What If My Baby Can’t Stay Up for Sunset Family Photos?
I hear this question a lot, and it’s completely understandable! You might notice that on my booking calendar, all of my outdoor sessions are scheduled an hour before sunset because golden hour (the hour before sunset) provides the most beautiful, soft light. But if your baby or toddler doesn’t do well that late in the evening, I have some great solutions to help make the experience enjoyable for everyone.
First, Let’s Set Expectations
One of the biggest concerns I hear from parents is whether their little one will stay happy and cooperative for an entire session. But here’s the good news: I don’t expect babies or young children to sit still and smile at the camera the whole time! My approach is child-led—I follow their energy, personality, and needs to engage them in a way that feels natural.
I have worked with kids for over 15 years, your little one is not going to throw me off (so please don't worry about their behavior for my sake) I love getting to see their personalities and capturing your family together.
And parents, you are key in making this experience fun and relaxed. Toddlers may warm up to me quickly, but nothing beats the comfort and joy of mom’s snuggles or dad’s playful antics. The more you focus on enjoying your child in the moment—laughing, playing, and simply being together—the more genuine and heartfelt your photos will be. Think of this session as a special time to connect with your family—no distractions, no to-do lists, just an hour of being fully present together.
Sunset Family Photoshoot Tips for Babies and Toddlers
If your child normally goes to bed early, it’s tempting to worry about a slightly later evening. I know well how upsetting the schedule can result in crabby little ones. Now, first off, a little extra sleepiness isn’t always a bad thing—some babies and toddlers get even more cuddly and calm! If you’d like to help them adjust to a slightly later bedtime for this one special night, here are a few things to try:
- Shift nap time later on session day, so they aren’t overtired by evening.
- Avoid letting them nap in the car on the way to the session, which could lead to crankiness upon waking. (This is a good general rule regardless of whether or not you'll be keeping them up late!)
- Keep the day low-key so they aren’t already exhausted before we even begin. (Again! I recommend this for every session, no matter the time of day or age of the children.)
- Feed them before the session so hunger isn’t a factor, and bring along a small, mess-free snack just in case. (Even mom and dad should eat! No one likes to be hungry.
- You could shift bedtime a little later for the days leading up to the session - Now, this might not be necessary for everyone, but if you know you really want that golden glow, it is absolutely worth putting in the time ahead of the session.
Sunset Family Photos Alternative
If your child thrives on routine and needs their normal bedtime, I completely understand! In this case, I’m happy to move your session an hour earlier. Just let me know which date you’re looking at, and if my schedule allows, I’ll adjust the time on my booking calendar for you! Generally, I am able to be pretty flexible with that on the days that I have availability listed.
It’s important to note that an earlier session means the lighting will be a bit brighter and less golden compared to golden hour (so if the golden look is very important to you, consider waiting for months of the year that have earlier sunset times like March, late September, October, and November.)
Another option to consider that is also really pretty light is a sunrise session - Typically, a sunrise session starts about 15 minutes before sunrise (to give time for reaching the location, and changing into any client closet outfits I have brought for you and your family.)
Making the Most of your Golden Hour Family Photos
Your and your child’s happiness and comfort are my priority, and I never want you to feel stressed about how they’ll behave during a session for my sake. We are here to capture who they are now—not a perfectly posed version of them, but their real, beautiful, playful, or snuggly selves. The best thing you can do is embrace the moment, go with the flow, and enjoy your time together.
Inevitably, a toddler or baby is not going to do exactly what you envisioned for them - if you take away nothing else from this post, take this - No matter what happens, keep smiling and acting like they are being the most darling and angelic children you've ever seen.
I know it can be hard when you're anxious to have pretty pictures - But leave that part to me! Approach your child with empathy, being photographed by a stranger is a new experience, and they are used to their post-dinner routine that is now off because of a session. They will be able to sense if you are stressed or frustrated with how they are acting. Take a deep breath, and keep engaging with them, offering distractions (like picking up a flower or a leaf nearby and showing it to them, or playing peekaboo or patty-cake)
Not only will you and your child both enjoy the experience a lot more, but you'll love the final results so much more if your face isn't strained in frustration!
I'm here for you - If you have specific questions for your unique situation and children, please reach out and we can work together to create a plan that works best for your family.
If you’re ready to book your session, click below to view my calendar and let’s create something beautiful together!
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Worried about stiff, posed family photos? My free guide, Five Ways to Create Connection in Your Family Photoshoot, will help you create real, emotive images where your kids have fun and everyone feels natural.
