There are so many moving parts when planning family photos, and scheduling them at ‘just’ the right time can be tricky. I understand how crucial timing can be for families, especially those with younger children. It’s all about scheduling around naptime schedules, meal times, and even extra-curricular activities for the older ones. As a San Diego photographer, I work with many busy family schedules and can attest to the importance of scheduling photos at the best time for your crew. Another important reason for planning the right timing is to ensure your family photos in San Diego are met with beautiful lighting, a relaxed atmosphere, and a stress-free experience.

Golden Hour For Dreamy Family Photos in San Diego

If you’ve been scrolling on Pinterest or Instagram for inspiration for your upcoming photos, I’m sure you’ve seen the term ‘golden hour’ used. Golden hour often refers to a specific time of day when the sun begins to set or rises. Luckily, in San Diego, we’ve got year-round sunny weather. One of the perks of scheduling during these times is the soft and warm light that is always flattering in photos. It adds a beautiful warmth to your pictures and enhances skin tones while making everything look more magical. However, selecting a time that works best for your busy schedule and family’s needs is most important. As I mentioned, San Diego’s weather is incredibly forgiving, and living in a sunny area has perks!

Weekends Make for a Stress-Free Experience

As a San Diego local, I can’t stress enough how weekends for scheduling photos are always the best idea. Often during the week, we’re met with weekday traffic, which can lead to the additional stress of trying to make it to your session on time and being crabby from sitting in traffic. Weekends are always a great way to ensure everyone has had a good night’s rest and isn’t tired from busy school and work schedules. My main priority as your photographer is to create an environment of relaxation and comfort. A relaxed start from prep to travel to your session leads to happier, more natural moments in your photos.

Avoiding Crowds During Your Family Photos in San Diego

Lastly, don’t be afraid to schedule your photos for earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds. Fewer people around during your photos means fewer distractions for kiddos and a more intimate and uninterrupted experience. San Diego is a tourist hot spot, especially during the warmer months, and being flexible with scheduling is a great way to ensure a more private session. While scheduling during off-hours is impossible, I do my best to find locations where your family can have a great experience together. Whether on the beach or in a park, I’ve got a few tricks to ensure you aren’t feeling stressed by onlookers. After all, a peaceful setting allows your family to enjoy being together and creating memories entirely.

While it’s not always easy to plan family photos and work around nap schedules and busy life schedules, I can promise it’s always worth it. Prioritizing a stress-free, enjoyable experience will allow for authentic and love-filled moments to last a lifetime. If you’re ready to book family photos but aren’t sure where to start, reach out. I’d love to help you plan and prepare for family photographs.