What is the best time for family photos? | a look at the Rauch Family
Clients ask me this question all the time. What is the best time for our family photos?
After my urge to (sarcastically) answer, “Right now!” I straighten up, clear my throat and tell them that it really doesn’t matter.
They look at me funny and narrow their eyes at me in puzzlement.
They were expecting me to tell them that high noon is the least optimal time because the sun is harsh and directly overhead. They were thinking I’d say The Golden Hour, a typically beautiful and glowing time of day. A photographer’s dream, surely?
But the truth is, it doesn’t matter to me. I bring my own light with me! If the sun is hidden away behind a cloudy sky, I can still make it look warm and golden. If the sun is bright in the sky, I can find open shade and still make your eyes twinkle. If the sun is tucked away for the night, well, I can still see your faces because I bring my own light… and I’m not afraid to use it!
Jenna called me for her family’s annual portraits. She wanted to go somewhere different than before, so we opted for a beach off of Lake Michigan.
So here’s my little truth bomb: I’d never been to this beach before. It was not only super sunny out, but it was really windy, too! (Which in photographer language meant that my diffuser panel would become a mere toy for the wind gusts and could literally sail away.)
We arrived and I found a nice wooded area attached to the beach. We started there, as it would supply that “open shade”, kill some time so the sun could move from its highest position in the sky and provide another style inside the set of final images.
After that we headed out to the sand. But first, an epic-looking tree!
Once on the beach, due to the high winds, I couldn’t use diffuser panels (to block the harsh sun from their faces) so I just made sure the boys’ backs were to the sun as much as possible. I also ditched my lighting since I knew it would just blow over and cost me dearly when it landed in the sand.
From there, it was a matter of putting it all together.
Some playful candids. Pretty scenery in the background of the posed shots. Don’t make the family look directly into the sun. Make sure the wind was blowing hair OUT of faces. And don’t forget to smile. (Them, not me.)
I think we did pretty well, considering, literally, all the elements.
So what did we learn today? What IS the best time for family photos? Yes, that’s correct. RIGHT NOW.
Let’s start the discussion about your family photos. We can set up a consultation to answer all your questions. C’mon - check that off your list! Let’s get together and talk family portraits.
