Why Lighting Matters: The Best Time of Day for Family Photos | RI Family Photographer
If you've ever seen a photo and thought, "Wow, they look like they're glowing!" — that’s probably the magic of good lighting.
As a family photographer here in Rhode Island, I’m a bit obsessed with light. It's one of the biggest things that affects how your photos look — and more importantly, how they feel. Lighting can change everything from skin tones to background color to the mood of the whole session.
So, let’s talk about it: why does lighting matter, and when’s the best time to schedule your session?
Golden Hour = Photographer’s Happy Hour
If you’ve worked with me before, you’ve probably heard me mention “golden hour.” This is that dreamy window of time just after sunrise or right before sunset when the sun is low in the sky, the light is soft, and everything looks a little extra magical.
During golden hour, the light is:
Warm and flattering (say goodbye to harsh shadows)
Soft on skin tones (especially important for kids)
True to color (which fits my editing style perfectly!)
This kind of light makes colors pop naturally — think soft pink skies, glowing hair highlights, and rich green trees — all without needing to go heavy on editing filters. If you love the natural, true-to-color look, golden hour is 100% the way to go.
Midday Sun = Not Ideal (But Sometimes Doable)
Now, let’s talk about the middle of the day — 11am to 2pm-ish. This is when the sun is at its highest and brightest. Not only is it tough on the eyes (hello, squinting), but it also creates harsh shadows and uneven lighting on faces. For true-to-color images, this light can also flatten tones and blow out details.
That said — if your family is only available during midday hours (I get it — life is busy), we can make it work! I just choose shaded locations and keep things flexible. But if we can swing golden hour, I’ll always recommend it.
When to Book (Especially in Rhode Island!)
Living in Rhode Island means the light shifts a lot with the seasons. Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
Summer: Golden hour starts around 6:30–7:30pm
Fall: Golden hour moves earlier, around 5:00–6:00pm
Winter: It can be as early as 3:30–4:30pm (!)
Spring: Somewhere in between — usually 5:30–6:30pm
So if you’re planning a session, think about your family’s schedule. Evening sessions after work or school are awesome in the summer but can be trickier in the fall or winter when it gets dark earlier. (Pro tip: bring snacks and pajamas for the kids if we’re going late — yes, I’ve had clients change them right in the car afterward!)
Final Thoughts
Lighting is one of those things you don’t need to stress about — that’s my job! But knowing a little bit about when and why it matters helps you plan your session for the best results.
So next time you’re wondering, “Do we really need to shoot at sunset?” — the answer is: it’s absolutely worth it.
Got questions or want to book a golden hour session? Get in touch — I’d love to plan something that fits your vibe and your family’s rhythm.