When to take pictures in Nebraska! Pros and Cons for each season.
What’s the best time for taking photos in Nebraska?
Let’s check the pros and cons for each season of the year to help you decide when you should book your photography session!
Ever wonder what time of year, or season, is the best time to get your photos taken in Nebraska? Me too! After years of photographing year round, I know just how different each season looks. The summer sun looks so different from winter, and we ALL can see the change in the landscapes as each of the four seasons passes by. So which season really is the best fit for your portraits? Let’s take a look at each season, talk about the pros and cons of each, and do a little show and tell photography style so you can see for yourself just how different the final images are season to season.
1) Spring in Nebraska
Spring is one of the best times to take pictures outside!
Springtime is the rebirth of new life from out of the debris and rubble left by our bitter cold, sometimes snowy winters. Personally, there’s SO much to love about springtime photography portraits. First, I am a HUGE sucker for the dreamy, sun-drenched blossom tree portraits you can only get during the Late April/Early May timeframe. So, are Spring photos perfect for you? Let’s see!
photo shown taken in Late April
Spring Photos in Nebraska: Pros & Cons
Let’s start this off with a POSITIVE note, shall we!
The PROS:
Beautiful flowers and trees are beginning to bloom everywhere, typically starting in April.
Warmer weather, but not too warm yet - basically the perfect temps on the best days!
Dreamy warm sun light during the morning sunrise and golden sunset hours.
Versatile season for coordinating outfit colors allowing colors from light and medium neutral tones to pastels work best.
A typically slower season for photographers, so there may be an easier time finding available times to book!
photo shown taken in Mid April
The CONS:
The weather can be a bit unpredictable this time of year, so you have to be ready for rain, snow, wind, cold, and warm. Being flexible is key to “weather the storm” in order to get those photos.
The bloom season for the florals can be short, and sometimes even shorter notice for booking, so be sure to book early with these in mind, have your outfits pre-purchased, and be ready to schedule your date & times with your photographer once the trees start showing signs of life.
Spring flowers bring seasons allergies! We all know, sometimes, this time of year can wreck havoc on those that suffer from allergies. If you puff up like a puffer fish, have chronic sneezes, or itchy, watery eyes all season, you may want to pass on this season’s beauty for a less irritating one.
photo shown taken in Late April
My Professional Opinion: BEST TIME FOR FAMILY, MATERNITY, & SENIOR PICTURES!
Spring pictures are simply MAGICAL and DREAMY! If you are looking for those gauzy floral filled portraits, consider booking a session around Late April to Early May. If you are wanting wildflower filled fields, May through June would be the best bet! Spring is my number one FAVORITE season to photograph! Even pictures in the rain or a late March snow flurry can be something special, though hard on the little ones if shooting family photos.
2) Summer in Nebraska
Summer is a good time for sunset pictures outside!
Summer sun drenches the landscapes, scorches the earth, and lights a fire in us all to get outside and soak up the rays of that golden sun if only for a few hours in the morning and evenings! Summer is my birth month and a personal favorite for me not only for photos, but because the long summer days allow for so much outdoor activities and beautiful late evening sunsets! Let’s check out the pros and cons of booking your session during June through August!
photo shown taken in Mid June
Summer Photos in Nebraska: Pros & Cons
Why choosing June-August might be the perfect fit for you:
The PROS:
Beautiful wildflowers, green native grasses and butterflies are everywhere.
Sunset isn’t until 9-9:30pm! With loads of daylight hours, it’s easier to fit in more sunset sessions even during the weekday (after work hours!)
Dreamy sun light during the morning sunrise and golden sunset hours.
Versatile season for coordinating outfit colors, from light to medium neutrals, to warm tones & bold and brights.
River sessions are an amazing way to stay cool in the heat and create fun family memories!
photo shown taken in Early June
The CONS:
The HEAT is ON! Summer is always the hottest time of year, and sometimes that means 100+ degree days. Staying hydrated is KEY! It’s important if you don’t like to melt, to plan your session to avoid the high heat of the day. Sometimes, it’s easier said than done though, but the high noon-3pm sun can be brutal, so remember that!
With summer, brings severe weather season. Torrential rains, large hail, high winds and tornadoes are common. Weather in Nebraska can change quickly, and rescheduling may occur when it’s bad enough for everyone’s safety! Being flexible in the event of severe weather is a MUST!
Sunset is LATE, like 9-9:30pm LATE! Families wanting golden hour sunset photos with little ones, remember these sessions don’t start until 7:30-8:30pm! To prepare, stretch their bedtimes later well before the session occurs or plan for early evening naptime to avoid meltdowns during your late evening summertime sessions.
photo shown taken in Early July
My Professional Opinion: BEST TIME FOR FOR COUPLES, FAMILY & SENIOR PICTURES!
Summer photos are sun-drench, warm, and vibrant! If you love the heat, need a booking time that is later in the evening for your busy schedules, or prefer flowers, green fields or playing in the water, consider booking around Beginning of June through Late August. Remember how late the sun sets when considering sunset (golden hour) sessions, and make sure that works for everyone!
3) Fall in Nebraska
Fall is a client favorite for outdoor pictures!
