One of the biggest questions that I get as photographer is "When is the best time to take our portraits?" If your curious to here is a month by month guide to help you navigate Sonoma Countys unique landscapes and weather so that you can have the picture perfect photo session.
January
The beginning of the year is the perfect time to start planning out when you would like to do your photo sessions. January is usually a little slow for photographers, weather permitting most shoots are done inside. Unless you live in Northern California then we are fortunate enough to still have lots of sunny days.
One of my favorite sessions to offer this month is LOVE sign mini sessions. Done just in time to get them back before Valentine’s Day or schedule for the actual holiday. It's the perfect way to send a little love note to your family, or just to capture the iconic love sign at Paradise Ridge winery. Along with these mini sessions I also offer mini accordion albums that document your session perfectly.
Don't forget this month is also the perfect month to update those business head shots! This can be done virtually anywhere.
February
Mustard flowers start to bloom, everywhere you look in Sonoma County mid-February in between the vines along the hillside and my favorite sprinkled next to the lakes. These small Yellow flowers blooming through all the green vines create a perfect bright bold backdrop and make it feel like spring! Even though I’ve lived here my entire life these are still an exciting sight to see.
Also in February, don't blink because you might miss the blooming plum, and peach blossom trees. These pink blossom trees seem to only last about 3 weeks here in Sonoma County.
March
March really is when spring starts to happen here mustard flowers are still in bloom and by now the other wildflowers are catching up. Some of my favorites include the wild Lupin and the poppies! And wild Radish! These literally takes over our apple orchard! They seem to last on into April.
April
Apple blossoms!!! Another of my favorites! Sebastopol offers so many rolling hillsides covered in apple trees, it looks like a sea of white/pinkish flowers.
Another super quick bloom in April is the wisteria, again a 2-3 week window before this delicate bloom disappears for the year.
May
April showers brings..... May flowers! Roses, Rhododendrons and Azaleas are all in full bloom here! Fully loving the coastal fog that rolls in and out everyday.
This is my favorite time of year to visit the amazing nurseries and gardens in Sonoma County, you can read more about a few of my favorites here. All the blooms are showing off just in time for Mothers day!
June
By now wedding season is in full swing! A weekend session is not likely, but if we to squeeze in a lavender field shoot I'm sure we can figure something out! Another bloom not to be missed this month is the yellow lupine at Bodega Bay.
July
Seniors! All month long! Summer before your senior year is the best time to take your Senior portraits! Before you get busy with your classes and extra curricular activities that start in the fall. This guarantees that you will be completely prepared for those yearbook deadlines.
Weddings are also happing all month long! Grape vines are showing off just how green they make our hillsides! It's a stunning month for weddings.
August
August feels a little like the calm before the storm! This is the time to book those family photos for the fall.
If you are looking for a field full of tall yellow grass this is the time!
September
Fall has begun to show off all of its amazing colors! The trees, the grape vines, the fields of hay! Everything is changing colors. If you have not scheduled your family photos do so NOW! I don't want to talk to you in December :) (I'll still love you, but I won't be happy)
For blooms this month the Dalias are all gorgeous and the sunflowers are staring to shine.
October
Nothing is cuter then pumpkin patch photos!
More fall colors, more family photos, more weddings and more seniors before the time change! October is the storm I mentioned earlier! Not weather related at all, its actually one of my favorite months weather wise. It's the last of the warm summer nights. Which makes Sonoma County a photographers playground!
November
It's beginning to look a lot like winter! Most of the leaves have dropped and hopefully we've started to get some rain. Early in the month is ok for the last of the family holiday card photos. Also its the perfect time for Christmas farm photos! Right before the farms open to the public and just in time to get your cards ordered and sent out before the holidays.
December
The 1st weekend of December is the very last moment that I will take a holiday photo client. The weather is a little unpredictable and rescheduling before the holiday is not always possible. I do spent the month get out prints and gifts for loved ones. I love this time of year and seeing everyones printed images is the best!
I hope this little guide helps you narrow down when you would like to get your portraits done! Please reach out with any questions..... I happen to love talking about photography ;)
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