When considering what time to schedule your family portrait session it is important to keep three things in mind. Lighting, family routines, and seasonality are all important to think about when choosing the best time for your session.
When photographers use natural light, it is extremely important to choose a time of day that boasts high quality, flattering light. Outdoor photos especially, are best photographed during “golden” hours. This is when the sun is low and produces the softest light. Avoid harsh midday sunlight which can cause harsh shadows (and lots of squinting!)
Indoor photos created with natural light are also dependent on the sun. As long as the light is diffused as it enters windows, the golden hour schedule is not as imperative. Also, keep in mind that things like nearby buildings and trees can actually block the lower rays at the beginning and end of the day. For a home session, work with your photographer to figure out which direction your windows face, and how the light enters over the course of the day.
When working in a studio with professional lighting, like Jennifer McNeil Photography, there are no natural light considerations to worry about. The consistency that studio lighting provides means that photos captured at 9am, 9pm or noon, will all look the same. This opens up more session options for you when scheduling, and you can focus on what is best for your family. If you are in need of a specific time due to your family’s schedule, consider a studio session.
Especially if you have young children, working with a photographer who will consider your family’s routine, can do wonders for the success of a photo session. Children should be both well fed and well rested to better ensure a cooperative and relaxed atmosphere during your session. Photos are meant to be fun after all!
When working with my studio, be sure to let me know when your toddlers nap, and we will schedule around that. For newborn photography, we’re planning for a sleepy baby, but older kids being tired can cause disruptions and we definitely want to avoid those as much as possible. This makes the session enjoyable for all.
While the time of day can be important for lighting and cooperation, the time of year you choose for your session is also something to think about. Summer may mean more flexibility in your schedule with kids out of school, winter may mean rainy days for outside sessions. Keep seasonality in mind when beginning to plan your session. Again, studio portraits can take the pressure off when it comes to weather, but it’s also important to plan ahead and note that different photographers have different turn around times, especially in the busy season.
November and December bring the most requests for holiday card photos. This is when many families start thinking about sending cards, but the truth is that most of my family photos for seasonal cards take place well before that. The busy end of year means less time for sessions, so I encourage you to book your portraits in September or October at the latest when you know you want holiday cards.
Furthermore, family photos from any time in the year can be used for your holiday card. Did you have a summer session? Put it on the card! Are you doing your family portraits in January? Consider a New Year’s Card instead. Anytime of year can also be great for creating those images that will be on display in your home.
If it has been a year, or many years, it’s a good time to get a refreshed family photo. Families grow and change quickly and documenting those changes is what I do best! As parents, we don’t often notice the day to day changes but when you look back at each year’s album, you’ll see how your family legacy is being created. Then, when your kids are older, they’ll have such a gift to look back on.
So, if you are curious about family photos and want to know more, contact me and we will chat about what a family portrait session can look like for your family. In my studio we have a variety of colorful to neutral backdrops, along with optional wardrobe selections for moms and babies. Working with you to create a color palate and make suggestions on what the family can wear is always included when you book. Then come to your perfectly timed session, have fun with your family, and enjoy the joyful images we create.
Planning an outdoor photo shoot? Check sunset times and weather here to get an idea of the best time for your family photos. You can easily see the sunset time for any day of the year. Sessions should take place 1 hour before. Weather is more unpredictable. You can look at historic averages to get a sense of what to expect.
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