Have you waited till the last minute to schedule your fall family photography session? You’ve come to the right place! I’m going to give you some insider tips on scheduling your fall family photo session in Loudoun County.
Loudoun County is known for its family-friendly suburban neighborhoods and gorgeous landscapes that scream “take your Pinterest-worthy family photos here!” So, it’s no mystery that the seasoned family photographers who know where to go and how to make you look your best book up the earliest.
I polled a dozen of my family-photographer friends to see when they schedule their family photography sessions, and the good news for you is that it was evenly divided between those of us who are booked for the fall months in advance and those who can usually fit in clients last minute. If you’re looking now for a last-minute session, skip down to the list of photographers who are still booking 2020 fall sessions (you’re welcome!).
If you’re interested in booking a fall family photo session with me, keep reading.
Booking a Fall Family Photo Session with Rebecca Danzenbaker Photography
Why is it so hard to get on my schedule? I’m a super-low volume photographer. I only schedule around two sessions a week.
Why so few? I spend 12+ hours on each session between prep, shooting, culling, editing, and sending. Additionally, I help my clients design albums and wall galleries and place orders, and I spend a lot of time communicating with both clients and prospective clients. Then there’s the time-consuming running-a-business activities – website maintenance, blogging, equipment maintenance, purchasing supplies, filing and paying taxes, etc. I found that limiting myself to two sessions a week allows me to have a social life, be a better mom, and take care of myself, which makes me a better photographer and keeps me from burning out.
Unfortunately, that means I have to turn away a lot of families who are interested in working with me. The fall is the most sought-after season for family photography, and I have a lot of faithful clients with whom I’ve formed friendships, so I’ve worked out this method for scheduling fall sessions:
Fall photography session scheduling priority
- Clients who are booked for a fall photo session THIS year (any date from September – November) get first choice for fall dates NEXT fall. I usually start booking for next fall a year in advance. This year, I’ll start booking fall 2021 in late December 2020 to take a little of the crazy out of the fall season.
- Clients who have had a photo session with me in the past two years (2019 or 2020) will get second priority for fall 2021 dates. Those dates will likely open up in mid-January.
- Finally, any remaining fall 2021 dates will be released to the public in late January (or thereabouts).
Do I recognize the insanity of this? Yes, I do. I am also beyond grateful for those who wait to get sessions with me. I know it’s frustrating for you!
How to get priority for fall 2021
If I haven’t photographed your family in the past two years, the best way to get on my schedule for next fall is to book a session for a different season. I’m currently scheduling June-August 2021 sessions. Schedule a summer session and ask to be put on the waitlist for the fall. Be prepared to go ahead with the summer session. (Psst… summer is my favorite season for photos anyway). It’s rare for me to get a cancellation, but it does happen! At minimum, this will get you on the second wave of priority for 2022. Details on my family photography packages are on the pricing page.
Who to schedule your 2020 fall family photography session with NOW
But you need a family photographer now! Time is a-ticking and your kiddos aren’t getting any younger. No need to wait! There’s a lot of talent here in Loudoun County and some family photographers still have openings!
In no particular order, here are the ones I know about (as of 10-14-20):
Lindsay Kloepping has a limited fall sessions available and a few openings left for her 11/7 minis. Details here.
Justine at Fluttering Shutter Photography has one spot left for her 10/25 minis. Email her at hello@flutteringshutterphotography.com.
Becky Gardner has Christmas PJ mini sessions coming up on 11/21. Email her at beckyagardner@gmail.com.
Gwen Meehan still has fall availability for full-length sessions.
Aruna Nirujogi is still booking fall sessions, too!
If you are a Loudoun family photographer and still have openings for fall 2020, please comment on this post or contact me, and I’ll add your info to this list!
Hope to meet you all soon!!
