If you’ve ever inquired about a summer photo session and been offered a start time around 7:00 or even 8:00 p.m., you may have wondered…

“Isn’t that a little late?”


The short answer?

Sometimes, yes.


The honest answer?

It’s also when nature gives us its most beautiful light.


What Is Golden Hour?

Golden hour is the hour just before sunset, when the sun sits low in the sky and creates a soft, warm glow.

Instead of harsh shadows and bright squinting, you get:

  • Creamy, flattering light
  • Warm golden tones
  • Soft skin tones
  • Beautiful depth
  • That dreamy, timeless look so many families love

It’s the light you see in so many of the images throughout my portfolio.


Why Is It So Late in the Summer?

During the summer months, the sun simply stays up longer.

That means golden hour often doesn’t begin until around 7:00 or even 8:00 p.m.

I know that’s close to bedtime for many little ones, and as a mom myself, I completely understand the hesitation.


Whether or not time change sticks around, whether the sun sets at 5:30 PM or 8:30 PM, the setting sunset position plays a huge role in lighting for your images.


Is It Worth It?

In my opinion…

Absolutely.

There’s something magical about the way golden-hour light wraps around a family.

The colors feel richer.

The background glows.

The entire gallery takes on a soft, romantic feel that’s difficult to recreate at any other time of day.


If your schedule allows and your little ones can handle a slightly later evening every now and then, golden hour is hard to beat.


But What If My Kids Can’t Stay Up That Late?

That’s okay.

Your family comes first.


I’ve photographed sessions in bright mid-morning sun, overcast skies, indoors, studios, dark births, and just about every lighting condition in between.


Beautiful photographs aren’t reserved only for sunset.


The most important thing is choosing a time that allows everyone to enjoy the experience.

That said, I also want to set realistic expectations.


Lighting has a huge impact on the overall look and feel of your images. While I have experience photographing in all kinds of lighting conditions and can absolutely create beautiful images outside of golden hour, a session photographed at 11:00 a.m. simply won’t have the same soft, glowing look as one photographed just before sunset.


Instead of trying to force midday light to look like golden hour, I lean into what each lighting situation does best. We’ll choose locations, angles, and compositions that flatter the light we’re given, creating a gallery that’s beautiful in its own unique way.


If those dreamy, golden, backlit images are what you’ve fallen in love with, I highly recommend choosing a golden hour session whenever possible.


Every Session Has Its Own Beauty

A cloudy evening creates soft, even light.

A bright studio offers a clean, timeless feel.

An in-home session tells your family’s story in the place you love most.


Golden hour isn’t the only beautiful option, it’s simply my favorite for outdoor sessions because of the dreamy atmosphere it creates.


My Recommendation

If you’re flexible, I’ll almost always recommend golden hour for outdoor sessions.

If you’re not, don’t let that stop you from booking.


I’d much rather photograph your family at a time that allows everyone to relax and enjoy the experience than force a schedule that leaves little ones exhausted.


Because at the end of the day, the most important ingredient in beautiful photographs isn’t the light.

It’s the people in them.



The best sessions happen when your family can laugh, play, snuggle, and simply enjoy being together.

The sunlight is just the finishing touch.