Golden Hour Photography: How to Capture Magical Light During Your Family Session

There’s something undeniably dreamy about golden hour, the soft, glowy light that wraps around your family like a warm hug. It’s that time of day when everything slows down just a little, when the light feels gentle, the air feels soft, and even the chaos of parenthood feels a little bit more magical.

As a Raleigh family photographer (and a mama who knows just how fleeting these seasons are), golden hour photography has become one of my favorite ways to document families in their most connected, joyful, and authentic moments.

Today, I’m sharing exactly why golden hour matters so much for family photos, how to plan for it, and a few of my favorite tips to make your session glow, literally. If you’re dreaming about a golden hour session for your family, I’d love to help you bring it to life.

If you’re in the Raleigh area and dreaming about a golden hour session for your family, I’d love to help you bring it to life. You can reach out to me here or follow along over on Instagram for more inspiration, behind-the-scenes peeks, and gentle encouragement.

I’m so glad you’re here!

Why Golden Hour Photography is So Flattering

Golden hour (that dreamy window of time just after sunrise or before sunset) offers the most flattering light of the entire day. Why?

Because the sun is lower in the sky, the light is softer and warmer, meaning fewer harsh shadows and more of that gorgeous, glowing skin tone we all love in photos.

Rather than overhead midday light that can wash out features or make little ones squint, golden hour light wraps around your family in the most natural, gentle way. It makes colors pop, skin look luminous, and every photo feel like a memory soaked in warmth.

Sunrise vs. Sunset: Which is Best for Your Family?

Golden hour happens twice a day, right after sunrise and just before sunset. So how do you know which one’s best for your session?

Sunrise Sessions:

• Ideal for early risers (hello, toddlers who wake at 5am)

• Locations tend to be quieter and less crowded

• Cool, dewy air and peaceful morning vibes

• Requires getting everyone ready very early

Sunset Sessions:

• Most popular for that warm, golden glow

• Can feel more relaxed with the slower pace of evening

• The light lingers longer, giving us more time to play

• Might run into bedtime for littles, snacks and flexibility are key

Every family is different, and we’ll work together to find the time that suits your rhythm best. Whether it’s a peaceful sunrise with sleepy snuggles or a golden sunset full of movement and laughter, we’ll create something beautiful.

Picking the Perfect Golden Hour Location

For golden hour photography to really shine, we want a location with:

• Open skies

• Soft backlight opportunities

• Natural elements like tall grass, trees, or water to catch the light

Some of my favorite local spots around Raleigh, Wake Forest, and Durham include wide open fields, lakeside edges, and quiet nature trails that let the sun peek through in all the right ways.

That light filtering through leaves? Magic.
The sun reflecting off the lake behind you? Pure glow.
Even your own backyard can become something extraordinary when golden hour hits just right.

What to Wear for Golden Hour Photography

The golden hour light LOVES movement and soft tones.

Here are a few styling tips to help you glow:

• Choose flowy fabrics (cotton, linen, or gauzy dresses work beautifully)

• Soft neutrals and muted earth tones catch the light best, think cream, sage, rust, oatmeal, blush, or soft blue

• Avoid bright white (can reflect too much light) and heavy patterns

• Barefoot kids or sandals add to the natural, relaxed vibe

If you’re feeling unsure, I offer access to my client wardrobe for every family I photograph.

Plus, I’ve put together a style guide full of my favorite places to shop, the same spots I visit when I’m adding to the client wardrobe. It’s packed with recommendations for mamas looking for a session day dress, the perfect little romper for your baby, or a relaxed, classic outfit for your husband. Whether you’re pulling from your closet (or mine!) or shopping for something new, we’ll make it easy and fun.

We’ll make sure you feel confident and comfortable, and your outfit enhances the golden glow instead of competing with it.

How to Keep Kids Engaged During Golden Hour

Golden hour doesn’t last long, and because it falls near bedtime for many kiddos, we plan for calm, fun, and connection focused moments.

Here are a few ways I help keep your little ones happy and engaged:

• Start with movement: twirls, piggyback rides, races through tall grass

• Bring a cozy blanket for snuggles or a break in the grass

• Let them be themselves, this isn’t about sitting still!

• Pack a favorite snack for a quick boost (think dry cereal or crackers)

• Bring their favorite lovey or comfort item if needed

Golden hour photography is less about perfection and more about presence. When you let go of expectations, that’s when the magic happens.

Golden Hour Photography Shot Ideas

Every session is unique, but here are a few golden hour favorites I often include:

• Backlit Snuggles: you holding your baby close, with the sunlight flaring around you

• Silhouette Moments: your family walking hand-in-hand as the sun dips low

• Candid Laughter: tickle fights, twirls, or wild giggles between siblings

• Parent-Child Details: the light catching on their curls as they nuzzle your neck

• Wide Open Fields: your family walking through tall grass, bathed in glow

• Quiet Intimacy: those still, close moments where nothing else matters

We’ll move through these naturally, gently guiding without forcing. The light leads the way, and your connection brings it all to life.

Final Thoughts: Let the Light Lead

Golden hour photography is about more than timing or location. It’s about capturing your family in the kind of light that reflects how you love each other, soft, warm, beautiful.

The truth is, the light is magical… but your connection? That’s what makes it unforgettable.

If you’re starting to dream about your own golden hour session, or wondering what time of day would work best for your crew, I’d love to help you plan it. You can join my email list for my free outfit guide, seasonal tips, and early access to booking dates: right here.

Let’s soak up the light and make something beautiful together!