The best time of day to have a photoshoot.

So…You have finally found a photographer you like.

You’ve watched them for a while (not in a stalker-y way).

You’ve liked stuff on their Facebook feed and you think they sound like your kind of person.

They seem to produce loads of images of kids looking happy and it doesn’t look like they’ve been tortured or bribed within an inch of their lives. Yup, this is the one for you.

You fill out the contact form or dm them to ask when would be an OK time to book in for a session.

And to your utter bewilderment they suggest that the best time of day for a shoot is 7 o’clock at night! Whaaat??!

This person has children right?

They get that 7pm is bedtime?

But here’s the thing.

It’s all about light.

The word ‘photography’ actually means ‘drawing with light’ or let's be slightly more poetic...‘painting with light’.

Light, and ‘good light’ is what makes your skin look brighter and smoother, it flatters and enhances.

It makes your images stand out and adds a certain hint of magic to a session.

I don’t know about you but if I was going to be the one in front of the camera then those are all things I’d want for my images.

The down side of course is that the very best, most gorgeous light comes at not so convenient times.

First thing in the morning, or last thing at night.

Photographers call it the ‘Golden Hour’.

We have apps that tell us when it will be throughout the year. We check them almost as often as our weather apps…told you, geeky!

And that’s really why photographers will always suggest times that will inevitably have you feeling a little unsure.

It is always down to us wanting to deliver the very best of images to our clients.

Tricky yes.

Do-able, also yes.

Worth it? Hell yes!!

I promise, it is so worth it just to have that extra sparkle of sunlight.

After spending so long choosing a photographer, looking at websites and Facebook pages, asking friends for recommendations and finally getting in touch with someone to book, you have already invested so much.

You want the best images. You want portraits that you will hang…forever!

That you will show off again and again and that people will comment on every time you repost them on Facebook Memories.

Photography is an investment. It is something that you either love and really see the value of or you don’t. And if you are in the former category then make sure you do everything you can at your side to make it worth the investment.

So if your kids are up at 6 anyway then get those clothes laid out the night before, ram the toast in, pack a load of snacks and get going early to catch those morning rays.

Or… extend the afternoon nap and get them kitted up after tea for a little evening adventure.

Yes, it might knock them to pot for a night and believe me, I get how annoying that is. But oh boy, it so beats doing pictures at 1pm with really harsh light that makes you ugly squint whilst casting all kinds of nasty shadows.

I’m often told that taking the kids out past bedtime will mean they are cranky and not on best form but I can’t remember the last time a little one came out who didn’t rise to the occasion. It’s like going to a party in the evening with them. It’s something different, it’s out of the ordinary and they get a second wind and have a ball.

But if this really is a no-go then here’s the solution!

If you really think it’s a non starter then consider having your session in a slightly colder month.

Golden Hour gets earlier as the nights draw in so if you are keen to get the magic of the golden light without the late bedtime then consider a session in October. By then Golden Hour starts at 5pm which is much more manageable.

So yes, on the whole we do sound a little nutty.

And it’s not that we are unsympathetic to the drama that will unfurl in your house trying to get out of the door at a silly time with immaculate children, we do get it…we just know it’s totally worth it too!

Remember, it’s all about you all looking amazing and getting the absolute best photos you can for your investment.

And if you want to find out how the whole family photography thing works then click on the link and have a wee nose through the website.