As much as I would love to be able to shoot outdoors any time of day, Mother Nature calls the shots. The best lighting for outdoor photos is when the sun is rising and when it’s setting.
Outdoor morning shoots are difficult because it’s typically cold and dewy (depending on the season) AND the light can be kind of a blue cast, so I prefer the evening when there is a golden light.
Part of an amazing photo recipe is the lighting.
You wouldn’t ask a plumber to fix your toilet without the proper tools and photography is the same. Timing is one of our necessary “tools”.
Yes, I am well aware that many infants and toddlers have early bedtimes and can sometimes be a bit more crabby in the evening. This is why you need a photographer who is VERY good with little ones and can make the session playful in order to capture their attention. Also, while I do try to work with my clients on evening timing, remember that sunset varies throughout the year with earlier sunsets being in the spring and fall while later sunsets are during summer. This is important to think about when scheduling a session if you have a little one that has an early bedtime.
Finally, a later nap time on the day of photos can also make all the difference in the world. Planning ahead to make sure that the day of photos isn’t filled with errands and appointments, helps to make sure your little one shows up ready to go.
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