Choosing the Right Location and Time of Day for Your Session
(Whether it’s family, maternity, senior, headshot, newborn, engagement— or the whole extended crew this one's for you.)
Let’s be honest—there’s a lot that goes into planning a photo session. Outfits, snacks, bribery strategies (no judgment), and of course… figuring out where and when your session should take place.
Whether you’re wrangling toddlers, chasing golden hour for your engagement, squeezing in a senior session between practices, or coordinating four generations for a big extended family photo-the key to success is picking the right location and time of day for your people.
Let’s break it down.
Golden Hour: The Dreamy Classic And Fan Favorite
Golden hour—the soft, glowing light just after sunrise or before sunset—is photography gold. It makes skin tones radiant, adds a romantic glow, and turns pretty much any location into magic. Fields, beaches, and wide-open spaces shine during golden hour. It’s perfect for engagement photos, maternity, or anyone who loves that cinematic warmth.
BUT... if you have young kids who melt down after dinner, or you’re not a fan of staying up late/getting up early, golden hour might not be your best friend—and that’s okay! We have options.
Midday: Don't Count It Out
Midday light has a reputation for being harsh, but with the right location, it can totally work. We look for open shade, tall trees, city walls, or indoor spots to keep the light flattering and the squinting minimal.
This time of day is great for:
Senior sessions (hello, school and activity schedules!)
Headshots (perfect for squeezing in a quick shoot over lunch)
Urban locations where tall buildings and structures create natural light blockers
Indoor sessions with lots of windows or controlled lighting
So don’t stress if this is the only time you have. We’ll make it work—and yes, you’ll still love your photos.
Early Morning: The Secret Weapon
Morning sessions are an underrated gem. The light is soft, the world is quiet, and most kids (and grandparents!) are fresh and in good spirits. If your toddlers wake up before the sun or your extended family is planning a full day together, early morning is your secret weapon.
Plus, there's nothing like having a beautiful park to yourselves while everyone else is still sipping their coffee.
Perfect for:
Families with young children
Newborn sessions (especially lifestyle sessions at home or in a cozy outdoor spot)
Anyone who loves that fresh, soft morning vibe (and maybe a post-session coffee run)
How to Choose the Right Location
Once you’ve nailed down the time of day that works best, pick a location that complements it. Here's a cheat sheet:
Time of Day Best Location Types
Golden Hour Fields, beaches, overlooks, gardens, rustic outdoor locations
Midday Shady parks, tree-lined paths, urban spots, indoor studios
Early Morning Gardens, quiet neighborhoods, trails, lakes, lifestyle home sessions
Bonus tip: If you’re planning a newborn or maternity shoot, consider indoor options like your home, a studio, or even a greenhouse—places where we can control the light (and the temp!). If you're planning an extended family session, consider a park with lots of space for group shots and smaller pairings, or even a backyard or home that's meaningful to everyone. We'll keep it relaxed, flexible, and fun (yes, even if we need a group snack break mid-session).
Final Thoughts (with a Side of Real Life)
There’s no “one-size-fits-all” when it comes to photos. Some families are best before breakfast, some seniors can only shoot during lunch, and some couples want that romantic sunset glow—every story is different, and that’s the fun of it.
What matters most is that the time and place fit you. So let’s plan something that feels easy, comfortable, and true to your style—even if that means golden hour with a toddler fueled by goldfish crackers. (Again, no judgment.)
Ready to book or brainstorm your ideal session time and location?
