Summer family photos don’t have to mean dealing with harsh sun, squinty eyes, and cranky kids. The secret isn’t expensive equipment or fancy editing—it’s all about timing. When you know the best times to shoot, summer becomes your most beautiful season for family photos, with gorgeous light and comfortable conditions that keep everyone happy.

I can tell you from personal experience, trying to capture those perfect summer family moments can sometimes be a challenge! I’ve spotted what I thought was the ideal location, only to quickly realize my own family was hot and annoyed. Getting everyone to look at the same time, let alone genuinely smile, became a monumental task. Those planned “smiles” often turned into grimaces, and it taught me valuable lessons about the importance of timing and comfort for everyone involved.

Summer is peak family photo season, but many parents struggle with timing. This addresses common pain points: harsh lighting, uncomfortable heat, and cranky children. It also helps parents know what to expect from professional sessions.

The Golden Hour: Your Summer Photography Sweet Spot

The “golden hour” is truly a photographer’s dream, and for good reason. It’s that magical time usually 1 to 2 hours before sunset (the exact timing varies by location and season) when the sun dips low, casting an incredibly flattering, soft light. This warm glow eliminates harsh shadows and creates that dreamy, ethereal look that makes your photos feel truly timeless and artistic. It’s a key element of the “film look” that I love to bring to my work, providing soft highlights and unique colors.

I’ve always loved this time of day. It casts such a beautiful, warm glow on everyone, transforming a simple scene into something truly special. There’s nothing quite like watching families interact, surrounded by that gorgeous light, knowing we’re capturing intimate connection and emotive storytelling, which are hallmarks of my unique artistic style.

Benefits of golden hour:

• The hour or two before sunset when the sun is low.
• Provides soft, warm, flattering light; eliminates harsh shadows; creates a dreamy, timeless look.

Early Morning Magic: Beat the Heat and the Crowds

While the golden hour gets a lot of love, early morning sessions hold their own special kind of magic. Imagine cooler temperatures, soft, even light, and fewer distractions – no crowded parks or bustling trails. This time is often best for families with early risers or young children who are freshest and most energetic right after they wake up. I typically recommend aiming for about 30 minutes after sunrise for that optimal, gentle light. To prepare families for an early start, I advise ensuring little ones get to bed at a reasonable hour the night before, and perhaps packing some easy snacks and drinks for right after the session.

I must admit, having sunrise sessions actually surprised me! I had always done my sessions in the afternoon and during sunset, as that’s when I typically found the light I loved. However, there was a maternity session scheduled for the summer, and it was just too hot in the evenings to be comfortable. We had to schedule a morning session, and I’m so glad we did! I loved the coolness of the morning and the soft light that comes in the early hours. There was a calmness that came over the session too, allowing for really genuine and relaxed moments. It was a wonderful discovery, showing just how beautiful and comfortable early morning photography can be.

Benefits of sunrise session:

• Cooler temperatures
• Soft and even light
• Fewer crowds and distractions
• Ideal for early risers and young children who are most energetic in the morning.
• Timed about 30 minutes after sunrise

The Midday Challenge: When You Must Shoot in Peak Sun

While noon sessions are generally not recommended due to the harsh overhead sun, intense heat, and the challenge of keeping everyone comfortable, sometimes schedules simply make them unavoidable. But don’t worry – even when the sun is at its peak, beautiful photos are still possible with a few creative solutions.

My main strategy is always making sure there is plenty of shade. Finding open shade is crucial to avoid squinty eyes and harsh shadows. This means looking for locations with good natural coverage, such as:

• Wooded areas: Places with abundant trees, can offer pockets of beautiful, dappled light even in the middle of the day.
• Building overhangs: Architectural elements can provide excellent, consistent shade.
• Covered pavilions: These offer complete protection from direct sun and can be great for a relaxed setting.

Managing family comfort and expectations during midday heat is paramount. I’ll always prioritize keeping everyone cool and happy, often suggesting breaks, encouraging hydration, and keeping the session moving to prevent anyone from getting too warm. Your comfort is key to capturing those genuine, relaxed expressions. While my primary service area is Temecula and surrounding areas, if we absolutely must shoot during peak sun and an outdoor shaded spot isn’t ideal, exploring indoor options like a bright, naturally lit home or a charming local indoor venue can be a fantastic alternative to ensure a comfortable and beautiful session.

How to handle mid-day sun:

• Harsh overhead sun, intense heat, potential discomfort.
• Utilizing abundant open shade (wooded areas, building overhangs, pavilions).
• Frequent breaks, hydration, and considering indoor alternatives when needed.

Summer Session Practical Tips

Summer sessions can be absolutely beautiful, and with a few practical tips, we can ensure your family’s comfort and capture those genuine moments, even when the temperatures rise. My priority is always to ensure your family’s session is comfortable and successful.

To help keep everyone comfortable during warmer sessions, I always recommend a few things:

• Drink plenty of water before and during the session. Staying hydrated is key!

• Bring water bottles for the whole family, especially for little ones.

• Wear clothing that is light and breathable. Loose-fitting fabrics in lighter colors will help keep everyone cooler.

• Consider your family’s natural rhythms. If your kids are usually early risers, then an early morning session would likely be a great fit, capitalizing on their natural energy and the cooler temperatures.

Ready to plan your summer family session?

Through years of photographing families, I’ve seen firsthand how crucial timing is, particularly in the summer. Morning or evening sessions are my favorite and preferred times for family sessions, as they consistently offer the most beautiful light and comfortable conditions. Ultimately, the best time to schedule your summer session is when your family can be relaxed, comfortable, and truly enjoy the experience.

Ready to plan your stress-free summer family session? Reach out today with any questions about planning your summer session – I’m here to help make it easy and beautiful!

For more tips on preparing for your session, be sure to check out my other article on What to Wear for Summer Family Photos.

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