Best Time to Take Outdoor Photos: A Guide for the best Families Photos in NJ

Capturing beautiful outdoor photos with your family or during your pregnancy is a wonderful way to create lasting memories. However, choosing the right time of day and season can make all the difference in the final look and feel of your images. At Renee Ash Photography, we specialize in bright, natural, and timeless photography, serving families and expecting mothers in Northern New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Here’s everything you need to know about the best time to take outdoor photos to ensure the most stunning results.

Golden Hour: The Ultimate Time for Outdoor Photography

The best time to take outdoor photos is during Golden Hour, which occurs shortly after sunrise and just before sunset. This time of day provides the most flattering, warm, and soft light, making your photos glow with a dreamy, natural feel. Golden Hour is ideal for all types of sessions, including maternity, family portraits, and even milestone sessions like cake smashes. Whether you choose a scenic field, a mountain backdrop, or a beach setting, the soft light during these hours enhances the beauty of the landscape and ensures that your photos are nothing short of magical.

Morning Sessions: Fresh and Bright

If you’re looking for a cool and comfortable setting, early morning is another great option for outdoor photography. The light is soft and fresh, and temperatures are often much more manageable, especially in the summer months when midday can be too hot. Morning sessions are perfect for young children, as they tend to be more well-rested and happy at the start of the day. Locations like flower-filled fields, shaded parks, or lakeside spots work beautifully in the morning light.

Evening Sessions: Warm and Romantic

Evening sessions, just before sunset, are ideal for maternity photos and family portraits. The golden hues provide a warm and romantic feel, enhancing the natural beauty of the moment. The mild temperatures and gentle breeze make for a more comfortable and enjoyable experience, especially during the warmer months. Beaches, open fields, and mountaintop overlooks are particularly stunning at this time of day.

Mid-Afternoon Photos: Finding the Perfect Shade

While mid-afternoon is generally not recommended due to the harsh overhead sun, it can still work if we carefully select shaded locations. Filtered light through trees or open shade near buildings or hillsides helps soften the intensity of the light, creating a balanced and flattering effect. If an afternoon session is necessary, we’ll ensure that your photos are taken in a shaded park, under large trees, or near a covered outdoor location where the light is more diffused.

The Best Seasons for Outdoor Photos

Spring: Blooms and Soft Sunsets

Springtime is one of the most beautiful seasons for outdoor photography. The mild temperatures, blooming flowers, and earlier sunsets make for a relaxed and colorful session. Fields filled with fresh greenery, flowering trees, and charming garden locations are perfect for maternity and family photos. Spring is also a wonderful season to capture gender reveals or pregnancy announcements with a natural and fresh aesthetic.

Summer: Vibrant Colors and Golden Light

Summer is fantastic for vibrant outdoor sessions, but the sun can be strong and hot. To avoid harsh shadows and overheating, we recommend early morning or late evening sessions. Beach sessions are especially stunning during summer, with the soft ocean breeze and golden sunset light providing a perfect setting. Fields and lakesides also offer beautiful backdrops for summery, sun-kissed portraits.

Fall: Crisp Air and Gorgeous Foliage

Fall is one of the most requested seasons for outdoor family portraits. The crisp air, colorful foliage, and cozy vibes make it an ideal time for photos. Golden Hour in autumn provides a stunning, warm light that complements the reds, oranges, and yellows of the changing leaves. Whether in a forested park, an open field, or near a mountain vista, fall photos are always a favorite.

Winter: A Magical Snowy Wonderland

While winter may not be the first choice for outdoor photography, it can be absolutely magical. Snow-covered landscapes create a dreamy, serene atmosphere, perfect for maternity sessions or cozy family portraits. Dressing in warm, coordinated outfits with layers and textures can add a beautiful touch to winter photos.

Where to Take Your Outdoor Photos

1. Beaches – Whether it’s the Jersey Shore or a scenic lake, beaches provide a stunning backdrop with soft sand, water reflections, and breathtaking sunsets.
2. Fields & Meadows – Rolling fields with tall grasses or wildflowers offer a timeless, natural look for maternity and family sessions.
3. Mountaintop Views – If you love dramatic and scenic backdrops, mountain overlooks provide breathtaking views, perfect for capturing deep emotional connections.
4. Local Parks & Gardens – Beautiful parks with a mix of trees, flowers, and shaded areas are perfect for capturing soft, natural light.
5. Your Own Home – If you have a beautiful backyard or garden, an at-home outdoor session can provide a personal and meaningful setting.

Book Your New Jersey Family Photo Session with Renee Ash Photography

At Renee Ash Photography, we specialize in creating beautiful, stress-free experiences for expecting mothers and busy families. We know that timing, location, and lighting play a crucial role in creating breathtaking images, and we’re here to guide you through every step. Whether you’re looking for a stunning maternity session, a fun-filled family portrait session, or a milestone session for your little one, we’ll help you choose the perfect time and place to ensure the best results.

Serving Northern New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania, we take pride in offering a seamless experience, from wardrobe guidance to final artwork and albums. Let’s create memories together that you’ll cherish forever!

Ready to book your session?

Contact ASHLEY and let’s start planning your perfect outdoor photo shoot!