Family Session in the Inland Empire Mountains
What Inland Empire Families Should Know Before Booking an Outdoor Session
A mom reached out to me recently asking if we could schedule her family session around noon. I completely understood why she asked. Between work schedules, sports practices, naps, and trying to coordinate everyone's calendars, the middle of the day can seem like the easiest option. I told her no. Not because I didn't want to photograph her family, but because I knew her gallery wouldn't look like the photos she saw on my website when she decided to reach out.
If you'd rather skip the article and scroll straight to the photos, scroll down.
You're Booking More Than a Time Slot
When families book a session with me, they're usually drawn to the warm, natural look they see throughout my portfolio. While editing certainly plays a part, the biggest reason my photos look the way they do is because of when I choose to photograph them. I only schedule outdoor family sessions near sunset.
If I photographed one family at noon and another family two hours before sunset in the exact same location, the difference would be noticeable. The light is softer, the colors are warmer, and everyone is a whole lot more comfortable. That's the experience I'm promising every family, so I stick to what I know works.
Midday Light Is Tough on Everyone
The Inland Empire doesn't mess around when it comes to afternoon sun. Even in September, I've photographed sessions where it's still in the 90s. Besides the heat, the sun sits high overhead in the middle of the day. It creates harsh shadows, makes people squint, and usually has everyone looking for the nearest patch of shade. Could I photograph a family at noon? Of course. Would the final gallery have the same look as the rest of my work? Honestly, no. I'd rather be upfront about that than have a family disappointed because their photos don't match what they were expecting.
Sunset Is Easier on Kids, Too
Parents sometimes worry that evening sessions will be too close to bedtime, especially if they have younger kids. In my experience, most kids do surprisingly well. By the time we start, it's usually cooled down quite a bit. We spend the session walking, playing little games, and letting kids move instead of asking them to stand perfectly still. Once they realize we're there to have fun, they usually settle in pretty quickly. Every now and then a bedtime gets pushed back a little, but for photos you'll enjoy for years, most families tell me it was completely worth it.
The Start Time Changes Throughout the Year
One thing that surprises people is that I don't have one set session time. A summer session might begin much later than one in the fall because sunset changes throughout the year. I keep track of that for you, so you don't have to. When you book a family session in Redlands, Yucaipa, or elsewhere in the Inland Empire, I'll recommend the best start time based on the season and the location we've chosen.
Trust the Process
I know scheduling family photos isn't always easy. Getting everyone dressed, fed, and out the door can feel like an accomplishment all by itself. When I recommend a sunset session, it's not because I'm trying to make your life harder. It's because I want you to receive a gallery that looks exactly like the work that made you reach out in the first place.
After photographing hundreds of outdoor sessions, I've learned that good light is one of the few things we can't recreate later. We can adjust a lot during editing, but we can't replace the beautiful glow that happens naturally as the sun starts to set.
If you're planning family photos this fall, I'll help you choose a start time that gives us the best light so all you have to worry about is showing up and enjoying time with your family. I hope to see you soon.
Heidi
