Family photography is a special way to capture memories of your loved ones that you can cherish for years to come. There are many ways to dream up your photography session, but one of the first things to consider is if you should do golden hour portraits or take them in a studio or mid-day. While studio and mid-day photography sessions can be great for capturing family portraits, there’s something extra special about golden hour photography sessions. 

Golden hour photography is the time of day just before sunset and just after sunrise when the light is soft and warm. It’s the perfect time of day to capture beautiful family photos that have a natural, romantic feel. The imagery is often associated with warm rays of sunlight spilling over your family’s shoulders. The best part is that you don’t need a lot of expensive equipment or a studio to get amazing photos like these. 

Mom and dad kissing above kids on pumpkin during sunset golden hour

Unlike mid-day photography, golden hour photography offers a softer, more natural light. The warm light creates a beautiful, romantic atmosphere that’s perfect for capturing family photos. Mid-day photography which also can be harsh and create unflattering shadows on your faces, or even worse causing everyone to squint!

Lastly, golden hour sessions also have several more benefits over studio sessions. Golden hour portraits offer a more natural setting and backdrop. Instead of a blank wall, you can take advantage of the beautiful scenery and landscapes available during golden hour. You can capture photos with stunning backgrounds like a beach, a city, or a field of wildflowers. 


Golden hour portraits are also more flexible than studio photography. You don’t need to worry about booking a studio, setting up and moving lights, or having the perfect backdrop. You can go anywhere you want and take advantage of the natural light and scenery. Plus, since its outdoors, you can take your time and get creative with your poses and shots.

Engaged couple on bridge in Boston Common during sunset

Golden hour photography is a great way to capture beautiful, natural family photos that you’ll cherish for years to come. With its soft, warm light and beautiful natural backdrop, it’s the perfect way to capture special memories of your loved ones. So, the next time you’re thinking of taking family photos, consider requesting your session take place during golden hour.