What time of day is best for family photography?
One of the most common questions I’m asked when families book a photography session is what time of day works best. The short answer is: it depends.
The quality of the light makes an enormous difference to your photographs, and this varies at different times of the day through the year. But it’s just as important to choose a time that suits your family, especially if you have young children. Things like routines, energy levels, the time of year, the weather, and the location you choose all play a part.
I photograph families across Exeter, Devon and the South West in a wide range of settings, from relaxed newborn sessions at home to sunset beach adventures and woodland walks. In this post, I’ll talk you through the different options so you can feel confident choosing the best time of day for your family photography session.
Where to start when choosing the time of day
I would always begin by thinking about the sort of photographs you are hoping to have. Photography sessions, and the resulting images, can vary hugely. Some of my sessions are indoors, some are outdoors, and some are a mixture of both. You might be imagining a calm morning at home with your baby, an afternoon adventure in the woods, or an evening sunset session by the sea. The light at different times of day creates a different feel in your photos, so it’s worth thinking about what you’re drawn to.
It’s also important to consider how your family will be at different times of day. A sunset beach session can be incredibly special and exciting for children, with a little evening adventure after tea. But for some families it’s simply too late. If you love the idea of soft evening light but don’t want to push bedtime too far, an autumn or winter session can be a great compromise, as the light is beautiful much earlier in the day.
The best light for family photography
Golden hour family photography
The couple of hours before sunset, often called the golden hour, is my absolute favourite time for family photography. The light is soft, warm, and very flattering, and it gives photos a really relaxed, magical feel.
Even if it feels slightly later than your children are usually out, it can work wonderfully. An evening trip to the beach or countryside often feels like a treat, and places are usually much quieter too, so we avoid crowds as well as harsh light. That softer sunshine really is worth seeking out where possible.
Morning family photography sessions
First thing in the morning can also work beautifully. Children are often brightest earlier in the day, and for some families this is far more important than chasing the evening sun. In the height of summer we’d need to start very early to catch the hours just after sunrise, but even heading out at around 8.30/9am can be worth the effort. We avoid the brightest and busiest part of the day, and the light is still much softer than at midday.
Morning sessions are also often ideal for newborns and babies. They tend to be more settled earlier in the day, and we can work around feeds and naps. You know your baby best, and I’m always happy to plan around their usual routine. But, if you’re unsure, a morning session is usually a good place to start.
Best time of year for your photography session
The time of year makes a huge difference to the light. As the days get shorter, the daylight becomes much softer overall, which is why I absolutely love autumn and winter family photography sessions.
If you’re worried about keeping young children up later, this is a brilliant option to consider. A November afternoon can be just as beautiful as a summer evening, with the added bonus of gentler light throughout the day.
How weather affects family photography
Outdoor family photography in the UK always comes with a bit of unpredictability and I often get questions about this. It’s particularly relevant if you are booking an autumn or winter session, but weather can be really unpredictable at any time of year. I’ll stay in touch with you as your session approaches, and it’s never a problem to postpone if the forecast is really awful.
It’s impossible to predict the weather far in advance, so try not to get too hung up on having perfect conditions. If the day is overcast, this can be really beautiful as well. Cloud acts like a giant diffuser, creating soft, flattering light everywhere, which can be perfect for photography. Ultimately, your photos are about you and your family: the love, connection, and moments you share together. All of this matters far more than whether the sun appears.
Time of day and location
The location you choose also affects the best time of day for your session. If you have somewhere in mind then let’s chat about how this will work and the best timings for your family.
Beach family photography in the South West
I do a lot of family photography sessions on Devon and Cornwall beaches, and I’d generally recommend avoiding the middle of the day, especially in summer. Beaches are hot, busy, and offer no shade, and the overhead sunlight can be harsh and unflattering. If you are after those soft, golden beach photos, then this is only possible when the sunlight is softer: during golden hour in the summer, or during the day in the winter months.
For a a summer photography session on the beach then I would always recommend evening, or first thing in the morning. If you are set on having a session in the middle of the day, then we can chat about the most suitable location options for you.
Woodland and countryside sessions
Open grassy areas like parks can bounce green light back onto faces, which isn’t ideal for skin tones. Woodland, moorland, and locations with trees can be much more forgiving in bright conditions, and there are plenty of options around Devon and the South West. I love sunshine filtering through leaves, and open shade works beautifully on sunny days. What about a riverside or country walk, where we can explore a few different spots and find places that work with the light.
Family photography sessions at home
You might also consider a family photography session at home. This works particularly well with younger children. With most of the session indoors, the outside light is less of a concern, and we can choose timings that fit comfortably around your family’s routine, sometimes combining this with a short trip outside as well.
So what time of day should you choose for your family photography session?
The most important thing to understand is that the time of day can make a real difference to the light. However, my style of family photography is very relaxed and all about capturing you simply being yourselves. While light is a key factor, it’s also important that the session feels enjoyable and unpressured for your family.
Hopefully this post helps you understand the options and what to think about when choosing a time. There are lots of variables, so let’s chat it all through and work out what will suit your family best.
You might also like to read:
Where to have your family photography in Devon? Some of my favourite locations.
Check the sunrise and sunset times in the UK and see when the golden hour will actually be.
