One of the most common questions I get as a Virginia Beach family photographer is “What time should we schedule our family photos?”

And honestly, the answer is less about picking the “perfect” hour and more about choosing the time that works best for your family, your kids, and the type of feeling you want your photos to have! 

That being said, lighting does make a huge difference in how your images look and feel — especially here in coastal Virginia where the sun, humidity, clouds, and beach reflections all play a role. I’ve been photographing families and couples since 2020, so I’m super confident that in any lighting scenario or time of the day – we can get some amazing moments of you and your family. 

If you’re planning family photos in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, or anywhere in Hampton Roads, here’s what you should know about choosing the best time of day for your session. Let’s get into it! 

Why Lighting Matters in Family Photography

Photography is all about light – the word itself literally means drawing with light – so consider me your artist who has made herself very familiar with how to paint the sun onto all of your images! 

When choosing the time of day for your photography session – there’s more to consider than just picking a time for the sake of making a decision. The time of day in photography affects skin tones, shadows, colors, and the overall mood/feeling of your photos! Let me paint some examples for you (sticking with this art/painting with light vibe, lol) 

A photoshoot taken indoors around noon on a gloomy day is going to be very moody, very dark & create a lot of intense emotion surrounding each image, especially ones that are in black & white. A photoshoot that is done during golden-hour at sunset on the beach is going to be exploding with color, light-hearted, playful & happy. Light has the ability to really impact the feeling your photos create – so when choosing a time for your session, it’s important that we talk about how you want your photos to feel! This is a huge part of the session planning process. 

When you’re considering the look of your photos – there are definitely more flattering times of the day to have your session. Bright midday sun can create harsh shadows and squinting, while softer light found during sunrise & sunset will create a more natural, emotional, and timeless look.That’s why photographers often recommend sessions closer to sunrise or sunset! The lightning is always perfect & is a great starting point for any family photoshoot. 

Sunset Sessions: The Most Popular Choice

Sunset is typically my most requested time for family photos — especially for beach sessions in Virginia Beach! About 1-2 hours before sunset, the light becomes softer, warmer, and more flattering. This is called “golden hour” and creates some really beautiful images! 

Sunset sessions work especially well for the families looking for:

• Beach family photo sessions (I honestly recommend locations where the sun does not set over the water! When it sets over the dunes, we can play with some really pretty direct sunlight right against the water that softens nicely as it sets. The 80th Street Oceanfront is my favorite!)
• Sessions with older kids
• Families that are looking for carefree, warm & happy photos 

Pros of Sunset Photography Sessions

• Soft, flattering light
• Warm tones
• More relaxed atmosphere (usually not too crowded as it’s later in the evening, depending on the day of the week) 
• Great for movement and candid moments
• Beautiful skies and sunsets

Cons of Sunset Photography Sessions

For families with very young children, sunset sessions can sometimes overlap with dinner time, bedtime or other evening activities. If you’ve got a toddler – you already know that the overtiredness is REAL. You can still get beautiful images a few hours before sunset! My recommendation is choosing a location that is a bit more shaded so the light isn’t so harsh & to give your kiddo a yummy treat right after our photos to entice them to smile during our session. 

And honestly? A happy child matters more than perfect golden light. We can create beautiful images together in any lighting situation! 

Sunrise Sessions: An Underrated Choice

Sunrise sessions are incredibly underrated — especially during summer in Virginia Beach and Norfolk! If you are an early riser and are wanting completely private photos with not many people around – this is perfect for you. Sunrise light is a bit different than sunset light – it starts out darker & slowly gets brighter, which is completely opposite of sunset! This is usually up to 90 minutes after the sun has risen, so it gets early in the summer months. 

Morning light tends to feel calmer and more soft – there is something so peaceful about being in nature early in the day, and temperatures are usually much cooler compared to evening sessions in the middle of summer.

Sunrise sessions are perfect for:

• Families with early-rising toddlers who are freshly slept, napped, and fed 
• Quiet beach sessions
• Couples wanting a more intimate feel
• Busy beaches during tourist season

One of the biggest benefits is that locations are usually far less crowded early in the morning! 

Rainy or Cloudy Weather – What Happens if the Weather is Less Than Ideal?

If the day of your session rolls around and the weather is looking a bit dreary or cloudy – please have no fear! A cloudy day is actually one of the best lighting situations for photography.

Clouds act like a natural diffuser, creating:

• Even lighting
• Softer skin tones
• No harsh light 
• Less squinting
• Richer colors

Some of the most emotional and cozy family sessions have happened to me during overcast weather or light rain! So if your session day looks cloudy, don’t panic — it creates some really beautiful conditions for family photos.

Worst Time of Day to Take Pictures 

There really isn’t the worst time to take photos in my opinion – an experienced photographer should be able to manipulate the location & find shade if things are too bright! But, if I had to choose, mid-day light (between 11am-2pm), the sun is directly overhead and will cause very harsh shadows. This enhances underneath eyes & will make everyone squint. It’s also generally the hottest part of the day – which is never comfortable when you’re trying to look nice for photos! I would not recommend this time of the day for an outdoor photoshoot – but for indoor studio sessions, this is the best time for us to work together! The brighter the light we have outside, the better the natural window-light is going to look inside. 

Best Time for Photography Outside 

At the end of the day, the “best” time for family photos is the time when your family feels the most relaxed.

For some families, that’s sunset.

For others, it’s a calm morning before the day gets hectic!

For families with toddlers? Sometimes the best choice is simply avoiding nap time and preserving everyone’s sanity.

Your photos don’t need perfect lighting to be meaningful. The connection, movement, personality, and real moments matter far more.

Planning Your Family Photography Session in Virginia Beach or Norfolk

If you’re looking for a Virginia Beach family photographer or planning a family photo session in Norfolk or Hampton Roads, choosing the right timing can make a huge difference in both the experience and the final gallery! When I help my families plan their session – we consider everything from your children’s schedule to the season and location. The feeling you want your photos to have is the most important to me – so I’m always going to give you my best advice when it comes to obtaining those photos! 

I’m currently booking sessions for the fall of 2026 – I’d love to work together! Please head to this contact form here to inquire about a family photo session & we can make it happen.