Why Sunrise & Sunset Are the Secret to Truly Magical Family Photos

When most people picture family photos, they think about the where — a favourite park, a quiet beach, or a forest clearing. But as a natural light photographer I know that the when is just as important as the where.

The time of day we choose for your session can completely transform the way your photos look and feel in the most breathtaking way. That’s why I’m gently insistent about one thing: your outdoor family, maternity, or couple session will almost always take place at sunrise or the hour before sunset.

These times of day give us the most flattering light, the most cinematic backdrops, and the most magical atmosphere. Because beautiful lighting is a key ingredient in creating photographs you’ll treasure forever.

And because I know what you’re probably thinking — “but that’s bedtime!” or “my kids don’t function at 6:30am!” — let me reassure you: I get it. I’m a mum of two little ones myself, so I know exactly how important sleep is for our little humans. I’ve woken my own children early for sunrise adventures, and I’ve let them stay up a little later to frolic in the golden hour glow. I’ve had firsthand experience with being out past bedtime with a newborn and a toddler who bounces off the walls! And I can genuinely say that every time, it’s been worth it — not just for the photographs, but for the memories we made together.

Let me walk you through why sunrise and golden hour are the best times of day for outdoor photography, why I avoid midday sessions, and how I help even the most routine-loving kids (and parents!) enjoy themselves… and usually sleep very soundly afterwards!

Why Golden Hour is the Best Time for Family Photos

If you’ve ever stood outside just as the sun is rising or setting, you’ll know there’s something magical in the air. The colours are softer, the light is warmer, and the whole world feels wrapped in a gentle glow.

Photographers call this time of day golden hour — and it’s golden for a reason.

Soft, flattering light – When the sun is low in the sky, shadows are long and gentle. Skin looks soft and even, there’s no harsh glare, and you won’t be squinting at each other.

Warm golden glow – The light wraps around you, giving your photos a dreamy warmth that can’t be faked, replicated or Photoshopped. Gentle streams of light filter through your photos creating one of a kind light flares and dreamy, ethereal sunbeams that make your photos 100% unique.

Cinematic backgrounds – Fields, forests, beaches, and city streets all come alive under golden light, with colours deepening and skies turning pastel. Even on days where clouds might cover the sun or limit direct lighting, the softness from a rising or setting sun comes through in photos painted evenly with gentle lighting and dreamy hues.

A story in every frame – Sunset sessions start in golden tones and move into dusky pinks and purples. Sunrise sessions begin soft and cool, then brighten into crisp, clear light. One session, many moods. In contrast, midday light on a sunny day, with the sun directly overhead casts dark, unflattering shadows under eyes and noses (I call this look ‘panda eyes’ for good reason!). Colours are harsh and washed out, and everyone ends up squinting. The exact same location can look breathtaking at 7pm and flat and glare-y at 1pm.

The difference time of day makes: Same couple, same location, but the photos on the left were shot early morning, vs midday on the right with the sun above.

Sunrise Sessions: A Beautiful Alternative for Families

If bedtime is a sticking point, sunrise is a gorgeous alternative option. Morning light has the same soft, dreamy quality, but with a fresh, calm energy and crispness.

Here’s why sunrise can work so well:

Kids and babies are often happiest in the morning – Freshly rested, energised, curious, and ready to play.

Less disruption to bedtime – You start your day a little earlier, and then carry on as normal (with maybe a nap or slower morning afterwards).

Quiet locations – Beaches, parks, and city streets are blissfully empty in the early hours.

Extra considerations - Dew factor. If a morning session sounds right for your fam, just keep in mind that dew is something that will typically be present for the start of the session. While it adds another gorgeous element to photos it may mean wet toes, bums and possibly slightly muddier clothes by the end of the session. A small price to pay! Mornings also won’t suit every beach. We're so lucky in Victoria to get both sunsets and sunrises over beaches on the Mornington Peninsula (Western Port for sunrise and Port Philip for sunsets), so we’ll pick a Western Port beach on the Peninsula or head further West towards Williamstown or Geelong for beautiful sunrise sessions where we can have stunning sunlight over the water (and in the backdrop of your photos) rather than the sun rising directly into faces and away from the ocean.

“What About the Kids and Bedtime?”

This is usually the number one concern I hear from parents — and I truly understand it. Little ones thrive on routine, and a 7pm start time can feel like a big ask when bedtime is usually looming.

But here’s the wonderful thing: children see these sessions as an adventure. Instead of being “kept up late,” they’re playing with you in a beautiful setting, running barefoot in the sand, chasing bubbles through a field, or snuggling in close while the sun dips behind the horizon. They’re too busy exploring, laughing, and connecting with you to worry about the clock.

And from one mum to another: I’ve done this with my own two countless times. They’ve had late-night sandy feet, early morning forest wanders and been piggy-backed up mountains at dusk. Every single time, I’ve walked away with not just beautiful photographs but incredible memories.

