So, when is the best time of day for photos?

Ask any photographer and most will say Golden Hour—the 1.5 hours before or after sunrise and sunset. But as a family photographer for over a decade, I can feel any mum of toddlers hyperventilate at the thought of this. Those times don’t always work for real families!

I’m in the camp of: let’s do what works for your family, but it helps to understand what each lighting scenario looks like and how it can tell your family’s story. That’s why I love storytelling photography. Light doesn’t have to be golden to look beautiful—it can be direct, soft, moody, or glowing, and I can make it work.

Why Photographers Prefer Golden Hour for photoshoots

Golden Hour is magical. The light is soft, flattering on skin tones, and though not scientifically provenI believe our eyes love the warm tones. Maybe it triggers something in our brain. It’s calm, serene, and ideal for beach or outdoor sessions.

That said, I always encourage families to book what works for their rhythms and comfort. Lighting can influence the location: a full beach at midday (hot and bright) will feel very different to a quiet beach at the end of the day. For in-home sessions, Golden Hour matters less. My priority is your connection and story, not chasing perfect light. Maybe your teen needs a sleep in or your toddler is awake from 4am so being busy early in the morning actually works well for your family. Maybe your toddler feels more comfortable at home and if that the case mid morning or afternoon at home is the best time for your family photoshoot. I’m not going to be firm on lighting , I can work in anything . I want you to have wonderfully connected images , I want you to feel comfortable and LOVE looking at these photos because this experience was natural and easy.

So , the perfect time for family photos depends on you , on the look you want and most of all maybe the experience is super important to you.

Below I have broken down – times of day , type of light and who it suits.

Early Morning photoshoots– Sunrise

Best for beaches along the Gold Coast, Tweed Coast, and Northern Rivers. No family I’ve photographed has regretted rising early to watch the sun peek over the horizon. It’s magical, peaceful, and usually very quiet, with fewer people around.

Why it works:

• Soft golden light that changes quickly, perfect for storytelling and natural portraits
• Ideal for early risers
• Great for locations like Cabarita , Currumbin, Burleigh Heads, Hastings Point, and Byron Bay, Wategos , Broken Head and Dreamtime Beach
• Summer sunrises are very early, winter ones are more manageable
• Finish with breakfast or hot chocolate for a cozy family memory
• Great for early risers and maybe home in time for a mi morning nap knowing you have been out and about and admired a sunrise

Late Afternoon or Evening – Sunset

Best for hinterland, inland, or beach sessions along the same stretches. The golden glow is soft and flattering, perfect for families who want a dreamy, relaxed vibe. Best Beaches for sunset – Broken Head , Black Rocks , New Brighton , Hastings Point , Cabarita Back Beach and Currubin

Tips for sunset sessions:

• Summer afternoons can be stormy; I recommend booking a backup date with clients who book with me
• Winter and autumn light is stunning and consistently reliable. (Its actually my best time of year!)
• End sessions with a picnic, takeout, or casual family treat—kids love it, parents love it, and it rounds out the experience. The shoot can easily become your new family tradition when its ABOUT the time together and an activity together
• Great for anyone who loves their sleep and whose children function well after an afternoon nap
• This is usually the slot that works well for extended family sessions

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Midday, Mid-Morning, or Mid-Afternoon photoshoots ?

Direct light isn’t a dealbreaker! Off-beat locations like parks, skateparks, or quiet home gardens work beautifully. Overcast days are especially flexible.

Why it works:

• Energetic, bold, and playful photos
• Perfect for toddlers and families who need to work around nap schedules
• Ideal for in-home newborn sessions or playful storytelling outdoors
• Ideal for anyone , but especially ideal for those that want something extra intimate in their home. These images are usually more raw and real.

As a Mum, I Get It. We need to fit our photos into our lives

Sessions aren’t just about light—they’re about your family. Naptimes, snack breaks, temper tantrums, and little surprises are part of the process, and I work around them so you don’t have to stress. My goal is slow-paced, child-led sessions where your family can relax and enjoy the time together.

Quick Comparison for the Best time of day for a photoshoot

Time of Day	Vibe	Best For
Sunrise & Sunset	Soft, quiet, dreamy, warm golden tones	Beach, outdoor family portraits, intimate storytelling
Midday / Overcast	Direct or diffused light, playful, energetic	In-home, gardens, parks, high-energy toddlers, storytelling moments

Want Help Choosing the Best Time for a photoshoot?

If you’re unsure what works for your family, just tell me a little about your kids, what are their ages, nap times, and general rhythms—and I’ll recommend a session time that feels natural, relaxed, and easy for everyone. Contact me here or see my packages here

FAQ: Family Photoshoot Timing

Can we do a family photoshoot at midday?

Absolutely! While golden hour gives soft, warm light, midday or overcast sessions can be fantastic for storytelling, energetic kids, and in-home or park sessions. We’ll work with the light you have to capture your family naturally.

What if my kids have unpredictable schedules or naps?

No worries — we can plan sessions around your children’s routines to make sure everyone is relaxed and happy. In-home sessions or off-peak times often work best for little ones. This is why I love in homes , or off beat locations ( Im waiting for someone to ask for the Pizzey Skatepark or Byron Bay Skatepark ) and my style of photoshoots – storytelling and experience focused. Its not about the poses , locations or perfect wardrobes. Its all about YOU.

Does location affect the best time for photos?

Yes, it does. Gold Coast And Northern NSW Beaches are magical at sunrise or sunset, while gardens, parks, or indoor sessions are more flexible with timing. We’ll choose locations that match both your family’s energy and the lighting.

How long do sessions usually last?

Most family sessions run 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on location and age of the kids. This allows time to relax, play, and capture genuine moments. Some kids need more time to warm up and some cannot get enough of the camera and have endless ideas. I LOVE both the introvert and big characters.

Ready to book your next Family Photoshoot?

I have written a helpful blog post here on how to prepare and plan for your family photos ,if you’re still in the research stage , this article on booking your family photoshoot session is a great resource and read

Locations I often work: Across the Gold Coast, Tweed Coast, Northern Rivers, Burleigh Heads, Currumbin, Hastings Point, Kingscliff, and Byron Bay, Dreamtime and Cabarita

Ready to book ? My packages can be found here , I include print credits to get these memories on walls of homes – because they should be felt and lived over and again ( also kids LOVE seeing themselves on walls) or contact me here and tell me your story