There’s a reason photographers talk about golden hour like it’s pure magic — because it is.

That warm, soft, golden light that happens just after sunrise and just before sunset? It wraps around your family like a warm blanket, smooths skin tones, adds a little sparkle to eyes, and turns even the most ordinary location into something cinematic.

If you’ve ever looked at a photo and thought, “Wow, how did they get it to look like that?” — chances are, it was golden hour.

But here’s what most families don’t realize: getting those dreamy images isn’t just about timing. It’s also about preparation, mindset, and understanding how to make the most of the light, mood, and energy of that very short window. In this post, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned over the past 20+ years of photographing families at golden hour — so you know how to prepare, what to expect, and how to walk away with images that feel every bit as beautiful as the moment.

What Is Golden Hour (And Why Is It So Popular for Family Sessions)?

Golden hour is the period of time just after sunrise and just before sunset when the sun is low in the sky and the light turns warm, soft, and glowy. In Minnesota during the summer, this typically means 6:00–7:00 AM for sunrise or around 7:00–8:30 PM for sunset.

It’s popular because it’s flattering — both on people and on landscapes. The sun is no longer directly overhead, which means it’s not creating harsh shadows or squinting faces. Instead, it casts a soft, even glow that hugs everything in the frame.

When used intentionally, this light:

• Adds warmth and richness to skin tones

• Creates gorgeous rim light or backlight behind hair and outlines

• Eliminates squinting and washed-out skies

• Makes your images look timeless and cinematic without heavy editing

Golden hour is nature’s softbox — and it’s worth chasing.

Why It Matters for Outdoor Family Photography

When I work with families, especially those with young children, the session needs to be as relaxed and natural as possible. The light at golden hour helps with that — not just visually, but emotionally. There’s something about the softness of the light that makes people feel at ease. The shadows are longer, the mood is quieter, and the whole world seems to slow down for just a little while.

It’s the perfect time for storytelling-style sessions. Whether we’re walking along a trail, sitting on a picnic blanket, or letting the kids splash at the edge of a lake, everything feels just a little bit more magical when the light is working with us.

How to Prepare for a Golden Hour Session

The key to a successful golden hour session isn’t just showing up at the right time. It’s planning around the timing in a way that works for your family — especially if you have little ones.

💡 Timing Is Everything

Because golden hour is so short, being even 10–15 minutes late can mean missing the best light. That doesn’t mean you have to stress — but it does mean we’ll want to build in a little buffer time for getting dressed, packing up, and arriving calmly.

Evenings can be tricky for some families, especially with toddlers. If your child tends to melt down at 7:00 PM, let’s talk about alternatives — a slightly earlier session or even a sunrise session might be better.

💡 Naps + Snacks = Golden Hour Magic

Let’s talk honestly: golden hour might fall right in the middle of your child’s usual wind-down time. If we’re aiming for a 7:30 PM session, think about a slightly later nap that day or a pre-session snack picnic to keep energy and spirits high. A tired or hungry kiddo is a recipe for tears — and we want joy and cuddles instead.

I always encourage families to pack a few quiet toys, a favorite blanket, or even a special treat as a reward after the session.

Choosing the Right Location

Golden hour transforms even the simplest locations, but pairing that light with a great setting takes your session to the next level. I’ll help you choose the best spot based on your family’s personality, the season, and your goals for the session.

Here are a few of my favorite types of golden hour spots:

• Open fields or prairies: Perfect for soft backlight and wide-open skies

• Lakeside locations: Water reflects the sunset beautifully, and we can play at the edge

• Wooded paths: The sunlight filters through the trees, creating sparkle and shadow

• Urban parks: City architecture + golden light = bold, modern family storytelling

I scout every location with light in mind — not just scenery — so we get both beauty and function.

What to Wear (And What to Avoid)

Golden hour light naturally enhances soft, earthy tones — think dusty rose, warm neutrals, forest greens, creams, and warm blues. You don’t need to “match” the sunset, but you want colors that play well with it. Avoid neon or stark black and white — they tend to reflect the light in less flattering ways.

For family sessions, I recommend a cohesive palette with a bit of movement: linen dresses, flowy tops, or rolled sleeves and shorts. Movement in clothing pairs beautifully with the motion of golden hour light.

Real Life: What Happens During the Session

A golden hour session with me is relaxed, playful, and child-led. We might start with some gentle guided poses — sitting together, snuggling close, playing hand games — and then let the moment unfold naturally.

This is your time to simply be with your people. Let the kids run a little wild. Let your partner crack jokes. Let your baby explore the grass. My job is to guide the light, the location, and the timing. Your job is just to be present.

We’ll use the first part of the session for portraits while the light is still high, then transition into storytelling as the sun lowers. If the sky cooperates, we might even get that gorgeous post-sunset glow — sometimes even better than the sunset itself.

What to Expect Afterward

Photos from golden hour sessions are some of my favorites to deliver — they’re warm, glowy, and timeless. You’ll receive a gallery filled with natural expressions, soft light, and connection that feels authentic.

Because I shoot intentionally and edit with a light hand, you won’t see overly saturated oranges or overexposed skies. My editing style keeps things clean, classic, and true to your family.

If you book a golden hour session early in the summer, you’ll have your photos in time to use them for gifts, cards, or simply refreshing your home gallery wall.

Final Thoughts: Golden Hour Isn’t Just a Trend — It’s a Feeling

In my experience, golden hour doesn’t just change the look of your photos — it changes how they feel. It softens everyone. It slows us down. It gives kids room to shine and parents permission to breathe.

If you’ve never had a session during golden hour, I’d love for you to experience it. The light will be beautiful. The memories will be even better.