Tips & When to book for seasonal shoots

Best Times To Schedule

  • A smiling couple stands outdoors in warm clothing. The woman wears a red dress with jewelry, while the man wears a white suit with a beige turtleneck. They are holding each other and have matching high hairstyles with dreadlocks.

    Golden Hour (1-2hr prior to sunset)

    The best time of day for outdoor photoshoots! The light is soft and gives an evenly lit, cinematic look to your photos!

  • A family of three outdoors in a green, wooded area. The mother, in a pink dress, is standing and leaning slightly forward. The father, in a white T-shirt, is kneeling and holding the mother's belly, with his eyes closed. The son, with blonde hair, is sitting on the father's shoulders, leaning in to kiss his mother.

    Blue Hour (1-2hr following sunrise)

    The next best time, aside from Golden Hour, for outdoor photoshoots. Blue Hour is typically best lighting for real estate!

  • Group of wedding guests, including the bride and groom, posing on a playground structure outdoors on a sunny day with trees and power lines in the background.

    Harsh Lighting (Noon is worst time of day, harsh downward shadows)

    Best to avoid when possible for most sessions. However, when unavoidable, such as during weddings, we can use some methods to combat the sun and still get amazing photos!

Saint Louis Spring Photoshoot Tips

Begins around March 20th, some areas will start to bloom, best time is roughly mid to end of April for Spring shoots.

Spring

Saint Louis Fall Photoshoot Tips

Fall

Colors can start to show around the end of September in Missouri, best times for Fall photoshoots are typically last couple weeks of October to first couple weeks of November.

Sunflower bloom times in Missouri are roughly mid July to end of August, with peak bloom time often around the last week of July.

Sunflower Shoot

Engagement Photoshoot Tips

Great Times For Proposals/Engagements

Both Fall and Spring are beautiful times of year for special occasions like a surprise proposal or engagement photos!

What to look for when booking your photographer:

Here are a few key things to research about a photographer, especially a wedding photographer, before you decide to book with them:

  • Do they have reviews?

    Check out their reviews, see what the common denominator is in them. Do the reviews touch on things that are important to you, such as professionalism and timeliness?

  • Do they have a portfolio?

    Make sure their style matches what you like. See if they have a robust portfolio, this will help ensure that you are booking with a seasoned professional.

  • Have they covered the type of session you are looking for?

    This is something you may find an answer to in their portfolio, or you can reach out to them and ask directly.

  • Do they have additional options you are looking to have at your wedding or other session?

    This can include things like drone photography or special editing options. You may find the answer on their website, or can ask them directly.

  • Do they offer in person meet-ups?

    This is a common practice, especially for weddings. If you haven’t already met your wedding photographer during an engagement session, it is a good idea to meet with them in person and discuss your wedding plans and photography desires.

  • What do their policies and/or contracts look like?

    Policies and contracts can vary widely among small photography businesses. Ask and take a look at what your specific photographer includes in their policies to make sure it fits in line with what you are looking for.

Optional Photo Additions

(Add Opt. When Booking Session)

  • A woman with red hair and colorful tattoos stands on a forest path, holding a pink smoke bomb that releases pink smoke around her.

    Smoke Bombs

    This addition gives you access to a variety of colored smoke bombs, and two different sizes to meet the needs of any shoot.

  • A woman in a blue dress and black coat lying on a sandy area with scattered rocks, surrounded by patches of dark foliage, captured from above.

    Drone Photos

    This addition provides a new and fun perspective on various types of shoots.

  • A smiling man in a suit and red tie standing in a modern office with chairs and a window in the background.

    Premium Touch-Up

    This addition provides more in depth skin smoothing, blemish removal, toning, and highlights of the eyes, giving that top notch look.