The Best Time for your Family or Kids Photo Session

Choosing the best time for your family or kids photo session can make a big difference in the end result. Take a look at the info below to help you make the decision that best suits your family.

If you want the best lighting for your photos around the Milwaukee area there are 2 times of day that are best. As early in the morning as possible or an hour (to an hour and a half) before sunset.

Morning Light

Now, when I say as early in the morning as possible, I truly mean as early as you can physically be ready and out the door for a session.  Even if it takes a little extra effort to get out of your house.  

About an hour after sunrise, that sun gets bright and intense fast.  The higher in the sky the sun gets the more intense the light is which can mean intense shadows.  Shooting a family or kids photo session in open shade can counteract the harsh light and shadows, but it’s harder to avoid.  

Golden Hour

In the evening, the best lighting is the last hour before the sun sets.  This is called the golden hour.  Your photos will have a beautiful glow and sun flares that you will love.  Golden hour has an overall softer feel.  

This time of day can be trickier for families that have younger kids because (depending on the time of year) the golden hour is right around bedtime.  But, if you can swing a later bedtime it’s definitely worth it. 

So, what’s the best time?

When you schedule your photo shoot it’s important to think about what your family can best handle.  Remember, we want everyone happy and ready to have some fun.

Do you have early risers in your family? It could be totally feasible for you to do an early morning session.  I understand that most families don’t want to do a sunrise session, but starting a photo session no later than 8:30am (depending on time of year, of course) is best.  But again I’ll say, the earlier the better!!  It will truly make a difference in your photos.

Have a toddler that takes a morning nap?  Try to schedule your session before that nap if possible.  If you wait until after the sun will be getting too high in the sky which equals that harsh light.  And let’s be honest, toddlers are usually raring to go the second they wake up – or maybe it’s just mine. 

If you don’t have early risers and you know it’s hard to get your family out the door in the morning, then shoot for an evening session.  Like I mentioned above, starting a session about an hour to an hour and a half before sunset is ideal.  It’s definitely possible to start a shoot a little earlier than that, but you won’t have any of that golden light – which is completely fine if that’s not a priority for you!

You may have to change a little of your normal routine to get the best results from your photo shoot as far as lighting (which has a lot to do with photo results).  Coming from a mom who does NOT like to change up my kids’ routines and schedules, it’s definitely worth a little bit of a change for a photo shoot.  I am flexible when it comes to scheduling, but I always recommend these times of day for best results.

Do you already know what time of day you’d like to schedule your family or kids session?  Click here so we can get you booked!

Still not sure about what will work best for your family?  Click here so we can chat and figure that out!