The Secret to the Best Family Photos
Getting professional photos taken of your family is an experience that many look forward to. From setting up the photo shoot with a talented photographer to getting the pictures back and enjoying them, it’s often done without too much stress or worry.
One area of worry however tends to be the TIMING of a photoshoot. “When to have the ideal photoshoot”, “What time is best for an outdoor photo session?”, or “Is sunset or sunrise better for a photoshoot?” are some of the questions people often ask when it comes to photoshoot times Many want the glorious “golden hour” pictures, and it’s no secret why. They are stunning!
That being said, it’s not uncommon for families with young children or special circumstances to be concerned about this. They are often wondering how the session can accommodate to the bedtimes or nap schedules of their young children.
We all know that dealing with an overtired toddler or cranky infant can be hard and stressful, especially when you’re trying to look happy and put together! But lucky for you, as a family photographer with multiple years of experience, I am accustomed to working with families of all ranges of ages to best meet their needs when it comes to the photo shoot time.
While it is completely valid to want to work with your child’s nap or bedtime schedule, I’m here to share just how beneficial it can be to try and make a golden hour photo session work as it is truly the secret to getting the best family photos.
3 Reasons Why Golden Hour Photos Reign Supreme in Family Photoshoots
The "golden hour," which refers to the hour after sunrise or before sunset, is when the lighting is soft, warm, and beautifully distributed. It is preferred for family photo sessions for these reasons:
1. Soft, Flattering Light
During the golden hour, the sun is low in the sky, which creates soft, diffused light that is very flattering for pictures. This type of light reduces harsh shadows and minimizes contrast, resulting in even lighting across faces. This softness helps to highlight facial features and brings out natural skin tones without the harshness of midday sunlight. In short, it makes everyone look their best!
2. Warmth and Atmosphere
The warm, golden tones during this time of day add a beautiful atmosphere to the pictures. The colors of the sky, ranging from soft pinks to deep oranges, create a visually appealing backdrop that enhances the mood of the photos as well.
This warm light also adds a natural glow to the subjects, giving the images a more intimate and inviting feel. The overall aesthetic achieved during the golden hour captures the essence of warmth and togetherness. Everyone wants their family photos to turn out looking warm and cozy!
3. Flexibility in Location
The golden hour provides more flexibility in choosing outdoor locations for family photoshoots. Since the sun is lower in the sky, it can be positioned behind the subjects or off to the side without causing excessive squinting or discomfort.
As the photographer, I can also utilize various angles to incorporate natural elements, such as trees, fields, or bodies of water. This gives your family photos an extra pinch of magic when the beautiful outdoor elements are a part of your photos.
Making The Golden Hour Work
When you can, I encourage you to try and make it work for your family to have your session during the golden hour. We can work to adjust the bedtime or nap time schedule, and I can bring my A-game and support a slightly tired kiddo. As a hack, I often use snacks to help keep little ones awake and engaged during the shoot. Tends to work beautifully!
By utilizing the soft, flattering light, warm tones, and flexibility in location to your advantage, you will get to enjoy the stunning golden hour photos you hoped for from the beginning.
Learn some of my other tricks and tips as a family photographer:
Comments