One of the biggest decisions when planning your family photography session is when to have it.
The time of day affects everything - the light, the atmosphere, the temperature and even how your children are feeling.
For outdoor family photography in Auckland, I particularly love the softer light later in the day.
But there isn't one perfect time for every family.
Golden Hour
Golden hour is the period around sunset when the sunlight becomes softer and warmer. It creates beautiful, flattering light and can give photographs that dreamy, cinematic feeling. This is particularly beautiful for:
beach sessions
couples
maternity photography
family photographs
engagement sessions
The light can wrap around you rather than creating the harsh shadows you sometimes get in the middle of the day.
Why I Love Evening Sessions
There is something special about an evening family session.
The day begins to slow down.
The light becomes softer.
Children often have more freedom to run and explore.
At the beach, we can finish with bare feet in the sand or playing beside the water.
Rather than trying to manufacture a perfect photograph, we can let the evening unfold.
But What If Your Children Are Little?
This is where we adapt. If your toddler normally sleeps at 7pm, I don't want to schedule your family session for 7pm just because the light is beautiful!
A happy, comfortable child is much more important than perfect golden-hour light.
For newborns and very young children, a morning session or an in-home session can sometimes work beautifully.
Morning Sessions
Morning light can be gorgeous too.
It can be particularly lovely for families who naturally wake early or whose children are happiest in the morning.
Morning sessions can also work well during warmer months when you would rather avoid the heat of the afternoon.
Auckland's Seasons
Auckland gives us beautiful photography opportunities throughout the year.
Summer can bring warm evenings and beautiful beach sessions.
Autumn gives us softer colours and a different atmosphere.
Winter can create dramatic skies and beautiful moody light.
Spring brings fresh greenery and longer days.
You don't need to wait for summer to have beautiful family photographs.
What If It Is Cloudy?
Don't worry.
Cloud isn't bad weather for photography.
In fact, an overcast sky can create beautifully soft, even light.
There are no harsh shadows and everyone can move around comfortably.
And sometimes a dramatic Auckland sky makes the photograph even more interesting.
What If It Rains?
We'll make a plan.
Sometimes we move the session to another day.
Sometimes we find shelter.
Sometimes we embrace it.
The important thing is that you don't need to spend your session worrying about the weather. I'll help you decide what makes the most sense.
The Best Time Is the Time That Works for Your Family
Photography isn't about following a rigid formula.
The best time for your family is the time when everyone can relax and enjoy being together.
When we plan your session, we'll consider:
your children's ages
naps and routines
the location
the season
the weather
the type of photographs you want
and, of course, the light
My goal is to create photographs that feel natural, emotional and completely you.
