I know how it goes. You get in touch, keen to book a session, and then you hear me say 'a start time of 7:30pm' and sirens start going off in your head! "Is she insane? That's about the time my sweet children turns into tiny feral creatures if they're not in bed yet."
I get it. I'm a mum of three, and I know how kids can be. But after over 7 years doing this let me tell you why I still book most of my family sessions in that last stretch of light before sunset, and why it pretty much always goes better than parents expect.
Why golden hour?
The simple answer is the light. As the sun sinks lower, it softens and warms. There's no squinting, no harsh shadows under eyes, no washed-out skin. It glows through little wisps of hair, catches the long grass in the paddocks and wraps everyone in this warm and ethereal light.
It's not just that golden hour light is 'prettier', there is something magical about this time of day and the images it produces. My photography has never just been about capturing how people or things look in a given moment. I have always been drawn to capturing moments in a way that evokes emotion and nostalgia. I want my photos to feel like memories of the very best days. The romanticised, rose coloured glasses type memories that we spend the rest of our lives wishing to revisit. And I feel that there is something about evenings and sunsets that really leans into that.
Why kids handle it better than you think
Here's the part that surprises people. Session after session, the kids are fine. Often better than fine. A few reasons why:
It feels like an adventure. Being out, in a new and usually beautiful location, when the sun is going down feels special to little ones. It's the same magic as staying up late for fireworks or a summer barbecue. They're not at home being told to pick up their toys; they're somewhere new, with room to run, at a time of day that feels a bit naughty and exciting.
The novelty of a new place ignites their imagination. And my approach to family sessions leans into that. I don't just ask you to stand still and smile at the camera. I ask you to explore together, run, play, cuddle. And everything follows the lead of the children.
Your attention means
They follow your lead. I say this with so much love, but it's usually the parents who are more nervous than the kids. Children are brilliant at picking up on our energy. If you're relaxed and treating it like a fun family outing, they will be too.
A slightly tired kid is a cuddly kid. Some of my very favourite images come from the last ten minutes of a session, when the running has stopped and a little one climbs into your lap and just melts into you. Those quiet, sleepy snuggles in the last of the light? That's the good stuff.
And if there is a meltdown? That's okay. Truly. We go at your children's pace, we take a break, we have a snack, we let them feel what they feel. Sometimes the real, messy moments end up being the ones you treasure most.
How to set them (and yourself) up for a lovely evening
You don't need to overhaul your whole day, but a few small tweaks make a big difference:
Keep the afternoon gentle. Skip the big outings or back-to-back activities beforehand. If your little one still naps, a slightly later nap can help them go the distance.
Feed them before we start. A proper snack or an early dinner before the session is the single best thing you can do. Hungry kids are grumpy kids (hungry adults too, if we're being honest). Bring a few snacks for during as well, just steer away from anything sticky or brightly coloured. Crackers and apple slices, yes. Red icy poles, no.
Pack a layer. Melbourne evenings cool down fast, even in the warmer months. A jumper or a cosy blanket in the car for between shots keeps everyone comfortable, and cold kids run out of steam quickly.
Talk about it as an adventure, not a performance. Try "We're going to the park at sunset to play and have cuddles" rather than "You need to be good and smile for the photographer." I don't need cheesy grins or perfect behaviour. I just need your kids being your kids.
Plan the landing. Pack their PJs so they can change straight into them for the drive home, and give yourself permission to skip the bath tonight. Knowing bedtime is sorted takes a surprising amount of pressure off you during the session.
Arrive a few minutes early. Let them explore, find a stick, check out the location. By the time we start, it already feels like their space.
Look after you, too. Give yourself plenty of time to get ready so you're not rushing out the door frazzled. Your calm really is contagious.
Convinced?
If you've read all of that and it's put your worries to rest a little I'd love to chat about booking in a sunset session for you and your family! Honestly, it will be worth it!
Still not feeling it?
I get it. Sometimes the stress of whether or not it will actually work isn't worth it for some families. So if you've read all of that and still think, nope, not for us, that's totally fair. In which case I have a couple of other options.
1. An in home session. These usually run from mid morning, and whilst they don't get the same beautiful golden light, there is some special about a session in the place your family calls home. And being inside we don't have to worry about the harsh middle of the day light, or weather, which if you live in Melbourne you know can be a struggle!
2. A sunrise session. I don't do these super frequently, but if you have very early risers and you think waking in the dark and venturing out to watch the sunrise together is a better fit for you family I am on board!
Whatever type of session you feel fits your family best, whether it be sunset, sunrise or in home, I would love to help make sure your family is documented in the most beautiful way.
