If you’re like many parents planning a photo session, your first thought when choosing a time is around naptime.  

I know this, because that’s me.  Hello.  

You book your session, get everyone dressed (huge win!), and the session goes great!  You’re so excited for your sneak peeks to get shared and can’t wait to send them to everyone you know.

But you get your images back and they’re…not what you were expecting.  Something feels…off.  Instead of the glowy, even light you saw on your photographer’s portfolio, you see shadows, harsh light, and squinty eyes.  

Breathe.  

You didn’t do anything wrong.  But you didn’t know something (and that’s ok!).

The time of day when you schedule your family photoshoot MATTERS.  

So why aren’t I planning sessions all day anymore?  Let’s go through my thoughts together.

Reason #1:  You Deserve the Best Light

I’ve spent 6 years studying light.

I know how it affects the shadows on your face.
How it frames your body—and makes your hair look like it’s glowing. 

I know what type of light will smooth your skin (no Photoshop or AI required!) and I know the type of light that will bring out the freckles on your little one’s face.

I’ve learned this because that’s what I would want from my photographer.

Your photos are moments frozen in time.  An imprint of the season you’re living in.  When you look back, I want you to see the very best version of yourself.  The version of yourself that is happy and confident.

Light shapes how we see everything.  

And you deserve the very best.

Reason #2:  You Deserve the Best of Me

In my first year of photography, I booked my Saturdays FULL.  I’d start at 9am, and especially in the fall, I would be out all day.  

Don’t get me wrong, I learned a TON, especially about light.  I learned what light I prefer to shoot in and how to shoot in the “wrong” light.

I started photography as a serious hobby in 2019, and I launched Kathryn Pittsley Photography in 2023.  That same year, I gave birth to my 5th child.  Between being a mom to 5, launching a photography business, and working part-time in Marketing, I was stretched.  Long days were nothing new to me, but I knew that I needed balance for a more sustainable business.  

That’s one reason I became much more intentional about session times in 2025.  In everything I do, but especially your family’s photo session, I give my ALL. Being picky about my session times means I am more intentional about preserving your memories—well.

Reason #3:  Your Session is an Experience

The world is constantly competing for your attention.  Your employer thinks they have 24/7 access to you, the social media notifications are constant, and your kids’ sports coach holds practices you didn’t sign up for.  A family photo session shouldn’t be another distraction competing for your attention—it’s the main event.

Your family photo session is a chance for you and your family to come together for an experience.  You should be able to run free, play together, snuggle, and enjoy each other’s company.  

Trying to squeeze in a photo session between dance class and soccer practice feels rushed.  It feels like checking another thing off your never ending to-do list.  

Make your session an experience.  By sunset, your day’s activities are behind you.  Plan dinner before your session (see why I recommend it before your session here!) and a dip in the ocean after.  Play. Breathe each other in.  Enjoy.

Planning Your Session Time

The vast majority of the images I’ve shared on my portfolio are from golden hour.  Golden hour is the “magical” time of the day about an hour of two before sunset, when the light hits your face *just right*.  It’s flattering, even light, that usually comes from the side, rather than directly above your head.

Think of it this way: you catch a glimpse of yourself in the checkout camera at Target.  Harsh, overhead, fluorescent lights.  Not your ideal light, right?

In contrast, golden hour light hits you at the right angles.  It’s flattering, it’s even, and it’s warm.  Photographers chase this light, and for good reason.  The problem?  Planning an after-dinner session with a toddler or teen who wants to go out with his friends.  

I’m Choosing Intentional Photo Sessions

So how *do* we navigate planning a photo session when the kids are awake, fed, and ready?  

With intention.

Schedules are so important for many kids, and planning something where they have to “perform” feels so stressful.

The good news?

They don’t have to perform.  And it doesn’t have to be “perfect.”

And neither do you.

Instead of chasing perfection, I’m chasing grace.  I’m chasing gorgeous light, playful posing, and being together.  I’m choosing to use what I’ve learned about light and making the best images, while you make the best memories.  

What This Means for You

You’re going to get beautiful images from your session, because you’ve made a beautiful family.  You’ve chosen to let go of your expectations and let your story unfold beautifully.  So what can you do to prepare your family for your photo session that doesn’t jive with your normal schedules?

• Make it exciting:  when you prep the kids for the session, there’s no need to focus on the outfits or saying “cheese.”  You can let them know we’re going to play in the waves, walk along their favorite path, or explore a new spot.  Rather than hyping up the photos, hype up the experience.
• Serve a special dinner:  as I mentioned before, I do recommend eating before your session.  Many times families choose to go out after the session, but when the schedule is already later than usual, kiddos get HANGRY!  (And to be honest, I can’t blame them!).  If you want to go out after, perhaps hit up a local playground, outdoor music venue, or even ice cream.
• Make it theirs:  let them help you pick out their outfits, their shoes, or a special accessory.  If they’re getting to stay up late for your session, hype it up!  Let them know how excited you are to spend extra time with them.  

Your Family Photo Session

Planning your family photo session is a labor of love.  It’s one of those things we do as moms that we’ll thank ourselves for later, even if it feels slightly chaotic in the moment.  

I want you to remember your family exactly as you are today.  As your family photographer, I want to give you the best experience I can.  So I’m choosing light.  I’m choosing to make you feel beautiful.  I’m choosing to give you not just photos, but an experience.  

Maybe I’m missing out by not scheduling sessions at noon.  But you deserve the best I can give you, and that’s what you’re going to get.