Best locations around Decatur, GA & Atlanta for your outdoor family photo session with Monica Conlin Photography
What is the Best Time of Day for an Outdoor Photo Session?
The best time of day for a photo session is during what is known as Golden Hour or the Magic Hour. That is the hour before sunset (or after sunrise). This time of day allows for the softest and warmest light.
This lifestyle family photo session was done in the golden hour of a beautiful fall day.
The open field setting allowed us to fully appreciate the sunset and play with all the golden glow that it gave us. Another amazing way to catch a sunset and all the light in the hour before it is going up higher, like on the mountain in the picture below. Being up at a higher elevation gave us the opportunity to take full advantage of the warm light as it dipped below the horizon.
So what time does that mean the family photo sessions will take place?
Depending on the time of year, the times for sunset can vary widely. In the Atlanta area the sunset can be as early as 5:30pm in the winter or as late at 9pm in the summertime. I will provide my clients with the times that will allow us to do photos in that magic hour based on the season!
Why don’t you take photos in the middle of the day when there is the most light?
In the middle of the day, when the sun is straight overhead, then it creates harsh shadows and extreme lighting conditions for the pictures. That is not the most flattering light for people to be photographed in. So even though there is technically the “most light”, it isn’t the best lighting.
What if the time is past my kid’s bedtime?
First of all, I get it. My kid’s have always gone to bed on the earlier side (we are talking between 6:30-7:30pm depending on their age), and our bedtime routine is a sacred time of day that does not get messed with often. So I think that parent’s with younger children who may be running into the golden hour time period have a few options:
Forget bedtime just this once as something special. You know your own kids and if this option will backfire. Some kids are more flexible and able to stay up later on the rare occasion. If you go for this a few things that may help make it a successful evening is by having them take a nap a little later, make sure they are well fed, and then hype up the specialness of going somewhere after dinner time! “Can you believe we get to go take pictures and stay up later tonight? I am so excited to spend a little extra time with you!”
Or you can book your family photo session during the fall/winter when the sunset (and thus golden hour) is earlier and not to interfere with bedtime.
Talk to me about your children’s nap & bedtimes and I can offer you alternative times, such as an early morning sunrise golden hour shoot.
Monica Conlin is a natural light family and newborn lifestyle photographer that specializes in newborn photography, Fresh 48 photography, smash cake photography, school photography, maternity photography, and family photography. Monica is based in Decatur, GA and services Decatur, Atlanta, and the surrounding area.
Family Photos during COVID-19
I am taking the following precautions as a family photographer in order to safely take family photos in the time of a pandemic.
I am basing my information and practices on the CDC guidelines for prevention of sickness from the Coronavirus.
First, and most important, please stay home if you are sick! If you have been near or in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 or are experiencing any signs or symptoms of illness, then I ask that you inform me so that we will reschedule our photo session together. I am happy to find a new date for our session after the recommended amount of time for you to have quarantined and no longer are a risk. And, of course, I would do the same if I or any of my immediate family tested positive or had symptoms.
The best ways to prevent infection and lower risk are social distancing, wearing a mask, and being outdoors. Social distancing, now more accurately referred to as physical distancing, means to maintain at least 6 feet from people that are outside of your household.
Given these guidelines, what can you expect from me as your family photographer during an outdoor family photo session?
When I arrive for a session, I greet you outside and even though I would love to shake your hand or give you a hug, I will keep at least 6ft away. I do not have my mask on when I first arrive to say hello and introduce myself, this is so that the kids can see my face. I want your child(ren) to be able to see my smile and feel comfortable. Then, I tell them that I will be wearing a mask while I take photos during our session. I would also encourage you to inform your child(ren) of this in preparation for the session. Wearing masks is becoming more normalized, but I do think it helps kids comfort level if they know what to expect.
Once we begin our photo session, I will put on my mask. As an additional precaution, I have travel-sized hand sanitizer on me to use if needed. However, I make it a point to not touch anyone or any of your belongings. Previously, I would be hands-on with the families in positioning, fixing hair, plopping a child on your lap, giving high fives and fist bumps—but now you can rely on my verbal cues and encouragements throughout the session instead!
I do take steps in toward my clients for a close up every once in awhile and then back up. If this is something you would like to avoid, please don’t hesitate to let me know. I want to be sensitive to people’s varying comfort levels. Your safety is top priority in this time of COVID.
Family Photo sessions can still be fun, create amazing moments of connection, and produce timeless memories while maintaining the recommended physical distance. For example, the photos below were taken with a 50mm lens and I was able to maintain at least 6 feet of distance this entire session.
What about your newborn photo sessions?
Traditionally, my lifestyle newborn sessions are indoors in your own home. However, during this time I am offering the option of having your newborn session outdoors. This can be in your own front or backyard, or other outdoor location of your choosing. We will find some shade, throw a quilt or blanket on the ground and get some beautiful newborn photos!
Those who have a newborn session are also given the option to do a combination of indoor/outdoor if the session is held at your home. This way we limit our time indoors together by doing the majority of your session outside and then some inside such as getting a couple photos in the baby’s nursery. I am happy to discuss this with you individually and make a plan that best meets your family’s needs and comfort level.
Ways that I am personally taking precautions to lower the risk of spreading Coronavirus in my everyday life:
We wear masks! I bought mine from a local, mom-owned small business called Southern Charm Textile here in Atlanta, Ga. You can visit her website for other cute, handmade items or buy masks on her Etsy shop.
My family is doing curbside pick up or delivery of groceries and other goods. If my husband or I has to enter a store for some reason, we are wearing masks, wiping down any cart, maintaining at least 6ft from other people, and hand sanitizing after leaving store.
We have been able to avoid taking our children out in public so far to reduce exposure. Any outing we have done has been outdoors with social distance maintained.
We have exclusively gotten takeout from restaurants and do not plan on entering or eating at any restaurant establishment during the pandemic.
We are not sending our kids to any daycares, schools, camps or other outside learning opportunities. For the school year, we are creating a small pod for learning/socialization and will remain strict in those contacts.
If I do any socializing with friends then it is outdoors and at least 6 ft apart.
Please feel free to ask me any further questions you have via email at hello@monconpix.com. Transparency and openness are very important to me. I want to hear any input or other specific concerns that you may have.
Monica Conlin is a natural light family and newborn lifestyle photographer that specializes in newborn photography, Fresh 48 photography, smash cake photography, school photography, maternity photography, and family photography. Monica is based in Decatur, GA and services Decatur and the Atlanta metro area.
Lifestyle Family Photo Session | Cator Woolford Gardens in Atlanta
The Cator Woolford Gardens are a picture perfect place to take photos, and this family was a dream to photograph. This early morning photo shoot allowed for us to explore the gardens and have fun before this summer day in Atlanta got too hot.
Message me to book your own Outdoor Family Photo Session. I can’t wait to document your beautiful family!
Monica Conlin is a natural light family and newborn lifestyle photographer that specializes in newborn photography, Fresh 48 photography, smash cake photography, school photography, maternity photography, and family photography. Monica is based in Decatur, GA and services Decatur and the Atlanta metro area.
