The Best Time of Day for Outdoor Family Photos (and Why It Matters)

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“Can We Do Photos at Noon?”

When scheduling your family photo session, you might be tempted to pick a mid-day time – it’s convenient, kids are awake, and the sun is bright!

But here’s the thing: Noon is actually the hardest time to get beautiful outdoor photos.

Let me explain why timing matters so much, and help you choose the best time for your session.

Why Timing Matters: It’s All About the Light

Photography literally means “writing with light.” The quality, direction, and color of light dramatically affect how your photos look.

Good light creates:

• ✅ Soft, flattering skin tones
• ✅ Rich, warm colors
• ✅ Even exposure (no overly bright or dark areas)
• ✅ Beautiful catchlights in eyes
• ✅ Comfortable shooting conditions (no squinting!)

Harsh light creates:

• ❌ Raccoon eyes (dark shadows under eyes)
• ❌ Squinting and uncomfortable subjects
• ❌ Washed-out, blown-out bright spots
• ❌ Harsh shadows under noses and chins
• ❌ Unflattering skin tones

The Golden Hour: A Photographer’s Best Friend

What is Golden Hour?

Golden hour is the period shortly after sunrise or before sunset when the sun is low on the horizon. The light is:

• Soft and diffused
• Warm and golden-toned
• Directional but not harsh
• Absolutely magical for photos

When is Golden Hour?

Evening Golden Hour (most popular):

• Starts about 1-2 hours before sunset
• In Kansas City:
• Summer (June-August): 7:00-8:30 PM
• Spring/Fall (March-May, Sept-Nov): 5:30-7:00 PM
• Winter (Dec-Feb): 4:00-5:30 PM

Morning Golden Hour:

• Starts at sunrise and lasts about 1 hour after
• In Kansas City:
• Summer: 6:00-7:30 AM
• Spring/Fall: 7:00-8:30 AM
• Winter: 7:30-9:00 AM

Pro tip: Check a golden hour calculator app (like “Golden Hour One”) for your exact location and date!

Evening Golden Hour vs. Morning Golden Hour

Both are beautiful! Here’s how to choose:

Evening Golden Hour (My recommendation for most families)

Pros:

• Kids are usually more awake and cooperative
• Easier to schedule (not crazy early)
• Warm, romantic sunset light
• Beautiful sky colors at the end

Cons:

• Popular time (locations may be busier)
• Less flexibility with timing (sunset waits for no one!)
• Can run late for little ones’ bedtime

Morning Golden Hour

Pros:

• Locations are usually empty
• Soft, fresh morning light
• Cooler temperatures in summer
• Kids who are early risers may be happiest

Cons:

• EARLY (requires commitment!)
• Tougher for families with night-owl kids
• May need to do hair/makeup in semi-darkness
• Dew on grass (wet shoes!)

My recommendation: Unless you have very early-rising kids or love mornings, evening golden hour is usually the sweet spot for families.

What About Midday? (10 AM – 3 PM)

I won’t sugarcoat it: Midday is the toughest time for outdoor photos.

Why midday is challenging:

1. Harsh overhead light

• Sun directly overhead creates strong shadows under eyes, nose, chin
• “Raccoon eyes” are almost guaranteed

2. Squinty, uncomfortable subjects

• Bright sunlight makes everyone squint
• Kids especially hate having sun in their eyes
• Leads to forced, uncomfortable expressions

3. Washed-out backgrounds

• Bright sunlight creates high contrast
• Skies appear white instead of blue
• Colors look less vibrant

4. Hot and sweaty

• In summer, midday heat is brutal
• Sweaty faces aren’t fun to photograph
• Kids get cranky faster

When midday CAN work:

✅ Overcast/cloudy days – Clouds act as a natural diffuser! ✅ Fully shaded locations – Under tree canopies or covered areas ✅ Open shade – Shaded spots with reflected light ✅ Structured/urban settings – Buildings create shade and block harsh sun

If you absolutely must schedule midday:

• Choose a location with LOTS of shade
• I’ll use reflectors and diffusers to manage the light
• We’ll work quickly to minimize discomfort
• Expectations: It won’t have that golden glow of sunset

Overcast Days: The Underrated Hero

Don’t fear the clouds! Overcast days provide some of the most flattering light.

Benefits of overcast/cloudy days:

• Even, soft light all day long
• No harsh shadows
• No squinting!
• Beautiful, saturated colors
• More flexible timing (any time works!)
• Comfortable for subjects

Great for:

• Fine art, moody portraits
• locations with colorful backgrounds
• Families with very young kids (more scheduling flexibility)
• People with light-sensitive eyes

The look:

• Softer, more muted than golden hour
• Colors appear richer and more saturated
• Dramatic skies can add interest
• Timeless, classic feel

Pro tip: Light rain/mist can create beautiful, unique photos if everyone’s willing!

