Capturing Magical Moments: 9 Essential Tips for a Stunning Family Sunset Photoshoot in Essex
There's something truly enchanting about the golden hour, that magical time just before sunset or just after sunrise when the light is soft, warm, and golden. As an Essex-based family photographer, I understand the importance of creating stunning and memorable images for families to cherish. Today, I want to share some valuable tips on how you can prepare for a golden hour photoshoot with your children, ensuring a relaxed and enjoyable experience that will result in beautiful photographs you'll treasure forever. Essex is blessed with stunning landscapes, making it the perfect backdrop for your family's golden hour photoshoot.
Here are my tips on how to tackle the early rise or evening photo shoot with your family.
01 -Sunset or Sunrise photoshoot?
I suggested a sunset or Sunrise session for your family and all you can picture in your mind is a horror story unfolding, where your usually beautifully wild child turns into a crazed wolf upon a change in routine.
First and foremost, consider your children's energy levels. Are they early risers or do they tend to be more active and lively in the evening? If your little ones are full of energy in the morning, a sunrise photoshoot might be a great choice. It allows them to start the day fresh and excited, capturing their natural enthusiasm and playfulness.
On the other hand, if your children tend to be more alert and lively in the afternoon and early evening, a sunset photoshoot could be a better fit. Think about your daily routine and the impact a sunrise or sunset photoshoot would have on your family's schedule. Remember, there's no right or wrong choice when it comes to deciding between a sunrise or sunset photoshoot. The most important thing is to create an enjoyable experience for your children and yourselves. Trust your intuition whilst considering their energy levels and routines.
02 -Trust Me!
In order to create those stunning images, photographers consider heavily the quality of available light. Light to a photographer is the same as a painter’s paint on a canvas, it shapes the scene and layers an image. For your sessions that are shot outside, we are after beautifully diffuse light, it's the most complimentary to the skin whilst giving images a warm glow. After /before the golden hour (depending on whether your session is at sunrise or sunset) the sun is higher in the sky, which, unless it is overcast can be tricky to photograph ( harsh shadows/overbearing light/ squinting/shadows in weird places ). Golden hour is simply a photographer's dream, with its warm and flattering light that bathes everything in its diffuse golden glow.
03 - Routine
Keep to your normal routine as much as possible but avoid doing anything too active either the day before for sunrise or the day of a sunset session, so for the kids are not completely worn out and grumpy before the session starts.
If you are able to push naps back, try and shift them a little later. or move forward the bedtime routine a bit earlier the night before in order to squeeze in a little extra sleep.
04 - Dress for sucsess
When it comes to clothing choices, opt for comfortable and coordinated outfits that reflect your family's style. Avoid busy patterns or logos, as they can be distracting in the final photographs. Soft, neutral colors, pastels, or earthy tones often work well with the warm golden light. Remember, the key is to keep the focus on your family and your genuine expressions.
05 - Bring snacks
Eat dinner (or breakfast) before the session and have a non-sugar-laden snack on the way in the car to provide a little blood sugar boost without the dreaded sugar crash mid-session.
or, aim to Keep your children energised and happy during the session by bringing along their favorite snacks and drinks. A quick snack break during the photo shoot can help maintain their enthusiasm and ensure everyone is comfortable throughout the session. It's also an excellent opportunity for you to relax and enjoy some quality time together.
06 -Try your best to relax.
Nows not the time to be expecting excellent formal behavior - as your photographer I want you all to feel relaxed and comfortable in my presence and scolding the kids for not behaving a certain way usually results in them clamming up or full-on refusing to cooperate. I know this can be hard if the little ones are pushing boundaries! But as a mum, believe me, I’ve seen it all myself with my own kids and there will be no judgment from me! let me guide the children by prompting them with games. I find the kids are more likely to respond in a positive way and relax into the session through gentle guidance from myself as opposed to mum or dad.
07 - Come Prepared
If you are having a sunset session aim to arrive a bit early, in order to give your children time to get comfortable in the surroundings and allow everyone to enjoy the experience without feeling rushed. By the end of the session, the kids (and you) will probably be knackered. Bring their PJs, blankets, snuggle buddies, even toothbrushes, etc, and get them changed for the drive home. If they fall asleep then the transition to bed can hopefully be plain sailing and you can relax for the rest of the evening.
08 - Consider the time of year
Why oh why do we need to do a session that late or early you wonder?
There is no right or wrong time of year to have one of these sessions, however, if tiredness and routine are important to you it may be worth shifting your session away from the summer months. Not only does golden hour vary wildly throughout the year, (refer to a golden hour app or google when thinking about booking your session ) but also quite often in early Autumn the sun is lower in the sky or the weather is most often overcast, acting as natures sun diffuser for us, meaning the session timing can be more flexible. There are differences to this, and I'm not going to call them cons because, although we may not get that beautiful golden glow at this time of year, alternatively we might get some more dramatic or beautifully moody pictures that are equally pretty in their own right (and quite often some of my favorites).
The main suggestion I have for these colder sessions is to wear enough to be warm. Layer up, with cute chunky knits over long dresses, teamed with boots and wooly tights. Everyone gets miserable if they are cold!
09 - Embrace The Chaos
Lastly, trust your instincts as a parent. You know your children best and can gauge their temperament and energy levels. Whether it's a sunrise or sunset photoshoot, the goal is to capture your family's unique bond and create beautiful memories. As long as you approach the session with a relaxed and positive mindset, the photographs will reflect the love and joy shared among your family members. Yes, a change in the routine may suck and they may be a little grumpy the day after but it's ONE day. Usually, the kids are just pretty excited to be allowed up past their bedtime, and at the end of the night, you have a lifetime of these memories to look back on. You will never regret that!
I hope this advice helps a little bit. Lord knows you need more parenting advice from another well-meaning mama/photographer! But in all honestly, you've got this, however you choose to tackle it!
Much love,
Emily x
Make it stand out
