outdoor photoshoots and the optimal time for your session
What time should you book your photography session for?
Not sure what time you should book your photography session for?
Your photographer is an expert on light and how it impacts their photographs and you are an expert on your family and when they are happiest and what time of day you're all at your happiest. Considering all these factors, this guide can help you to decide what time will suit your family best and what look you like in your photographs.
Read on to find out my recommendations for:
- Families with very young children (this can include newborns)
- Families with older children
- Couples
outdoor photoshoots
Families with very young children
Want some super happy photos like this morning springtime session with young children?
Families with very young children may like to consider:
- What time do your children wake up?
- When do they nap?
- When are they at their most joyful?
- What is their bedtime?
outdoor photoshoots
Families with very young children
Very young children are bright, happy and alert in the morning. This can be the most optimal time for a photography session for many families. Times in and around nap time are best avoided - crankiness definitely shows up in photos and we want the kids to be having fun so you can see the joy on their faces. It's a whole lot less stressful for parents that way too.
Winter and Autumn sunset sessions can work very well for young families as the sun sets early enough and usually there is plenty of time for dinner and the bedtime routine after sunset shoot in these seasons.
Winter Morning Session
Winter Sunset Session
Autumn Sunset Session
Are nap times and early bed times a thing of the past?
Sunset sessions are the way to go!
Evenings are generally going to work better for older kids, especially those who might like to sleep in.
A sunset session at any time of year could suit your family. Alternatively, have a morning session and enjoy a family day together afterwards.
OUTDOOR PHOTOSHOOTS
Families with older children
You might have noticed that I'm only typically recommending morning or late afternoons/evenings for photoshoots. That's because the sun in the middle of the day, especially in open spaces, is really harsh and generally unflattering, especially in full sun. It's hard to predict if the weather will be cloudy or fine so far in advance. So, opting for morning or evening sessions where the sun will be hitting you from behind is really beautiful light to photograph in and if it's overcast, those times work well too.
Autumn sunset session
Autumn sunset session
Autumn sunset session
Sunset Session
After-Dark Session
Morning Couples Sessions
Sunset Couples Sessions
After-Dark Couples Sessions
I hope all this information will help you to decide if you'd prefer a morning/evening shoot and which season might suit you and your family best.
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or would like to enquire about booking a session.
I acknowledge the Wathaurung, Woiwurrung and Boonwurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which I live and work and pay my respect to their Elders past and present.
