Family with a baby and dog pose in front of bronze sculpture for springtime family photos at the North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh.

Spring in Raleigh is tricky. One week, the trees look bare, the grass is still brown, and you’re wondering if it’s worth scheduling a session at all. A few weeks later, everything explodes in green, and suddenly the landscape feels alive, vibrant, and ready for photos. But as any Raleigh family photographer will tell you, spring also brings The Pollening, a few weeks of yellow pine pollen that can coat clothes, hair, and even blankets if you’re not careful. So, when is the perfect time to book your spring family photos in Raleigh? Let’s dive in.

Understanding “The Pollening” and How It Affects Your Photos

Every spring, the pine trees around Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill release clouds of pollen that float over the entire region. It swirls across lakes, sticks to everything, and can quickly cover outfits in a fine yellow dust. This season usually begins in early April and lasts several weeks. The duration depends heavily on rainfall, with more rain washing the pollen away faster and a dry stretch prolonging the yellow haze.

I learned firsthand the importance of timing during my own family photo session one spring. I scheduled with a local photographer without considering the pollen season, and by the end of the session, my kids’ clothes (and their hands, their faces, their hair, etc.) were covered in yellow dust. Since then, I lovingly advise families to plan sessions around The Pollening lest they too want to bathe in the dust of a thousand trees.

When to Schedule Spring Family Photos in Raleigh

If you’re aiming for lush greenery and blooming flowers, the best window for spring family photos in Raleigh generally starts in mid- to late-April and runs through May. By this time, trees and grass have reached vibrant, almost neon shades of green, and many of the curated gardens, like the WRAL Azalea Gardens and JC Raulston Arboretum, are in full bloom.

Family with a 10-year-old son and 8-year-old daughter with down syndrome walk together during springtime family photos at the NCMA Park in Raleigh, NC.

For outdoor sessions, I almost always recommend evening golden hour. In late April, the sun sets around 8 pm, making a 7–8 pm session ideal. The light is soft, warm, and incredibly flattering, and it avoids the early-morning struggle of waking up little ones for sunrise. That being said, if your family needs a mid-morning or even mid-day session, we can make it work! As your family photographer, I’ll guide you on the locations that’ll provide the natural shade we need to work with the bright sun.

Top Spring Photo Locations in Raleigh

Here are a few of my favorite spots to capture families during this season:

Grandfather holds grandaughter with family around during a spring family photo session at WRAL Azalea Gardens

Mom and Dad sit to breastfeed infant daughter during a spring family photography session at WRAL Azalea Gardens in Raleigh, NC.

Family with baby and dog sit and play in the grass during a spring family photo session at the North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh.

Family with dog and baby walk and laugh during a professional spring family photography shoot at NCMA in Raleigh, NC.

North Carolina Museum of Art Park (Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park) – Vast open spaces, tree-lined paths, and rolling hills that transform beautifully as spring arrives.
Horseshoe Farms Nature Preserve – The rustic charm and wide fields, all surrounded by towering trees, work perfectly for wild and free kids.
WRAL Azalea Gardens – Blooming azaleas, winding paths, and curated landscapes that feel magical in mid-April through May.
Historic Oak View County Park – Offers both an open pecan grove and shaded areas along with historic farm buildings, all of which are great for being flexibile in different lighting conditions.

Each location is gorgeous in its own way, and a great photographer knows how to work with the spring light, guide families on clothing choices, and tone down any overly bright greenery in editing.

Tips for Families Booking Spring Sessions in Raleigh

Spring weather in the Triangle can be unpredictable. Average temperatures range from 62°/40° in March to 79°/58° in May, and sudden rain showers are common. Here’s what I tell families:

Wear comfortable clothes that breathe and don’t show sweat marks.
Bring a light jacket in case it’s cooler than expected.
Stay flexible, sometimes short storms pass quickly, sometimes sessions need to be rescheduled. Let your photographer guide you so you don’t have to stress over the forecast.

These little details can make a big difference in your experience and the final images.

Why Timing and Flexibility Matter

One of the biggest challenges families face is trying to book a session too early or too rigidly. You might want photos in early April, but the trees are bare, pollen is flying, or it rains three days in a row. Being patient and flexible ensures your photos capture spring at its absolute best.

For a beautiful example of a family photo session captured in springtime during golden hour at Horseshoe Farms Nature Preserve in Raleigh, check out this blog.

Ready to Capture Your Spring Family Memories?

Whether you’re looking for a full session or a shorter option (my spring mini sessions are a great way to capture this vibrant season), I’d love to work with you. To get inspired, explore my family photography portfolio to see how I bring warmth, emotion, and the beauty of Raleigh spring to life in every image.