The automatic choice for many, when choosing which season to have their session is late Spring or Summer when their horses will ‘look their best’. This isn’t always the right decision though and it is important to consider the differences in the seasons and what major positives you may be missing by not having your session in winter.
Below are the main advantages and disadvantages of each season, taking note none of these matter if a studio lit session, when as long as your horse is smartly clipped you won’t know what season the session took place!
Winter – (December – February) – There are several big advantages to winter sessions. Due to the shorter days the sun doesn’t get high in the sky during winter. This is a big bonus as it results in beautiful flattering light the majority of the day instead of only in the later evenings or early mornings. Another great bonus is the lack of flies. They distract you and your horse and are a pain to edit out. Therefore any session without them is a good session.
Horses coats can be fluffy, but a clipped horse can be super smart and shiny. The weather can be unpredictable but it is often drier in winter than spring, when the showers really start. Yes it is colder but this allows for layering of outfits. Mud and wet ground can also be an issue if wanting to use grazing paddocks or regularly traversed areas as a location.
The real downsides can be lack of colour on trees, unless some surrounding evergreens (such as the left image), and a potential for mud! There is also the one possible dual advantage and disadvantage SNOW! It can cause transport issues, but leads to some amazing photos.
Spring – (March – May) – Spring is often wet wet wet, but with that comes some stunning colours. Glorious bluebells, and stunning rapeseed amongst others. The trees start blooming and flowers blossom. The more colours the better!
Unclipped horses will be growing their summer coats through as the days get longer, and the days grow warmer so you don’t need to risk catching a chill. So the main disadvantage is the rain and pte
Summer – (June – August) – More reliable weather, a lack of mud, long summer evenings with glorious light just before and at sunset, are all fantastic positives.
The BIG downside is flies, flies, flies and more flies. In addition there is awful midday light from high sun (which I always try to avoid if possible), and dried yellow grass if a hot summer.
Autumn – (September – November) – Autumn colours, is there anything else to say?
The weather is generally still reasonably reliable and warm, on cooler days it’s a perfect excuse to layer outfits, and sunsets are more regular to allow for stunning silhouettes.
Problems are flies are often still around, and coats are becoming fluffier but clipping can sort the latter very easily.