You know I’m not one to give you hard rules when it comes to the “best time” for anything. But as an Edmonton photographer for over three years, I do have some advice. It really wouldn’t be *me* though if I didn’t get a little sentimental first. TAKE THE PHOTOS. TAKE ALL THE PHOTOS. Although I am going to share a few tips today, I reallllly want to stress that you don’t have to wait until the “perfect time” to take the photos. I’m a big fan of taking photos (probably not surprising) and I hire photographers to take photos of my family ALL the time. Most recently, when my sweet little 9-month-old baby was just 3 months old. We brought in a lovely fellow Edmonton photographer into our home for a photoshoot celebrating our new addition.

And right now? I’m wondering where exactly the last 6 months have gone. Time has FLOWN.

If there is a milestone you are celebrating (whether it’s a new baby or a grandma’s 80th birthday), consider adding a professional photoshoot to document the time!

Hold up, who’s this Edmonton Photographer?

Before you take my advice now, a quick introduction! I’m Katie, and I’m the one behind the camera when you hire Katie Ruegg Photography for your family photos (surprised?). As you have likely gathered, I’m an Edmonton photographer who loves to have fun, capture real moments with people, and document memories. It sounds cliche, but truly nothing is more exciting to me than documenting both the big (like your wedding day) and small (like an afternoon at the park) moments of people’s lives. I believe family should be celebrated. You’ll get a sense of my style by scrolling through the photos below, and if you think I might be a good fit for what you are looking for from your next family photoshoot, connect with me here.

And while I’m on my soap box here, I want to document your family no matter what it looks like! Fur babies are always welcome.

The Best Time of Year to Take Family Photos in Edmonton

All right, enough about me breaking down into a pile of mush telling you how important family is to me (seriously, having a baby will do that to anyone). When it comes to the best time of year to take family photos in Edmonton, I usually recommend either fall and spring are usually best. Ultimately, the best time of year is whatever works best for you, but in the spring and fall the sunset is not super late so we don’t have to risk upsetting anyone’s bedtime to get that dreamy sunset light and the weather is reasonable. In the summer, the weather is nicer but the lighting can be harsher and will 9-10pm sunsets, it’s not ideal for families with young children!

What time of day should you book your family photos?

Again, this will depend on what works best for your family but I recommend first a day and time when everyone can show up as relaxed and carefree as possible. I will make sure you are having fun in the process! Listen, I know how busy family life can be, and while we definitely CAN squeeze in a quick photo session between gymnastics and soccer practice, if you have the option of making it part of a “fun family day”, I always think that’s ideal. I love photos but never at the expense of having fun! After all, I believe the photos are only as good as the memories you make taking them. Most of the time anyway 😉

When it comes to lighting, there is always something to be said about booking your photo shoot around the time the sunsets. If you want that golden, almost dewy lighting, we should plan around the sunset. If you’re interested, I have a few more tips here (like considering elevation!). Don’t stress too much about this right now, we can always talk more about this when you book your session!

Why family photos are so important

Let me just put this out there again: people put off family photos for SO many reasons. Maybe you want to wait until the new baby comes, or until you lose/gain more weight or you get your next hair cut, the list goes on. And as a fellow Edmonton mom, I get it. But as a human first and photographer second, I really want to encourage you to just book the session. Trust me, you don’t want to look back and realize you don’t have any photos of [insert whatever you will feel like you missed out on in the future]. That’s one of the reasons why in my sessions, I make sure to get individual shots of each parent with each child, and a few solos with just the siblings too. Group family photos are important, but you’re going to want EVERYTHING.

Have I convinced you yet? This might just sound like a lot of marketing but I swear family photos are *that* important to me. Watching my own family grow (and those around me) has been priceless. And they happen so fast. When you’re ready, I would love to document the season of life you’re in right now. Connect with me here directly and I will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.