Why chase waterfalls when we can chase sunsets?


"Can we do our photos at 1pm?"


I mean, sure. Yes.


Technically, there aren't any laws preventing us from taking photos in the middle day with direct sunlight.


To be completely honest, middle of the day when it is hottest is not an ideal time for photos, especially when little ones are involved.


There are several reasons photographers usually suggest times later in the day, and they are all incredibly valid.


And it all revolves around light. Because light matters. A LOT.

Woman smiling over shoulder at golden hour in a sunlit field with rolling hills and warm autumn light.

So, what even is Golden Hour?








Golden is not just a song from a well-known movie about girls fighting underworld beings who also happen to be K-Pop stars. It is a color that increases the complexity and depth of a photo, and it happens just an hour before the sun sets.


The sun sits lower in the sky, enveloping all that touches the eye with a warmth only achieved by something as mysterious as the sun itself, and suddenly you're wondering why life looks so beautiful right now.



So, what even is Golden Hour?








Golden is not just a song from a well-known movie about girls fighting underworld beings who also happen to be K-Pop stars. It is a color that increases the complexity and depth of a photo, and it happens just an hour before the sun sets.


The sun sits lower in the sky, enveloping all that touches the eye with a warmth only achieved by something as mysterious as the sun itself, and suddenly you're wondering why life looks so beautiful right now.



The midday sun is harsh.


Creatively, it can be neat for styled portraits or striking elopements. It has a time and a place for certain kinds of photography.


However, for those envisioning cozy, warm-toned experiences, it's not ideal.


Listen, the Florida sun has one setting in the middle of the day: extra.


At noon, it's directly overhead, creating harsh shadows, squinty eyes, shiny foreheads, and the overwhelming urge to find the nearest patch of shade.


Not exactly the vibe we're going for.


Golden hour, on the other hand, is much kinder. It gives us soft light, beautiful skin tones, and photos that feel warm, relaxed, and timeless.

Sun lighting comparisons


Here are two photos taken at different times of day: midday and golden hour. Both are lovely and well-composed. They also show the differences in shading, exposure, warmth, skin tone, and overall style of the photos.

Woman in teal vintage dress standing in golden wheat field under blue sky.

Midday, Direct Sun: 12pm

Couple standing on a wooden bridge surrounded by lush green trees, sharing a romantic moment outdoors.

Golden Hour: 6pm

Your photos feel like you.


Let's be honest.


No one enjoys standing in 95-degree Tallahassee heat while smiling at a camera.


Evening sessions are usually cooler, the sun isn't trying to personally offend everyone, and kids are much more likely to have fun exploring than melting into the grass declaring they're "done."


(Parents, I see you.)


One of my favorite things about golden hour isn't just how beautiful it is—it's how it feels.


The light encourages movement.

Running.

Laughing.

Snuggling.


Those little in-between moments that often become your favorite images.

Instead of everyone standing stiffly and wondering where to put their hands, your gallery tells a story.

Romantic couple sharing an intimate moment on a scenic path surrounded by autumn trees during an outdoor engagement photo session.
Family playing in a lush green meadow surrounded by tall trees on a calm, overcast day.

But what about bedtime?


As a parent, I completely get it.


The words "late bedtime" can begin the heart palpitations.


The good news is we don't have to throw your entire routine out the window.


Depending on the season and your little one's schedule, we can choose a location with gorgeous shade, start a little earlier, or work together to find the sweet spot between beautiful light and happy kiddos.


Because nobody wants family photos starring an overtired toddler who has officially unionized against fun.

A couple holds hands walking through a lush green field surrounded by trees during an outdoor photo session.

Is Golden Hour the only option?


Definitely not. Beautiful photos can happen in all kinds of light.


Cloudy days? Secretly a fave of mine.

In-home sessions? Love them.

A shady park? Absolutely.


Golden hour is simply a crowd-pleaser because it consistently creates the warm, natural style most families are looking for.

Trust Me—It's Worth the Wait


When I suggest a session time, I'm not trying to make your life harder.


I'm thinking about where the sun will be.

How the light will fall through the trees.

Where your kids can run.

Which direction we'll walk.

How your gallery will look hanging on your walls ten years from now.


So yes... sometimes I'll ask you to wait until 7:30 p.m.


And every single time you get your gallery back, you'll understand why.

Let's Chase Some Sunshine.


Whether we're wandering through a Tallahassee park, exploring Wakulla Springs, or chasing the last few minutes of daylight in an open field, my goal is always the same: creating photos that feel joyful, genuine, and beautifully you.


Now... let's go catch the good light before it clocks out for the day.