Do Family Photos Have to Be at Golden Hour?

Nope.

Golden hour gets a lot of attention because the light is warm and soft. I love it too. But if your toddler is normally in the bathtub by then, I don't think anyone needs to keep them up for the sake of a pretty sunset. We can make beautiful photos at other times of day. They'll just have a different feel.

What golden hour looks like

Golden hour is the stretch of time before sunset when the sun is low. Depending on the location, we might get warm light coming through the trees, long shadows, or that glow around your hair when the sun is behind you. If you want that soft, hazy look, an evening session is a great choice.

It does mean working around sunset, which changes through the year. In summer, that can be late for little kids. In fall, it can bump into dinner. I will gladly photograph your family then if the timing works for you, but it isn't a requirement for good photos.

What midday looks like

The sun is higher, the shadows are stronger, and the colors can feel punchier. I think of midday photos as a little contrasty and nostalgic, like somebody pulled out a camera during a really good day and took pictures while everyone was busy living it.

The light might make a hard line across the porch or put half the backyard in shade. I'll pay attention to where everyone is standing and what the light is doing. Sometimes we'll use an open patch of shade. Sometimes the sharp shadows are part of what makes the photo interesting.

This light can be especially fun for a backyard session, a walk around town, or a family doing something together instead of waiting for the sun to reach its prettiest angle.

What morning looks like

Morning can be wonderful for families with younger kids. Everyone has more energy, nobody has spent the whole day waiting for photos, and we can settle into the things your family actually does. An in-home session might start with breakfast or books on the couch. Outside, the light and the mood will depend on the hour and where we are.

There is something to be said for photographing your kids when they're happiest, especially if that is several hours before sunset.

What about a cloudy day?

Clouds soften the light and give us room to move around without chasing little pockets of shade. We may lose the warm glow you pictured for an evening session, but an overcast day can be lovely for skin tones, movement, and all the little moments happening between the bigger ones.

Pick a time that fits your family

When we plan your family photos in the Catskills or Hudson Valley, I'll ask about your kids' schedules, the location, and what you want the photos to feel like. If you love warm, glowy images and evenings go smoothly at your house, we'll aim for golden hour. If your best family time is mid-morning in the backyard, let's use it.

The hour changes the photos. Your family gets to decide which hour feels like yours.