Let’s talk about the seasonal photo struggle, Fargo edition.


You want that dreamy golden-hour family photo where your child isn’t melting down after a long day, your shirt isn’t soaked in sweat, and the grass doesn’t look like a Crayola marker exploded. The reality is, not every warm day is good for pictures, especially when photographing kids.


After years of photographing families across the Fargo-Moorhead area, here’s what I’ve learned about timing, light, and how to actually enjoy your session.

A group of eight people in coordinating blue, white and pink outfits stand together in a sunny meadow.
A family smiles together outdoors, dressed in light summer clothing against a natural green background.
A family walks together through a sunny meadow with tall grass and trees in the background on a summer day.

Early Summer (June to July): Bright, green, and needs a little planning


Summer sessions can be beautiful...but they take a bit more strategy. The sun doesn’t set until after 9 p.m., which means golden hour often overlaps with your kid’s bedtime routine. And yes, the grass is bright green and the light can be a little intense.


That said, it’s 100% doable. I usually lean on locations with good shade, like garden centers or downtown Fargo, and sometimes we’ll even shoot in the morning instead. With the right spot and timing, you can absolutely get beautiful images without pushing bedtime or battling the sun.


A family of four poses together outdoors during autumn with colorful fall foliage in the background at sunset.
Family photo taken outdoors at golden hour with two children and two adults on a grassy trail.
Family enjoying an autumn photo session outdoors with colorful fall foliage in the background.
Two children stand together outdoors in autumn wearing coordinated brown and plaid outfits at sunset.

Late September to Early October: The sweet spot.


This is hands-down my favorite time for outdoor family photos in Fargo. The light is softer, the trees are full of color, and sessions can happen earlier in the evening. That means better light, happier kids, and way less stress.


By now, I’ve learned that chasing new photo locations every year isn’t worth it. I stick with a handful of favorite spots in the Fargo area where I know exactly how the light works. It makes a huge difference.


Family photos should focus on your connection, not the background. I could shoot the same family at the same park multiple years and still make it feel fresh just by shifting my angle or adjusting the time of day. If you don’t understand the light, even a beautiful setting can turn into a bad gallery.

A family of four sharing a joyful moment together outdoors during autumn with golden foliage in the background.
Four children stand together smiling outdoors with autumn foliage and golden leaves in the background.
Family dressed in fall colors poses together beneath vibrant orange autumn maple trees on a crisp day.
Young family in casual attire poses together outdoors in a warm autumn setting with natural bokeh background.
A small child wearing a light blue button-down shirt and jeans sits on a wooden stool outdoors in dappled sunlight.
Happy family embraces and laughs together outdoors in a golden field at sunset amid lush green trees.
Large extended family group walking together on outdoor path in casual clothing during golden hour sunlit autumn setting.
A family plays together outdoors with white fabric in an autumn field during golden hour sunset.

Late October: Cooler temps, softer tones


Once the wind picks up and the leaves drop, we’re working with bare trees, moodier skies, and colder temps...but fall photos are still 100% doable. You just have to know what to expect.


This time of year, I usually choose locations with tall grasses or evergreens to add depth and color. The light can actually be really soft and beautiful, and if you don’t mind bundling up a bit, these sessions can be just as gorgeous as peak fall... just a little cozier.

Family sits together on a white bench surrounded by evergreen trees during golden sunset hour.
A couple poses together in a field during autumn with red foliage and golden grass in the background.
A family sits together on a blanket in a golden autumn field with evergreen trees and red foliage in the background.
A small child sits on a rock wearing a black cardigan over a floral print dress near an evergreen tree.
A family of six poses together outdoors in front of an evergreen tree during a winter photo session.
Multi-generational family portrait taken outdoors in autumn with fall foliage and natural landscape backdrop.

So, when should you book?


If you want classic fall family photos with warm light and real smiles, plan for late September or the first week of October. That’s when Fargo truly shows off it's beautiful colors, and your photos will too.


And if you’re hoping for a summer session but need to avoid bedtime drama, reach out and we’ll talk about location options that work earlier in the day.


BOOK YOUR SESSION HERE