Charlottesville Fall Family Portraits: The Early Booking Secret Every Parent Should Know

It’s August, your kids are splashing in the pool, and the last thing on your mind is Charlottesville fall family portraits. But here’s the thing—while you’re enjoying summer, my smartest clients are already securing their spot for those dreamy autumn sessions with me. And there’s a really good reason why they don’t wait.

Last summer, I had a mom tell me she’d call back in September to book her family’s fall portraits with me. When she finally reached out in late September, I had to deliver the disappointing news: I was completely booked. She ended up having to find another photographer and settle for a rushed December session. That conversation reminded me why I always tell my clients: if you want to work with me in the fall, we need to plan during the summer.

As a Virginia native and Charlottesville lifestyle photographer, I’ve watched this same pattern play out year after year. Families dream of those gorgeous golden-hour photos with autumn leaves, but they wait until the weather actually turns crisp to start thinking about booking. By then, it’s often too late to get the photographer and dates they really want.

If you’re curious about my approach to family portrait sessions, you’ll see that I specialize in capturing natural, joyful moments in Virginia’s beautiful outdoor settings.

Why My Charlottesville Fall Family Portraits Sell Out Early

Here’s what most families don’t realize: I only book 3-4 family sessions per month, and I never shoot on weekends. While other photographers are working Saturday and Sunday sessions, I’m out on our sailboat on the Chesapeake Bay with my husband and our three kids—Will, Rob, and Grace. Weekends are our family time, especially during Virginia’s gorgeous fall weather.

This means all my fall sessions happen on weekdays, 1-2 hours before sunset. With such limited availability and the need to keep backup dates open for weather, my fall calendar fills up quickly. Many clients wait until the weather actually turns nice and cool before thinking about Cville fall family portraits. By that point, all the good dates and times are typically booked out.

The families who get their preferred dates with me? They’re the ones booking while it’s still warm outside, thinking ahead to autumn.

Prime Time Slots Fill Up First

Since I only shoot on weekdays before sunset, every available slot is essentially “prime time.” There are no less desirable weekend afternoon sessions to fall back on—it’s weekday golden hour or nothing. When you factor in Virginia’s unpredictable fall weather and the need for backup dates, my availability becomes even more limited.

Right now in August, I still have a few October spots available, and early November can actually offer some of the most gorgeous foliage Virginia has to offer. But here’s something many families don’t consider: November brings the time change. After daylight saving time ends, sunset suddenly shifts much earlier, which affects our session timing and my available appointment slots.

Your Holiday Cards Deserve More Than a Rush Job

I know many families book their Charlottesville fall family portraits specifically for holiday cards, and I want to make sure you have plenty of time to create something beautiful. My galleries are delivered within two weeks of your session, which means you’ll have your images ready for any Black Friday deals if you want to take advantage of those savings.

I also offer holiday cards directly through our online gallery system, which take an additional 1-2 weeks for printing and shipping. When you book your session early in the season, you have time to review your images, make thoughtful selections, and get exactly the holiday cards you envision—not settle for whatever you can rush order.

Let’s Plan Your Session During Summer Calm, Not September Chaos

There’s something magical about planning your fall family session while you’re relaxed and have time to think everything through. When families book with me in August or early September, we can have leisurely conversations about location options. You have months to plan outfits, order that perfect sweater you spotted online, and coordinate looks for everyone in the family.

Compare that to the September scramble, when families are juggling back-to-school routines, realizing their kids have outgrown last year’s “nice” clothes, and trying to find any photographer with availability. Instead of thoughtfully selecting outfits you love, you’re stuck ordering whatever arrives quickly or making do with pieces that aren’t quite right.

Everyone wants fall family photos in Charlottesville, so the earlier you book, the better. The longer timeline gives you space to plan locations thoughtfully, pick the perfect wardrobe, and approach your session feeling excited rather than stressed.

Virginia’s Fall Foliage Timeline

Living in Virginia, I’ve learned that our fall color doesn’t follow the typical expected calendar. If you are expecting fall leaves and cooler temps in early September you will be disappointed.

According to Virginia’s official tourism site, peak fall foliage typically occurs from mid-October through early November, but timing varies by elevation and weather patterns. I would definitely say late Oct-early Nov is the best timeframe for Cville fall portraits.

When you book early, we can watch the foliage reports together and time your session for peak color in your preferred location.

This flexibility is only possible when you’re not scrambling for last-minute availability. Early bookers get first choice of dates and can adjust if needed as we get closer to fall and see how the season is developing.

Plus, if you’re looking for inspiration on family-friendly fall activities to do before or after your session, check out my guide to Charlottesville fall activities that make autumn in Virginia so special.

Start Your Fall Portrait Journey This Summer

The best Charlottesville fall family portraits happen when you plan ahead—way ahead. While other families will be scrambling in September to find any photographer with availability, you’ll be relaxed knowing I’m reserved for your family, your perfect weekday time slot is secured, and we can focus on creating something beautiful together.

Your future self (and your holiday card recipients) will thank you for booking your fall session with me this summer. You’ll have time to plan every detail, find outfits you actually love, and approach your session feeling prepared and excited instead of rushed and stressed.

Planning ahead means you get to work with the photographer you actually chose, not just whoever happens to have availability when you finally get around to booking. It means having your pick of dates and times, weather backup options, and the luxury of a relaxed planning process.

Get First Access to Fall Dates

Want to make sure you don’t miss out on securing your spot for Cville fall family portraits? Join my VIP list for early access to my fall session dates. VIP members get the first opportunity to book their preferred dates before I open booking to everyone else.

Here’s how it works: I release fall dates to my VIP list members first, giving you a 48-72 hour head start before general booking opens. There’s no obligation—just early access and priority consideration for the dates and times that work best for your family.

My VIP members typically secure their preferred dates within the first day of early access. If you’re dreaming of working with me this fall, this is your best chance to make it happen.

Ready to secure your Charlottesville fall family session in 2025? I currently have a few October spots remaining and early November availability—but not for long. Contact me today to reserve your date and start planning the fall family portraits you’ve been dreaming of.

The best time to book your fall session is now, while you can still plan everything perfectly and secure the photographer and dates you really want.