Why You Should Plan Your Family Portrait Sessions During Golden Hour


Have you ever noticed how your smartphone photos look stunning during sunset, only to feel disappointed when trying to capture the same magic in your family portraits at high noon? There's a reason that Windermere portrait photographers swear by the "golden hour" - that magical time just before sunset when the world bathes in warm, golden light. ✨ Click here to book your golden hour portrait session!


Your family deserves more than harsh shadows and squinting eyes. Sunset sessions transform ordinary family portrait photography in Windermere, FL into extraordinary memories, wrapping your loved ones in nature's most flattering light. The soft, warm glow during these hours not only makes everyone look their best but also creates a relaxed, enchanting atmosphere that brings out genuine emotions and connections. I always encourage my clients to schedule their sessions for sunset. However, if that's just not possible with your schedule, good light can always be found at other times of day. It just requires a little more thought and maybe some lighting gear!


Let's explore why scheduling your family portrait session during the golden hour can make all the difference. I would love to be your golden hour photographer! Click here to book a session with me! 🌅

Hands forming heart shape over a pregnant belly in pink dress during golden hour sunset.
A person in a red shirt holds a small child while backlit by golden sunlight through trees at sunset.
Two figures in matching blue dresses dance together on a wooden dock at sunset by a peaceful lake.

The Magic of Golden Hour Light


Soft, Flattering Illumination for All Skin Tones

During golden hour, the sun's low position in the sky creates the most flattering light possible for your family portraits. This magical time bathes you in soft, diffused light that naturally enhances every family member's complexion, regardless of skin tone. The gentle illumination minimizes imperfections and creates an even, glowing appearance that's typically impossible to achieve during other times of the day, unless, like I mentioned above, lighting gear such as flashes and strobes are used to recreate sunset glow effect.


Natural Warm Color Palette

Your family photos will benefit from the sun's warm, golden rays that paint everything in rich, honey-toned hues. This natural filter adds:

  • A touch of warmth to skin tones
  • Golden highlights in hair
  • Soft amber tones to clothing
  • Rich, dimensional color to backgrounds
  • Reduced Harsh Shadows and Squinting


The low angle of the setting sun eliminates unflattering shadows that typically fall across faces during midday shoots. The reason for unflattering shadows is because the sun is so far away from Earth that it is a small (yet powerful) light source. The smaller a light source is, the harsher shadows it will cast. During midday, the sun is at it's highest in the sky and therefore appears the smallest to us. Hey, here's a quick space joke: How does the solar system organize a party? ...They plan-et!. Anyway, at sunset, due to the Earth's curvature, the sun becomes a larger and dimmer light source. Therefore, by shooting at sunset, you won't have to worry about:

  • Dark circles under eyes
  • Harsh facial shadows
  • Family members squinting
  • Uneven lighting across group shots


Perfect Backlight Opportunities

Golden hour presents ideal conditions for breathtaking backlit photos, especially combined with a slightly blurred background, giving your dreamy look. The setting sun creates a luminous glow around your family, producing:

  • Beautiful hair halos
  • Dreamy, ethereal effects
  • Soft rim lighting
  • Stunning silhouette possibilities



Now that you understand the incredible lighting benefits of sunset sessions, let's explore the technical advantages that help photographers capture these magical moments perfectly.

Two people in light colored clothing stand together on a grassy waterfront area during sunset.
Parent lifts joyful child wearing red shirt in outdoor setting with wooden fence during sunset.
Close-up portrait of a person with dark hair smiling outdoors against a blue sky on a sunny day.

Practical Advantages of Evening Sessions


Cooler Temperatures for Comfort

You'll find evening sessions significantly more comfortable, especially during warmer months. We are in Florida after all! As the sun descends, temperatures naturally drop, making it easier for everyone to relax without worrying about excessive sweating or overheating. This comfort level shows in your photos, with fewer flushed faces and more genuine smiles.


