Why the timing of your family photo shoot matters!
As a lifestyle family photographer, I’m often asked if it’s possible to schedule an outdoor photo session around mid day or early afternoon, when it will be “bright and sunny”.
And while it IS technically possible to shoot anytime, I will almost always try to convince you to go for the end of the day instead. Even when every parental bone in your body screams “no, we can’t keep the kids up so late!”.
Here’s why…
First I should say that as a mum, and as a photographer who values authenticity above all else, I will always try to accomodate your nap schedules, kids ages and your family’s unique needs.
With that said, I know that the other thing people really want in their outdoor session is “beautiful golden light” and I’m afraid not all daylight is created equal. There are really only two times you can get that gooey golden light: sunrise and sunset.
I also know that trying to get everyone fed, presentable and out the door to your location before sunrise is asking for nothing but tears. Which is why I steer you towards sunset. Or more specifically “Golden Hour” - which is the 60 minutes right before sunset.
What is Golden Hour and why will I love it?
Golden Hour is the stuff of magic. If you talk about it with a photographer you’ll see their eyes light up like a kid with a plate full of cake.
During this hour before the sun sets the shadows are low and long and the light is soft and golden. It’s incredibly flattering.
It wraps around you like a warm, glowy hug.
The combination of soft light and long low shadows evens out skin tones and minimises wrinkles. If Estee Lauder could bottle this stuff you’d be buying it by the case load. In short, if you’re looking to appear more radiant and less tired - this is the light you want.
It’s during golden hour that you get those incredible dramatic skies full of pink, orange and magenta. The golden hour light also allows for beautiful silhouettes as the sun gets closer to setting and for lens flares and star bursts that add creative magic to your images.
Golden hour at a glance in Auckland.
Summer | Sunset is between 8pm - 8.45pm (session start time 6.40 - 7.20pm)
Autumn | Sunset is between 7.15pm - 8pm before daylight saving (session start time 6.40 - 7.20pm)
| Sunset is between 5.15pm - 6pm during April/May (session start time 4 - 4.40pm)
Winter | Sunset is between 5.10pm - 6pm (session start time 4 - 4.40pm)
Spring | Sunset is between 6pm - 6.20pm before daylight saving switch (session start 4.40 - 5pm)
| Sunset is between 7.20pm - 8.20pm (session start time 6 - 7pm)
So what is the downside of Golden Hour?
It’s a finite window of time.
Once the sun is gone it’s gone. This is why I encourage you to arrive 20-30 minutes before the start of golden hour (allowing an 80-90 minute session) to get relaxed in front of the camera and make the most of the light.
It’s late for little ones (but lots of them secretly love that)
From late Spring to Autumn the sunset is much later; as late as 8.45pm in January. So the obvious downside is that this can be tricky with little ones.
In truth most kids relish the opportunity to be “up past bed time” and will really enjoy the experience, surprising their folks with happy excitement. But if you know your kids will turn into gremlins I encourage you to book your outdoor sessions between mid April and end of August.
Winter sunset at 5pm - moody pastel colours
Golden Hour is too late for us, what are the alternatives?
If the idea of managing an overtired toddler at 8pm is simple intolerable, you DO have options:
1: Shoot early-to-mid morning or late afternoon in a location that offers “open shade”.
If you choose this option it’s important that you realise you are not going to get a golden sky or soft warm light at this time of day, regardless of whether you are in the sun or not.
If you are in full sun (with no shade or cloud cover) the light is going to be bright and reflective. There are fun creative ways to embrace full sun - and I always include these in a daytime session - but this is not the right light for a flattering portrait. Images in full sun will have bright whites and colours with hard contrasts. Shadows will be harsh and you will see them on your face. There’s a good chance you’ll also see squinting eyes.
To provide variety and softer portrait images we will need some “open shade”. Open shade is what you get when you stand in an area that is shaded by something but where you don’t have a roof over your head. E.g. standing in the shadow cast by a cliff face, building, or hedge line. By staying in open shade you allow light to illuminate your face whilst softening downward shadows under your eyes.
Full sun mid-morning with no shade.
This is the time for fun action and long shots (not portraits). Notice bold contrast and bright colours.
A little later in open shade.
Skin tones are more even while colours remain bright.
2: Consider an indoor session instead
If you don’t like the sound of late starts or harsh shadows I would recommend you look at an indoor session instead (they happen to be my personal favourite).
In-home sessions are a beautiful, relaxed way to celebrate the uniqueness of your family. They offer the chance to capture all kinds of unique indoor light too. I prefer to start in-home family sessions around 10am to make the most of abundant morning light.
3: Book an outdoor session between late April and August
“But it’s winter! “ I hear you cry. True, it’s colder during these months. But in Auckland it’s usually mild enough that you can still get out in the elements provided you’re properly rugged up! I recommend tights for little girls if they’re wearing dresses and lots of layers (think multiple layers of merino rather than a bulky coat). Plus the cooler months give you a reason to include a cute snuggly blanket in your session!
