Here’s the truth: by the time August rolls around, I’m usually fully booked for the month which means if you’re just now thinking “we should probably get those family photos done,” you’re looking at September sessions. But don’t worry! That’s not a consolation prize. That’s often the best seat in the house.

I know, I know – summer feels like the obvious season for outdoor photos. Golden light, beach days, everyone’s tan and relaxed. But anyone who’s actually been on a summer sunset shoot with me knows the reality is a little messier than the Pinterest board. So let’s talk about why I’m genuinely excited every year when my calendar tips over into September.

Sunset comes at a decent hour again

In July, sunset doesn’t happen until close to 9pm, which means we’re not even starting your session until 7:30 or later – and your kids are melting down somewhere around golden hour, right when the light gets good. By September, sunset creeps back to a much more civilized 7:15 or earlier. We can start at a normal time, get the light we need, and everyone’s home in time for a regular bedtime. Nobody’s family photos should require a nap the next day to recover from.

The smoke (usually) clears out

Let’s just say it plainly: this August, I had to reschedule more than one session because of wildfire smoke sitting over the Lower Mainland. Hazy skies don’t just look bad in photos – they flatten your gorgeous sunset into a dull orange smudge and make everyone’s eyes water. September tends to bring a shift in weather patterns that clears the smoke out, so we’re much more likely to get that crisp, saturated sky we’re all picturing when we book a “sunset session” in the first place.

It’s not gross-hot anymore

August in a sundress is cute for about twenty minutes before everyone’s sweaty, cranky, and asking to go home. September still gives us warm, golden evenings, but without the “why is my makeup melting off” heat. Comfortable people make better faces in photos. That’s just science.

Way fewer mosquitos!

If you’ve ever tried to hold a natural, relaxed smile while being eaten alive at Boundary Bay, you know exactly why this matters. September’s cooler evenings mean the bugs have mostly clocked out for the season, which means you can actually stand still in the grass without slapping your ankles mid-pose.

The chaos has settled — even with school starting

I know “back to school” sounds like the opposite of “ease,” but hear me out. Summer is unstructured chaos – camps, trips, sports, everyone’s schedule changing week to week. Once school starts, you get a routine back. Dinner at a predictable time. Bedtime that actually happens. A rhythm to the week. That structure tends to lower everyone’s stress level, including mine, which means calmer, more present families in front of my camera.

A few bonus reasons, while I’m at it:

• The light gets even better. Once the smoke and summer haze clear, September sunsets tend to have that deep, saturated gold-to-pink gradient that summer skies just can’t compete with.
• The beaches are quieter. Summer crowds thin out after Labour Day, so we’re not dodging skinny dippers (yes – it’s happened!) or sharing our sunset with fifteen other families doing the same thing.
• Your fall wardrobe options open up. Soft knits, layers, boots – September evenings are just cool enough to bring in some texture without anyone overheating.

I’ve got sunset slots open at Centennial Beach for the first two weeks of September – after that, my calendar shifts into fall sessions. Ready to grab one? Book here.

Eran Sudds is a Tsawwassen photographer who specializes in fun & natural sessions for you and your entire family. She is available for maternity, newborn, family portraits and headshots at locations in South Delta, or anywhere in the Lower Mainland. Contact her to book your session!