Best Time for Outdoor Photos: Planning Your Family Session

Choosing the best time for outdoor photos can make a big difference in your family’s experience and the final photographs. For family sessions, it’s important to consider not only the light but also your children’s naps, meals, energy levels, and bedtime.

So, when is the best time for outdoor photos with your family?

For most outdoor family photography sessions, I recommend golden hour—the hour before sunset. During this time, the sunlight becomes softer, warmer, and more flattering, creating the beautiful glow many families love in outdoor photographs.

The best time also needs to work for your children and your family’s schedule. In this guide, I’ll explain why golden hour is ideal and how to plan your session around your children’s routines.

Why Is the Best Time for Outdoor Photos Important?

Outdoor family photography depends on more than choosing a beautiful location. The position of the sun, the temperature, and your children’s energy levels can all affect the session.

When the sun is high overhead, it can create strong shadows beneath the eyes, nose, and chin. Bright sunlight may also cause everyone to squint, especially children.

Later in the day, the sun moves lower in the sky. The light becomes softer and warmer, creating a more flattering look for family portraits.

Timing also matters because family sessions often include movement, play, and interaction. Children are usually more comfortable participating when they are rested and not overly hungry or tired.

The goal is to choose a time that gives us beautiful light while allowing your family to enjoy the experience.

What Is the Best Time for a Family Outdoor Photography Session?

For most outdoor family photography sessions, the best time is during golden hour—the hour before sunset.

The exact start time changes throughout the year because sunset occurs at different times depending on the season. I plan sessions based on the sunset time for the specific date and location.

Golden hour is especially beautiful because the sun is lower on the horizon. This creates softer light, warmer tones, and a natural glow around your family.

We may begin slightly before golden hour so everyone has time to get comfortable, explore the location, and ease into the session. This also gives us the opportunity to photograph a few portraits before the light becomes especially warm.

The timing may be different for every family, but scheduling close to sunset usually gives us the most flattering outdoor light.

Why Is Golden Hour So Beautiful for Family Photography?

Golden hour is one of my favorite times to photograph families outdoors because the light creates a soft and natural atmosphere.

When the sun is lower in the sky, it is less harsh than it is in the middle of the day. This helps reduce strong shadows across faces and creates more even, flattering light.

Golden hour can create:

• Warm, golden tones in the background
• A soft glow around hair and clothing
• More gentle shadows on faces
• Beautiful backlighting
• More depth in outdoor portraits
• More natural-looking family portraits

The light may begin as soft daylight and become warmer as the sun moves closer to the horizon. This gives us variety in your gallery while allowing children to move, play, and interact naturally with their parents.

The result is a collection of portraits that feels polished and beautiful while still showing your family’s genuine connection.

Why Is Midday Sunlight More Challenging?

A midday session can work in certain locations, especially when there is plenty of shade. However, the light is often more difficult to manage outdoors.

When the sun is directly overhead, it can create strong shadows beneath the eyes, nose, and chin. Bright sunlight can also cause squinting and make it harder for everyone to feel comfortable.

This does not mean that outdoor family photographs cannot be taken during the middle of the day. Shaded areas, covered locations, and carefully chosen settings can help soften the light.

However, if you want the warm, glowing look associated with many outdoor family portraits, golden hour is usually the better choice.

The lower position of the sun gives us more flexibility with backlighting, open fields, and natural surroundings.

How Can You Plan Around Your Children’s Schedule?

Golden hour often falls later in the day, which can be challenging for families with young children. Some children may become tired, hungry, or ready for bed around the time we need to begin the session.

That is why planning ahead can be helpful.

If your child still takes an afternoon nap, try to schedule the day so they have enough time to rest before the session. A well-rested child may have more energy for exploring, playing, and interacting with the family.

It can also help to offer a meal or snack before leaving home. Bring water and a few simple snacks if your children are young.

If your children are older, you may have more flexibility with a later start time. If you have toddlers or very young children, we can discuss how to work around their routines.

What If Golden Hour Is Too Close to Bedtime?

For some families, golden hour may overlap with bedtime. This is especially common during the summer, when sunset can happen quite late.

If golden hour overlaps with bedtime, we can discuss what timing would be most realistic for your family.

Some children manage a later evening very well, especially if they have had a good nap and a relaxed day. Other children may become tired quickly, and a late session may not be the best choice.

Beautiful light is important, but it should not come at the expense of an enjoyable experience.

We may be able to adjust the start time, choose a location with softer light earlier in the evening, or photograph the most important family combinations first while the children are still feeling fresh.

I guide families through the session with simple prompts and activities rather than expecting children to stand still and smile for a long time. Movement, play, and interaction often help children stay engaged.

The session should feel like time spent together as a family—not a performance.

How Does the Location Affect the Best Session Time?

The location can influence how we use the light and when we should begin.

An open field may receive beautiful sunlight during golden hour, while a wooded location may become shaded earlier. Tall trees, buildings, and hills can also affect when the sun reaches the area.

That is why I consider the location when planning the session time.

I also look at how much room children will have to move and explore. A location that feels comfortable and inviting can help everyone relax more quickly.

The goal is to find a balance between beautiful light, an appealing background, and a setting where your family can feel comfortable.

If you are unsure which location would work best, I can help you choose one based on your family’s needs, the season, and the type of photographs you envision.

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