Seasonal Timing Considerations

Spring (March – May)

Best times: 6:00-7:30 PM or 7:30-9:00 AM

• Beautiful blooms and green grass
• Pollen can be an issue (allergies)
• Weather can be unpredictable (have backup date)

Summer (June – August)

Best times: 7:00-8:30 PM or 6:00-7:30 AM

• Latest sunset times (great for families!)
• Can be hot and humid (drink water!)
• Long daylight means more flexibility
• Watch for storms (afternoon thunderstorms common)

Fall (September – November)

Best times: 5:30-7:00 PM or 7:30-9:00 AM

• Gorgeous fall colors!
• Comfortable temperatures
• Earlier sunsets (schedule accordingly)
• Peak colors: mid-October in Kansas City

Winter (December – February)

Best times: 4:00-5:30 PM or 7:30-9:00 AM

• Earliest sunsets (plan around naps/dinner!)
• Can be COLD (layers essential)
• Beautiful snow opportunities
• Bare trees create different aesthetic

How to Schedule Around Your Family’s Needs

For Families with Babies (under 1 year)

Consider:

• Baby’s nap schedule (work around it!)
• Feeding times
• Baby’s “happy window” (usually morning)

My suggestion: Morning golden hour often works best for babies. They’re well-rested, fed, and happy. Evening sessions risk cranky, overtired babies.

For Families with Toddlers (1-3 years)

Consider:

• Naptime is sacred (don’t schedule over it!)
• Evenings can be tough (dinner, bedtime routine)
• Morning after breakfast can be great

My suggestion: Either morning golden hour or early afternoon (3-4 PM) if they’ve had a good nap.

For Families with School-Age Kids (4+)

Consider:

• School schedules (weekends/evenings)
• Activity schedules (sports, etc.)
• They can usually handle any time

My suggestion: Evening golden hour works great – after school, before dinner.

For Families with Teenagers

Consider:

• They may not love early mornings
• Evening sessions don’t conflict with school
• Sunset sessions feel more “cool” to teens

My suggestion: Evening golden hour, definitely.

What If the Time Doesn’t Work for Us?

Life happens! If golden hour truly doesn’t work, we have options:

Option 1: Embrace the shade

• Find heavily shaded locations
• Tree coverage, building shade, covered areas
• Can shoot anytime with good shade

Option 2: Wait for clouds

• Choose a day with overcast forecast
• All-day flexibility
• Beautiful soft light

Option 3: Indoor/outdoor combo

• Start indoors during harsh light
• Move outside as light improves

Option 4: Reschedule

• I’d rather reschedule than fight terrible light
• Your photos are worth waiting for good conditions

The Bottom Line: What I Recommend

For most families, my top recommendation is:

🌅 Evening golden hour, 1.5-2 hours before sunset

Why:

• Beautiful, flattering light
• Kids are awake and cooperative
• Easier to schedule than early morning
• Gorgeous sunset possibilities
• Magical glow that makes everyone look amazing

Second choice:

☁️ Overcast day, anytime between 10 AM – 4 PM

Why:

• Flexible timing
• Soft, flattering light all day
• No squinting or harsh shadows
• Great for families with unpredictable schedules

How to Check Light Quality

Before your session, you can preview the light:

1. Go to your location at the time you’re considering 2. Look at how light falls on faces – harsh shadows or soft? 3. Notice squinting – are you squinting? So will your family! 4. Check the glow – does skin look warm and flattering?

Or just ask me! I’m happy to recommend the best time for your specific location and season.

Trust the Process

I know evening sessions might feel inconvenient (it’s dinner time! It’s getting close to bedtime!), but I promise – the light is worth it.

Those glowing, warm, magazine-worthy photos you see? They’re almost always shot during golden hour.

When you look back at your photos in 20 years, you won’t remember that dinner was a little late. You’ll treasure those beautiful images of your family bathed in golden light.

Let’s Schedule Your Perfect Session

Ready to book your family session at the ideal time for beautiful light? Contact me and we’ll find the perfect timing for your family’s schedule and the best light!

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Do Not Write Off a Cloudy Day

Overcast days are honestly some of my favorite days to shoot. Cloud cover acts like a giant natural softbox — colors pop, skin tones look their best, and nobody is squinting.

When we book, I will talk the timing through with you so the light suits the location. It makes a real difference in the final photos.