The Best Time of Day to Take Family Photos

One of the first questions I get when families book a session is, “What time of day should we do our photos?” The answer is simple: timing is everything. The light during your session sets the entire mood of your photos, and picking the right time of day can make all the difference.

Let me walk you through why this matters and how we can pick the perfect time for your family.

The Magic of Golden Hour

Golden hour is that dreamy time just after sunrise or right before sunset when the light is soft, warm, and glowy. It is every photographer’s favorite time to shoot for a reason. It flatters every skin tone and gives your photos that natural, timeless look.

If your family loves early mornings, sunrise sessions are amazing. It is quiet, the light is soft, and your kids are usually at their happiest first thing in the morning.

If you are not early risers, evening golden hour is just as gorgeous. As the sun drops lower, the light gets warm and romantic, and the glow in your photos will make you want to frame every single shot. Almost every single one of my sessions are scheduled during golden hour.

Why Midday Isn't the Best

I can work with midday light if I have to, but I will be honest, it is not ideal. The sun is high and harsh, which creates strong shadows, squinty eyes, and flat, less flattering colors. If midday is our only option, we will make it work by finding shaded spots or shooting indoors. But if you want that soft, glowy look you see in my portfolio, golden hour is the way to go.

Working Around Kid's Schedules

Light is important, but so is making sure your kids are happy. If a sunset session runs into bedtime and you know that will lead to meltdowns, we can try and start a little earlier. Happy, relaxed kids always make for better photos, and I want this experience to be fun and stress-free for everyone.

How the Seasons Play a Role

The timing of golden hour changes with the seasons. In the summer, we may start as late as 7:30 in the evening, while in the winter we might start as early as 4:30 in the afternoon. When you book, I will help you choose a time that works best for your family and gives us that dreamy, flattering light.

Conclusion

Light changes everything. The soft, warm glow of golden hour makes your photos look magical and helps create the relaxed, natural feel that my clients love. If you are dreaming of that golden, glowy look in your session, we will plan around sunset to make sure we capture it perfectly. Click here to get in contact with me to book your next photoshoot!