When most people think about family photos, they picture peak foliage or warm summer nights. But honestly? Some of the most magical Vermont family photos I’ve ever captured happen in late fall and winter.

Life doesn’t wait for warm weather or perfect scenery—those fleeting moments in your kids’ lives, this specific stage of pregnancy, or the newborn scrunch that is gone [way] too soon deserve to be remembered and celebrated, no matter the month.

If you’ve ever wondered whether November–February is “too late” or “too early” in the year for photos, here are a few of my favorite reasons this quiet season might just be the perfect time for your crew.

1. Earlier Golden Hour Means Happier Kids

In summer, that dreamy golden light shows up right when kids are typically brushing teeth and winding down. Between November and February, though, golden hour happens so much earlier—sometimes even right after school. No tricky bedtimes, no overtired meltdowns—just soft light, easy rhythms, and kids who get to be their joyful, present selves, whether we’re outdoors on frosty trails or documenting cozy winter family photos inside your home.

2. Cozy Wardrobes & Neutral Colors

Chunky sweaters, knit hats, wool socks peeking out of boots, mittened hands holding yours… cold-weather outfits practically do the work for you. Everyone looks effortlessly snuggly and relaxed, and whether we’re photographing kids running through leaves or curled up under a favorite blanket, textures and layers give every photo a warm, inviting feel.

When you book a session, your Session Guide includes outfit inspiration to make choosing pieces easy, and you can even add 1-on-1 styling support if you want a little extra guidance—so your family feels confident, coordinated, and perfectly comfortable in front of the camera. In the meantime, grab some of my favorite outfit tips for vermont family photos here.

3. Built-In Closeness

The cold has a way of pulling everyone closer. Your kids tuck into your arms, siblings share a blanket, and what might feel hot and sweaty in July becomes completely natural and welcomed in January. Snuggles aren’t something I have to encourage — they just happen. And indoors, those natural connections feel extra intimate, framed by the familiar corners and cozy chaos of home.

4. The Magic of the Holidays

Photographing families in the middle of the holiday season has its own sparkle. There’s a glow in the air, whether it’s twinkle lights strung downtown, simple greenery on your doorway, or the cozy corners of your own home. Even after the pumpkin pie and New Year’s toast are gone, this season comes with details built right in—little pockets of magic you don’t even have to plan for.

Curious about holdiay mini sessions? Join the waitlist and be the first to know if and when they’ll take place this year!

5. Space to Breathe

If you’ve ever tried wrangling kids in a busy park [I know you have], you know how distracting it can be. But in Vermont, November through February tends to be calmer. Trails feel more open, meadows are empty, downtowns are quiet[er]. There’s more room to let your kids run, explore, and be themselves without the background noise of a crowd or the pressure to perform in front of strangers.

6. The Season of Slow

Spring and summer buzz with activities, but winter naturally invites us to pause. A session in this season leans into that rhythm—it’s about noticing the dishwater light spilling across the kitchen, the pink flush of little cheeks in the cold, and the ordinary, tender magic of just being together. Whether we’re outside under the soft winter sky or inside with your favorite blanket, the pace allows us to capture moments that truly feel like your life right now.

7. Photos That Become Keepsakes

When sessions happen in November or December, the photos can slip straight into holiday cards, become framed gifts for grandparents, or become the perfect present for yourself and your partner. January and February photos have their own sweetness too—Valentine’s Day surprises, or just-because albums you flip through together by the fire.

8. Light & Color

There’s a softness to late fall and winter light that’s hard to beat. The sun sits lower in the sky, casting a gentle, flattering glow that makes every photo feel warm and tender. Paired with the muted browns, creams, and soft whites of this season, the light creates a calm, cozy palette that’s both timeless and perfectly Vermont. Whether we’re outside on frosty trails or catching golden rays in your living room, the light and color this time of year bring an extra layer of magic to your photos.

9. Capturing Everyday Magic

There’s something uniquely special about photographing your family at home during this time of year. Dishes in the sink, a favorite blanket tossed on the couch, the soft glow of window light… these everyday details become part of your story. In-home sessions in late fall and winter are cozy, personal, and entirely your own, creating photos that feel timeless and deeply rooted in your life.

Ready to Book Your Cozy-Season Vermont Family Photos?

Family photos this time of year aren’t just about pretty backdrops (though Vermont delivers plenty of those, too). They’re about preserving the feeling of right now—the cozy, fleeting, ordinary-in-the-best-way season you’re living through, indoors or out, under twinkle lights or winter skies.

Life keeps moving, and these moments—little hands wrapped around mugs of cocoa, flushed cheeks after running in the cold, quiet evenings together—don’t wait for summer or fall. Capturing them now means remembering them exactly as they are.

These in-between months hold their own kind of beauty. If you’re ready to document it, I’d love to hear from you.

Additional Vermont Family Photography Resources

• A Busy Mom’s Guide to In-Home Family Photos
• The Best Time of Day to Take Family Photos Outside in Vermont
• How to Print and Display Your Family Photos At Home
• How to Find the Right Family & Maternity Photographer For You
• The Best Time to Take Maternity Photos (and Why it Matters)
• 17 Creative Family Photo Ideas for Under $5