color, October is very popular. Weekend spots book up fast — often months in advance. If this is your ideal time, planning ahead is a must.

2. The days are getting shorter.
As we move through October, we start losing light quickly. That means earlier start times for evening sessions. Toward the end of the month, sessions often begin at or before 5 PM, which can be tricky with work schedules.

Houston family photographers know that October really is the sweet spot — beautiful light, crisp air (if we’re lucky), and just enough fall color to hint at the season. If you can plan ahead and be flexible on timing, it’s a truly stunning month for family photos in Houston.

NOVEMBER: THE COZIEST MONTH FOR PICTURES IN HOUSTON (HOUSTON FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHERS JUST WISH WE HAD MORE LIGHT)

If it weren’t for how early the sun sets, November might be the perfect month for family pictures in Houston.

Pros:

1. The weather is everything.
Truly. This is the kind of weather that makes you thankful to live in the South. It’s cool, crisp, and finally comfortable. You can layer without sweating. You can wear fall-inspired outfits that actually feel like fall. It’s dreamy.

2. Soft, muted tones that feel cozy and calm.
By November, nature has settled into more neutral, muted hues. Think soft greens, golden browns, and a peaceful, timeless vibe. While the bold colors of October begin to fade, most trees still have leaves, giving your images texture without overpowering them.

Cons:

1. The daylight hours are short — really short.
Once the clocks fall back after the first Saturday in November, we lose that precious evening light. Sessions need to start early — typically between 2:30 and 3 PM, depending on your location. That means weekday sessions often require pulling kids from school early and asking parents to leave work a little ahead of schedule.

(And not to get political, but the photographer in me is still waiting for that promise to keep Daylight Savings Time all year… it would make this season so much easier!)

2. You’re brushing up against holiday deadlines.
If you’re hoping to use your images for holiday cards or gifts, timing matters. Most photographers need about 2–3 weeks for session turnaround. So if you’re aiming to order cards before Black Friday (and avoid the stress), I highly recommend scheduling your session by the first week of November.

November brings some of the most beautiful weather of the year in Houston — and the coziest vibes for your fall family photos. If you can work around the early sunset and plan ahead, it’s absolutely worth it.

DECEMBER: THE FALL PHOTOS SECRET NO ONE TALKS ABOUT (BUT SHOULD!)

Y’all — do not sleep on December! I know what you’re thinking: “Isn’t it too late? Don’t we need to have our Christmas cards out by December 1st?”

But here’s the thing: your Houston family photos shouldn’t just be about the cards. That’s just a bonus. Your session is about capturing your family as you are, right now, in one of the most beautiful and underrated times of year in Houston.

Pros:

1. December brings peak fall vibes — for real.
The first week of December is prime time for leaves falling in Houston. It’s the one true moment we get where it actually looks and feels like fall here — and it’s gorgeous. The leaves are turning and dropping, the air is crisp, and it’s absolutely magical on camera.

(In fact, I wrote a whole blog post on this — check that out HERE!)

2. It’s all the best parts of November… but even better.
You still get the lovely weather, cozy layers, and soft golden light — but with more fall color, more texture, and more mood. It’s fleeting (it lasts about .2 seconds in Houston), which makes it even more worth documenting.

Cons:

1. Holiday turnaround is tight.
If your goal is to have images in hand for Christmas cards or gifts, you’re cutting it close. Sessions after the first week of December may not deliver in time unless you’ve made prior arrangements. Always check your photographer’s turnaround time and holiday deadlines.

2. The early sunset is still a challenge.
Just like in November, we’re working with short days. Sessions need to start mid-afternoon — usually between 2:30 and 3 PM — which can be tricky with work and school schedules.

So don’t count December out — especially that magical first week. If you’re in it for the fall colors, rich tones, and truly timeless images (and not just the Christmas cards), December might just be your new favorite time for family photos in Houston.

A GREAT SPOT FOR HOUSTON FAMILY PHOTOS ALL YEAR LONG

There’s one location near Houston that’s always a good choice for family photos — no matter the season (well… unless there’s a hurricane). And that’s the beach!

A short drive down to Galveston gives you beautiful, neutral backdrops and soft, dreamy light that works any time of year. Whether it’s January or July, the beach just has a way of making your photos feel relaxed, timeless, and full of connection.

Yes, there are still seasonal temperature changes — but even in the heat of summer, the ocean breeze helps take the edge off. Just one tip: don’t forget the bug spray! Mosquitoes and sand fleas love the beach too.

If you’re looking for a location that offers consistency, wide-open skies, and a clean, natural aesthetic, Galveston is always a good idea.

READY TO PLAN YOUR FALL FAMILY PHOTOS IN HOUSTON

I hope this guide helps you feel more confident about when to schedule your family pictures in Houston. Just one important reminder: even in the fall, weather can be unpredictable. Don’t wait until the last minute to book — there’s always a chance we may need to reschedule due to rain.

If you’re ready to get your session on the calendar, I’d love to chat with you! My calendar is open for the rest of the year for:

• Full Sessions
  
• Petite Sessions
  
• Our Famous Santa Experience Mini Sessions
  

You can visit my website HERE and head to the contact page to get all the details sent straight to your inbox — or, if you’re ready, you can book your session online now.

I can’t wait to photograph your family this fall!

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