Want to know the secret behind those soft, glowing photos you love? Hint: It’s all in the timing! The time of day plays a huge role in creating those dreamy, golden images, especially for outdoor family sessions. The right light can make all the difference, turning a regular moment into something magical. Too harsh, and the sun casts strong shadows, but too soft, and you might miss out on those warm, radiant tones that bring your family photos to life. I'm about to share all my best tips on What is the Best Time of Day for Your Outdoor Family Session to help you capture the perfect memories!
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Why Does Timing Even Matter?
Timing is everything when it comes to outdoor family photos, and that’s because natural light can completely change the feel of your images. Soft, even light makes for beautiful, glowing pictures, while harsh sunlight can create shadows that take away from the moment. This is why photographers often talk about the "Golden Hour"—that magical window of time just before sunset when the sun is lower in the sky, giving off a warm, soft glow. I always recommend starting our session an hour to an hour and a half before sunset, so we can enjoy the most flattering, gentle light for your photos. During this time, the golden light highlights your family's connection, creating those dreamy, warm tones we all love—making every hug, smile, and laugh feel timeless. Waiting for the right time of day helps create a perfect setting for capturing memories with your family!
The Perfect Time for Your Outdoor Family Session
As a Chelmsford Family Photographer, I’ve found that the perfect time for your outdoor family session is either early in the morning at sunrise or in the evening when the sun is setting and casting its golden glow. These times of day create the most gorgeous and flattering light, perfect for capturing authentic moments with your family. For families with young children, a sunrise session might be the better option—after a good night’s sleep, they’re full of energy and ready to play! We can start the day with fun games, letting them burn off that energy while I capture all those joyful moments. On the other hand, evening sessions are magical with the soft, warm light bathing your family and the environment in soft creamy tones. In contrast, afternoon light can create unflattering shadows and make it difficult for your family to relax. By choosing a time where the sun works with us versus against us we can ensure your family’s connection and love shines through in every image.
Adjusting for Seasons and Weather
Adjusting the time of your outdoor family session for the seasons and weather is key to getting the best results. Predicting the weather isn’t always an exact science, so you may wonder what happens if it’s cloudy or rainy, and those soft, creamy tones from the setting sun are nowhere to be seen. Surprisingly, cloudy days can create some of the most flattering photos because the light is even and soft, reducing harsh shadows. However, if we get a rainy day, don’t worry—we’ll simply reschedule for the nearest available date to ensure the best conditions. You might also wonder how the timing shifts between winter and summer. In winter, the sun sets much earlier, so we’ll plan to start our session in the mid-afternoon, about an hour before sunset. Of course, you may also be thinking about how to dress for the time of day and season so your family looks cohesive while standing out beautifully in your photos. I’ll guide you through picking a wardrobe scheme that complements your personal style, and I even offer a curated client wardrobe of stunning dresses, perfect for whatever stage of motherhood you’re in.
Making the Most of Your Session Time
Preparing for your outdoor family session is all about making sure you feel relaxed and ready to enjoy the experience. I love scheduling sessions in the evening, as the golden glow of sunset creates the perfect backdrop for capturing beautiful memories. Evening sessions give you the majority of the day to unwind as a family and get ready without feeling rushed. The kids have time to nap, enjoy a good meal, and recharge, while you can focus on getting your hair and makeup done, so you feel your best. Plus, with my guidance beforehand, you’ll have everyone’s outfits planned out, so all you need to do is lay them out the night before for a stress-free preparation.
To make everything run smoothly, I recommend arriving 15 to 20 minutes early. Rather than leaving the house with everyone already dressed for the session, it’s a good idea to change the kids into their portrait clothes when you arrive to avoid any accidental spills or wrinkles during the ride over. Once we’re finished, everyone will be dressed up and looking their best, so why not make an evening of it? You could plan to grab a bite to eat or stop for a yummy treat on the way home, making the experience a special family moment from start to finish.
What is the Best Time of Day For Your Outdoor Family Session?
The importance of timing for beautiful photos cannot be overstated. The right time of day, whether during the magical Golden Hour or a serene sunrise, transforms ordinary moments into cherished memories filled with warmth and connection. As an Essex family photographer, I believe that the beauty of natural light can elevate your family’s photos, allowing your families personalities and love to shine through in every image. By planning our session around the perfect lighting conditions and taking into account seasonal changes, we can create stunning photos that you will treasure for years to come.
BOOKING ME AS YOUR ESSEX FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER
If you live in Essex or the surrounding areas and are ready to capture your family in a beautiful, authentic and heartfelt way, I invite you to book your outdoor family photography session today. Let’s work together to create timeless images that reflect the love and joy you share as a family!
If you’re looking for an Essex family photographer, take a look at my Portfolio here and contact me to start chatting about your ideal photoshoot.
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Zee Gunchev is an Essex family photographer with years of experience in the lifestyle photography area. She focuses on capturing genuine moments in soft, dreamy tones and natural light to be savoured for years to come. Her timeless images and effortless style are chosen by many Essex families to document important milestones and life stages.
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