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What is the best time of day for family photos? I definitely don’t suggest mid-morning sessions to clients because I like waking up early. Until a few years ago I was a night owl and my most productive hours were between 8 pm and 2 am. It was also a miracle if I got out of bed before noon, yes even after I had Chloe. That was the life.
Now I am up before 7 am to get the kid ready for school. On weekends there is no reprieve because I am still up that early to get myself showered and out the door for sessions. I need at least two cups of coffee and a shower to make that happen. I also set 3 different alarms to make sure I don’t hit snooze or stop in my sleep on session days. So if I despise being up before the sun, WHY do I schedule sessions for the morning as the best time of day for family photos?
It’s certainly not for the light. If your children wake up at 5:30 am there is not an ounce of natural light in your house. Period. So I do warn all families they have two choices. I can come over when your kids REALLY wake up or you can give them some snacks and we can fake it with a late brunch. You know your kids best, so if they get hangry, I will totally show up before the sun.
Moment of honesty, my family is nothing like those I document. James wakes up at 3 am so he is rarely still in bed with me in the morning. I get snuggles from Chloe when I can. A new outcome of being in double-digits is her preference to let me sleep in so she can watch TV. No one in my house cooks breakfast except me. No one in my house makes or drinks coffee except me. To the contrary, in 80% of the houses I visit, dad or dad + kids cook breakfast. Where do I sign up for that? Does it require me to house train another husband? Can I hire a personal chef to teach my family to make ME breakfast in bed? James will totally run across the street to Starbucks or pick up food, but that’s as close as I get. Back to the topic at hand…
I find families are the most relaxed when they first wake up. Starting a session in your pajamas is a major benefit of documentary family photography sessions and you will never regret having photographs of your entire family snuggling in bed. If the idea of starting a session in bed without makeup and in PJs, turns you off, I question if you really want to hire ME. Speaking of which, if you watch the video below and think you want to hire me there are a few things I want you to know before you schedule a chat.
denver, dallas
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