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“But That’s Bedtime!”
– Why Sessions Are Scheduled Later

If you’ve ever scheduled a family photo session during bedtime and thought to yourself, “Wait… that’s when I’m usually putting my baby or toddler down for the night!” — you’re not alone. This is one of the most common concerns parents of young children share with me before their session.

It might feel tricky, but I promise there is a good reason why I, and many photographers, schedule family sessions in the evening: the lighting. You can’t beat an evening session during the golden glow just before sunset. When taking photos, it creates a soft, flattering light and dreamy colors that can’t be achieved earlier in the day.

So, to allay your worries, let’s talk about how you can make this work smoothly — and still have a fun, relaxed photo session with your little one.

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How to Set Your Toddler Up for Success with a Family Photo Session During Bedtime

Here are a few simple ways to adjust your routine and make the evening session feel easy for both you and your child:

• Plan a Later Nap
  If your toddler usually naps earlier in the day, consider pushing it back a little so they’ll have more energy in the evening. Even a short rest can make a big difference.
• Bring Lots of Snacks
  A well-fed toddler is a happy toddler. Pack a few favorite, mess-free snacks (think pouches, crackers, or fruit snacks) to keep your child content during the session.
• Make It an Adventure
  Talk to your child ahead of time about how fun the session will be. Frame it as a special outing where they get to play, explore, and be silly with mom and dad.
• Pack Comfort Items
  A beloved stuffed animal, blanket, or small toy can provide comfort if your little one starts to feel tired. Bonus: sometimes these make adorable cameo appearances in your photos.
• Keep the Energy Positive
  Kids often mirror their parents’ mood. If you’re relaxed and excited, your toddler will pick up on that energy and be more likely to enjoy themselves too.

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Why Sessions Shouldn’t Be Earlier

You might wonder, “Can we just move it up to an earlier time?” While that might sound easier for bedtime, it won’t give you the photos you’re dreaming of.

Here’s why:

• Mid-day light is harsh. The sun sits high in the sky, creating strong shadows and unflattering highlights.
• The colors aren’t as rich. Evening light has that soft, golden glow that makes skin tones look beautiful and backgrounds look magical.
• Everyone looks more relaxed. An evening session has a slower, more peaceful vibe, which really shows in your photos.

By sticking with the later time, you’re ensuring your family photos will have that warm, timeless look you’ll treasure for years to come.

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One Quick Pro Tip

If you can, schedule your family photo session for after the fall time change. This will put your session around 4PM, which will avoid the issue all together!

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Final Thoughts

Yes, your photo session may overlap with your toddler’s normal bedtime — but with a few small adjustments, it can be an enjoyable and memorable experience. Think of it as a special family night out, where instead of rushing through the bedtime routine, you get to laugh, snuggle, and capture this fleeting time.

And when you see the final images glowing with that dreamy evening light, you’ll know it was absolutely worth it.

I promise. ❤️

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