There’s nothing quite like the magic of an outdoor photo session—the natural light, beautiful scenery, and candid moments all come together to create timeless images. But did you know that the time of day you schedule your session can have a huge impact on how your photos turn out? Many people assume that mid-afternoon is the best time to take outdoor photos because of the plenty of sunlight—but in reality, that’s one of the worst times to shoot! Here’s why timing matters and how to schedule your session for the most stunning, flattering, and dream-like photos.

The Best Time for Outdoor Photos: The Golden Hour 🌅

Any professional photographer will tell you that the best time for an outdoor session is during golden hour.

📸 Golden Hour = The Hour After Sunrise & The Hour Before Sunset

This is when the sun is low in the sky, giving off a soft, warm, and diffused glow. The gentle lighting means:
✔️ Less harsh shadows (so no squinting or unflattering lines on faces!)
✔️ A beautiful golden glow that adds warmth and dimension to your photos
✔️ Fewer distractions—with fewer people around, your session will feel more relaxed
✔️ A dreamy, natural backdrop—whether it’s a field, park, or urban setting

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How to Determine the Golden Hour

Golden hour isn’t the same every day because the sun rises and sets at different times throughout the year.

🌞 March – July → The sun rises earlier and sets later (so golden hour happens later in the evening).
🌄 August – December → The sun rises later and sets earlier (so golden hour happens earlier).

✔️ In summer, evening golden hour is around 7:30 – 8:30 PM.
✔️ In winter, it can be as early as 4:30 – 5:30 PM.
✔️ Morning golden hour usually happens 30–60 minutes after sunrise.

Want to check the exact golden hour time for your area? Try this Golden Hour Calculator!)

Why Not Book in the Afternoon?

☀️ The afternoon sun is strong and harsh, leading to:
❌ Unflattering shadows on faces
❌ Squinting and harsh contrast
❌ Washed-out colors and overexposed backgrounds

Even if we find shady spots or use diffusers, mid-day sun just isn’t ideal for that dreamy, glowing look you want in your photos.

Golden Hour vs. Morning Sessions: Which is Best for Your Family?

If you have young children, you may want to consider a morning session instead of an evening one.

👶 Why?
✔️ Many parents find that kids are happier and more cooperative in the morning.
✔️ Avoiding bedtime meltdowns makes for a smoother experience.
✔️ Morning light is still soft and flattering—just not as golden as sunset.

While waking up early for a sunrise session might not seem ideal, many parents agree that it’s worth it for happier, well-rested little ones.

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Other Factors to Consider for Outdoor Photo Sessions

🌤️ Weather → Consider the season when planning your shoot. Fall and spring tend to have softer light and cooler temperatures, making them ideal for outdoor sessions.

🌳 Location → Your surroundings will impact how the light interacts. Open fields, forests, and urban settings all have different light reflections, which can affect your final photos.

⏳ Time of Year → The closer you are to the equator, the shorter the golden hour. If you live farther north, golden hour lasts longer in the summer months.

Final Thoughts: Book at the Right Time for the Best Photos!

Choosing the right time for your outdoor session will make a huge difference in the look and feel of your final images.

📸 Golden Hour = Best for dreamy, warm, glowing portraits
🌞 Morning = Best for young kids who are happiest early in the day
❌ Avoid Mid-Afternoon = Harsh shadows, squinting, and strong contrast

Whether you’re booking a maternity, newborn, or family session, planning for the best light ensures you’ll get beautiful, timeless photos you’ll treasure forever.

📅 Book Your Outdoor Photography Session Today!