What time of day is best for family photography?

 

I’m a NATURAL LIGHT PHOTOGRAPHER which gives me the freedom to move quickly and not lug around big lighting equipment. I can run around with your little ones for those candid moments.

Finding the “perfect” light is an art and a chase - and oh, I love the chase. So what time is best for natural light photography?

Here’s your guide:

blog+%282%29.jpg

On a sunny day, this is when the light is the most flattering. It creates golden sun-kissed skin and hair halos.

Maternity-75.jpg
Rainey_Gregg_Photography_St._Simons_Island_Georgia_California_Wedding_Portrait_Photography_2453.jpg

The more the sun goes down, the more cotton candy colors on the water.

 
 
blog%2B%25283%2529.jpg

Sunrise

Sunrise is a great time if you still want that golden and pinkish light peeking over the horizon.

The downsides.. (1) sunrise happens quick so be on time! (2) I’m not a morning person..but I can be for you!!

August-96.jpg

~

What happens if we get together any time that is not sunrise or sunset? What is harsh light and why try to avoid it?

The farther the sun is from the horizon, the more contrast or harshness there is between the highlights and the shadows - so uneven shadows can happen under the eyes and nose.

Harsh light is not “bad or wrong” light, it’s just a different style than what I typically shoot.

 
st+simons+island+photographer
 

My recommendation for avoiding harsh light and squinty eyes?

blog%2B%25284%2529.jpg

Some shade is always nice on a balmy Georgia afternoon anyways.

The Golden Isles has a plethora of mossy oaks, palm trees on Sea Island, and even beach driftwood on Jekyll Island that gives us the shade that we natural light photographers love.

The Avenue of the Oaks on St. Simons Island or the Historic District on Jekyll Island are my go-to’s. We can get together any time of day because the huge shadows allow you to stay comfortable and evenly lit even when the sun is highest in the sky.

The top row below was taken mid-morning and the bottom row was taken closer to sunset. Notice how the colors get warmer and the greens get darker the closer to sunset…because Golden Hour!

~

What about Overcast days?

It’s out of our hands when the sun shines but FEAR NOT!

I LOVE the even, white light that overcast skies give - especially on the beach! Because…. we can shoot anytime and anywhere. The white sky is one big softbox of soft, flattering light!

blog+%285%29.jpg

Golden Hour is 45-60 min before sunset and will give us even and colorful light.

Rows 3-4 are lighting examples in the morning (top row) and late afternoon which can have harsher highlights and shadows.. but morning.. noon..night.. what is most important is the love and smiles we capture and preserve forever…

blog+%287%29.jpg




 

WHAT TO EXPECT AT A REALLY LARGE FAMILY PORTRAIT SESSION

Your annual family portraits do not have to be a pain in the behind - even if you have TWENTY+ people. Big or small, family portraits should be something to look forward to.

I work FAST and FUN so kiddos don’t lose interest and no one is in the heat/cold too long - while still ensuring we get all the shots each family unit or couple requires.

This is my usual shot list which takes 30-45 minutes:

  • Everybody (still group shot + laughing and walking)

  • Grandparent(s) and grandkids

  • Grandparent(s) and adult children

  • Grandparent(s)

  • Each Family

  • Each kid with each parent

  • Each Couple

  • Each group of siblings

  • All kids together

  • Individuals of each kid

After this, it’s playtime!

“I highly recommend Rainey! We are an extra-large family of 35, ranging in age from 1 week old to 85 years old. Rainey did an excellent job of keeping us organized and made sure to get all of the photos we wanted. She has a great demeanor, and could not be more pleasant to work with. We absolutely love our photos, and would definitely recommend Rainey for large or small group pictures. You will not be disappointed:)))”
— Patti Gosch

Gosch Families at The Beach Club on St Simons Island, Georgia June 2020