Children are Often More Cooperative

Your little ones tend to be in better spirits during evening sessions. Unlike morning shoots when they might be groggy or midday when they're overstimulated, sunset sessions often align with children's second wind. They've had time to:

  • Finish their school day and decompress
  • Eat a proper meal beforehand
  • Release their high-energy activities earlier
  • Settle into a calmer mood


Less Crowded Locations

Evening sessions offer you more privacy and space at popular photography locations. Most tourists and visitors have departed by this time, giving you:

  • Cleaner backgrounds without random passersby
  • More flexibility with pose locations
  • Reduced distractions for children
  • Better parking availability


More Relaxed Pace After Work Hours

You won't feel rushed during an evening session. After work hours, you can:

  • Take time to properly prepare
  • Arrive without fighting peak traffic
  • Focus entirely on the session without checking work emails
  • Enjoy a more laid-back atmosphere


Now that you understand these practical benefits, let's explore how sunset sessions can create stunning mood and atmosphere in your family portraits.

Creating Mood and Atmosphere


Romantic Golden Glow

When you schedule your family portrait session during sunset, you'll experience the most enchanting lighting nature has to offer. The warm, golden rays bathe your family in a soft, flattering glow that creates an intimate and romantic atmosphere. This natural illumination adds a touch of magic to your photos, making skin tones appear warmer and more vibrant while softening any imperfections.


Dramatic Silhouette Options

Sometimes, thinking outside of the box and create more interesting results. Sunset sessions open up creative possibilities for stunning silhouette portraits. You can capture powerful images of your family's profiles against the colorful sky, creating artistic compositions that tell stories through shapes and forms. Some engaging silhouette poses include:

  • Walking hand-in-hand along the horizon
  • Children playing or jumping
  • Family members hugging
  • Individual portraits with dramatic sky backgrounds


Ethereal Sun Flare Effects

The low position of the sun during golden hour allows you to incorporate beautiful lens flares into your family portraits. These dreamy light effects add a whimsical and ethereal quality to your images. Position your family members so that the sun peeks through gaps between them, creating a magical sparkle effect that transforms ordinary poses into extraordinary memories.


The combination of these lighting elements helps create photos that feel both timeless and artistic. Now that you understand how sunset lighting can enhance your family portraits, let's explore how to effectively plan your session to make the most of these golden moments.

Planning Your Sunset Session


Timing Considerations by Season

Sunset times vary significantly by season. In summer, plan your session to start about 90 minutes before sunset, while in winter, 60 minutes might suffice. You can also download a sunset tracking app to help you plan the perfect timing for your location. Here in Florida, we have daylight savings time which can really push the sunsets late in the summer, so keep that in mind!


Location Scouting Tips

Choose locations that offer these key elements:

  • Open space facing west for maximum golden light
  • Natural reflective surfaces like water or light-colored walls
  • Areas with varied backgrounds within walking distance
  • Easy accessibility for families with young children
  • Minimal crowds during sunset hours


Backup Weather Options

Always have a contingency plan ready. Keep these alternatives in mind:

  • A covered location nearby for unexpected rain (In Central Florida, it often rains in the summer)
  • An indoor studio space with large windows
  • The option to reschedule within the same week


What to Wear for Best Results

Your clothing choices can make or break sunset portraits. Select:

  • Light, neutral colors that complement the warm golden light
  • Coordinated but not matching outfits
  • Layers that can be added or removed as temperatures change
  • Comfortable shoes for walking to different spots


Preparing Children for Later Shoots

Help your little ones adjust to a later session time by:

  • Scheduling their nap time later in the day
  • Packing favorite snacks and water
  • Bringing comfort items for between shots
  • Planning shorter pose sequences with breaks

Now that you know why golden hour is the best time to schedule your session, click here to book a session with me! It'll be fun, I promise! Don't worry if a sunset portrait session is not possible due to your schedule. Speaking as your next (hopefully) Windermere professional portrait photographer, we can get stunning photos any time of the day!