Tips for Preparing Little Ones for a Later Session

A later golden hour session does not have to mean cranky kids! With a little planning, you can help them (and yourself) enjoy the experience to the fullest:

Nap on the way: If your child/ren can rest in the car or pram on the way to the location, they’ll arrive refreshed and ready to explore.

Bring comfort items: Favourite toys, blankets, or small games can keep them entertained in the moments in between. Some tried and true snacks also never go astray.

Frame it as an adventure: Explain ahead of time that you’re going on a fun outing — not “just a photoshoot.” Excitement is contagious, so if you’re describing the amazing adventure that awaits in the lead up to your session they’ll be primed to love every moment.

Mirror the energy you want from them: If you’re upbeat and excited, your children will feed off this. If they see you fretting and stressing before you leave for the session this will impact how they view it too. And during the session, even if you feel like your kids are running amuck and not listening in the moment I encourage you to just roll with it. I actually love this! You might be stressing about your little hooligans ruining the photo, when the only thing that would make it more perfect is if mum and dad had been laughing along too (rather than grimacing at their balls of mischief!). Your energy absolutely sets the tone for authentic, joyful photos with your kids.

A few thoughtful preparations like these can make a late afternoon session feel seamless, fun, and memorable — for everyone.

Why One Morning or Evening is Worth It

“As parents, we work hard to build routines for our kids — and for good reason. But every once in a while, stepping outside of that rhythm is what makes a memory.

Your photo session is one of those times.”

The photographs we create together will last for decades. They’ll be shared with grandparents, framed in your home, and rediscovered by your children when they’re grown. They’ll show the way your little one giggled at you, smile illuminated by light, the knowing smile between you and your partner, the way your family felt in this exact season of life.

One night of staying up a little later, or one early morning wake-up, is a tiny adjustment for a lifetime of keepsakes.

The Perfect Outdoor Photography Session Time for Families Changes Throughout the Year.

To be candid, I don’t ever typically schedule outdoor sessions between late morning to early afternoon (though there are some exceptions). This isn’t just me being fussy, it’s because I want your session to be as beautiful as you deserve.

As both a photographer with a decade of experience and a mum, my goal is always to set you up for success. So while I won’t compromise on good lighting, I do offer alternatives if golden hour feels daunting:

Choose off-season: Autumn and winter sessions mean earlier sunsets and later sunrises, so your shoot happens closer to your normal routine and you still get to experience the magic of golden hour.

Pick sunrise: For most families (and most locations), this is a great bedtime-friendly choice.

Close to home: Where we hold your session is something we can plan to ensure that if you are up for braving a later (or earlier) session, that you’re back in bed or in the comfort of home shortly after we wrap. I know all the best hidden secrets around Victoria so that we can keep our location more central to you.

Trust me to help: I’ll guide you through the process, make sure your kids are engaged and happy, and create an experience that feels fun and easy.

I promise: I’ll never recommend something I wouldn’t or haven’t done with my own little ones.

Session Start Times:

The exact timing of your session will vary according to location/session type, but a rough guide to session start times for sunrise and sunset sessions can be found below:

Sunset Sessions
January - February: 6:30 - 7:15pm
March - April: 6:00pm (during daylight savings) - 4:30pm
May - August: 4pm - 4:30pm
September - October: 5pm (before daylight savings) - 6:30pm
November - December: 6:30pm - 7:15pm
Sunrise Sessions
January - February: 6am - 7am
March - August: 7am - 7:45am
September - October: 6:30am - 7am
November - December: 6am - 6:30am

Turning a Photoshoot Into an Adventure

The most beautiful surprise many families share after their session is this: it didn’t feel like a photoshoot at all.

Instead, it felt like an afternoon at the beach, a walk in the forest, or a playful morning together. The camera fades into the background as you focus on each other. Kids run, laugh, explore. Parents breathe, connect, and enjoy a rare moment of being fully present.

When you look back on the photos, you’ll remember not just how they look, but how they felt. That’s the real magic of family photography in golden light.

“By choosing sunrise or golden hour, you’re adding a magic ingredient to your session that transforms every moment: we’ll step into a world of softness, warmth, and splendour that midday just can’t match.”

I know it can feel like a big ask to shift your family’s routine for a session. But I promise — one morning or evening of flexibility gives you photographs that will live with you forever. Photographs that reflect your story in the most beautiful way possible.

So when I recommend a start time of 7am or 7pm, know that it’s not an inconvenience. It’s an invitation: to adventure, to connection, and to light that will make your story glow.

📸 Ready to plan your golden hour or sunrise family photography session? Get in touch here and let’s create something magical.

You can also view more beautiful examples of family sessions here, see our frequently asked questions here, or read client testimonials!