Oh the fall foliage! Autumn in Nebraska paints the plains in colors of rust, mustard, rich browns and warm neutrals. These are always a family favorite every year! Fall photo sessions are by far the most popular, most booked time of year! With loads of weddings, seniors, and family session all booking their dates well in advance to capitalize on the cooler temps from summer and the dreamy warm autumn color palette. Let’s explore why this time of year is always so popular!
photo shown taken in Late October
Fall Photos in Nebraska: Pros & Cons
Why choosing September-November for your pictures might be best:
The PROS:
Fall is right before the holiday seasons begin. Perfect to squeeze in those photos for Christmas cards and gifts.
Sunset is earlier in the day for those golden sunset photos without staying up past little one’s bedtime!
Temps are cooling down so you can wear those favorite layered looks!
Versatile season for coordinating outfit colors, from light to medium neutrals, to golden autumn tones, or rusty rich warm tones to deep moody gem tones!
Many photographers offer holiday photography sessions with special holiday pricing, themed or styled sets.
photo shown taken in Mid November
The CONS:
There is a huge difference in temperatures in Nebraska fall seasons. Early September can still be hotter, to late November experiencing below freezing temps, sometimes snow as early as end of October.
Shortening of the daylight hours. Gone are the “after work sessions” for sunset photos outdoors in the October and November months with the sun setting as early as 5:30pm.
It’s most photographers’ busiest time of year between weddings, senior photos, family sessions for the holidays, and school starting back up. This means longer wait times for gallery delivery dates usually. Booking fall sessions can also be harder to find the perfect date if you wait too long to book for the season and even harder for reschedule dates should the weather take a turn or illness strike.
photo shown on the right taken in Early October
photo shown taken in Late September
My Professional Opinion: GREAT TIME FOR FOR FAMILY PICTURES, SENIORS & COUPLES!
Fall photos are rich, warm tones! If you are hoping for slightly cooler days, want photos on the river, or love to still see signs of life on the Nebraska prairies, book your shoot in September. If you are dreaming of falling leaves, and those classic autumn tones and all things pumpkin spice, October has your heart, especially mid to late October for the full changing of the foliage to be in full effect. If you prefer sweater weather before the temps really take a swing in the deep end, book early November. Remember Late November can easily reach below freezing temps and it can start snowing in October, so having an indoor location as backup may be required.
4) Winter in Nebraska
Winter is snow season for pictures!
Winter in Nebraska can be a brutal season. Temps can dip in the below zero range and with bitter cold wind chills, it’s not ideal for family photos outdoors. If you simply were not able to squeeze in photos during the warmer months, winter can still be an amazing time for photos if you are willing to brave the cold or choose from one of many indoor locations in the area! Even though the weather can be chilly, I am always down to “weather the storm” for those snow globe portrait shots when the perfect 30 degree snow flurry rolls in.
photo shown taken in Early December
Winter Photos in Nebraska: Pros & Cons
What choosing December-February for your pictures looks like:
The PROS:
Winter is typically a very quiet season for natural light outdoor photographers. This means you may have a pick of dates to choose from if you want indoor sessions, or are willing to wait for the perfect snow flurry. It also means quicker turnaround time for gallery delivery.
Family often gets together over the holidays lending to the possibility to book extended family sessions while everyone is together!
It’s the season of giving and gift certificates are a great holiday gift idea! Message me today about purchasing a gift certificate today!
February can be a great time for valentines gift ideas too, or scheduling an indoor couples “date night session” for you and your special someone!
photo shown taken in Mid January
The CONS:
It is COLD! Like REALLY REALLY cold here in Nebraska during the winter. Plus the wind likes to blow, dropping the real feels temps into the -20’s at times. If you are willing to gamble with Mother Nature, or be patient and ready for the best winter days for outdoor photos, it’s totally worth the wait!
It’s not only cold, but it’s cold and flu season! Illnesses are always a struggle for people in the winter. Being flexible to change your session in the dire need due to one of the many winter illnesses we catch is important. We all want to keep one another healthy!
Blizzards out here can get dangerous quickly. Being aware of the current road conditions for you and your photographer’s safety is in everyone’s best interest. Be prepared to have to reschedule if the weather doesn’t cooperate and roads are too bad to drive even for indoor sessions.
photo shown taken in Early January
photo shown taken in Early January
My Professional Opinion: TRICKY TIME FOR FAMILY OUTDOOR PICTURES with the littles!
Mini Frost Sessions or indoor options are best!
Let’s face it, nobody wants to have to throw their coats on and off in between photos, trying to regain feeling back in your fingers and toes and counting down the seconds to the end of your photography session. Winter isn’t an ideal time to try and take family photos with small children outdoors. Though I have my tricks to help us get the photos quickly, and help keep them as happy as I can in the snowy cold weather, nothing compares quite like outdoor photos in warmer weather months. If you want to be sure your whole family is comfortable, opt for indoor locations during the winter. Kearney offers several great indoor studio rental options as well as has some beautiful greenhouses and local businesses that allow photographers to borrow for an hour or two. But, if you are brave and can handle the cold, I truly love a snow-filled couples shoot, branding, or maternity session in the snow!
Looking for that dreamy winter wonderland vibe for your pictures?
Click here to be notified for Frosty Winterland Mini Session opportunities!
