What is the best time of day for a family photo shoot
If you’ve booked or are considering a family photo session, you might be wondering: what is the best time of day for a family photo shoot? As a documentary family photographer in Dublin, I work with natural light, so timing is key.
But it’s not just about light! It’s also about energy, mood, the moments you love most, and rhythm, especially when little ones are involved.
Let’s look at what works best, and why, to help you prepare for your family photo session.
Why midday isn’t ideal (unless we’re in full shade)
Natural light is beautiful — but at midday, especially in summer, the sun is high in the sky. That means harsh light and strong shadows under eyes, noses and chins. Unless we’re in a very shaded area like a forest, a garden with nice trees, or near tall buildings, this kind of light can be too contrasty for soft, flattering photos.
That’s why I generally avoid scheduling sessions around noon, unless we’ve planned for full shade or are indoors, as it is not the best time of day for a family photo shoot.
The magic of golden hour
The golden hour — that dreamy window of time just after sunrise or just before sunset — is one of the most beautiful times for outdoor photos. The light is soft, golden, and low in the sky. It adds a magical glow to everything, including your skin and surroundings. If your home has lots of large windows, it will work nicely indoors too.
In summer, golden hour might be quite late for families with small kids (think 8–9pm), so I always work around your routine. We can aim for an earlier evening session if that feels better for your family.
Indoor sessions are more flexible
If we’re shooting at home, we can plan around when your space gets the best light. Usually mid-morning often works well, and so does the afternoon. I’ll help you figure that out based on your windows and the weather. At home, there’s more flexibility, and children feel comfortable and safe in their own space. Curious about what an indoor Dublin family photo shoot looks like?
Follow your children’s rhythm
The best time of day is also when your children are feeling their best. That might be after a nap, right after breakfast, or late afternoon.
If they’re tired or hungry, they will not have a good time and we want them comfortable and happy. I always plan our session time with you, based on your child’s age and energy levels. Read more about how to prepare your child for the session.
Choose the moment of day you love most
The best time for your photo session is also the time of day that feels special to you.
Maybe it’s slow breakfasts in pyjamas, your baby’s afternoon cuddles, or a family walk before dinner. Think about what moments in your daily rhythm you’ll want to remember. That’s often a great clue. When your photo session reflects your real life, the images will feel even more meaningful. Read more about why ordinary family moments are worth capturing.
Keep the seasons in mind
In Ireland, it gets dark early in winter. A golden hour session in December? That happens around 3:30pm. In summer, it’s closer to 8:30pm. So the best time of day also changes depending on the season — another reason to plan ahead with your photographer.
Don’t worry about the weather too much. Here in Ireland, it can be unpredictable and a little moody, but it’s alright! A cloudy sky or light drizzle is absolutely fine, even for an outdoor session. After all, the weather of their childhood is part of the story too.
If this feels right for you…
There isn’t one perfect time that works for every family. But together, we’ll find your perfect moment: one that matches your light, your space, and your family’s unique rhythm. That’s the beauty of documentary photography: it’s tailored to your needs and life.
Whether it’s golden hour in the park or mid-morning in your cosy kitchen, the right time is when everyone feels at ease and the light helps make your story shine.
