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.
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.
I am a Lifestyle Family Photographer in the Atlanta area — so what exactly does the term "Lifestyle" mean and is it right for you?
You have decided to take those long overdue family photos and started the hunt for a family photographer. In your search you see the phrases Lifestyle Photography or Lifestyle Newborn and Family Photography used, but are still unclear as to what that style of photography is AND, more importantly, unsure if it is right for you.
I use the term lifestyle photography to mean more natural and emotive family photos. I do not want your newborn and family pictures to be stiff, with fake smiles on your faces and angry threats under your breath to your children to stay still and look at the camera.
My goal is to document the connection between each family member and provide a photo that helps capture who you are as a family in the moment.
Lifestyle doesn’t mean that there is no guidance or direction from me, your photographer!
I will direct you during the shoot with basic instructions like where to sit or stand as well as help you with some poses, but I also encourage you to have fun and enjoy one another's company. I will ask you to look at each other instead of me and think about something you love about them.
The idea is that eventually you forget about me and the big camera in my hands and the attempt to keep that big smile plastered on your face. Instead, you interact with and enjoy the people you are taking your photos with. That is when the genuine emotions come out and unique and special connections shine through.
But what do we do in a lifestyle photo session if not stand, stare and smile at the camera?
During a family photoshoot, I want you to play with your kids, throw them in the air, give them piggyback rides, and feel free to act super silly with them. I encourage you to tell your favorite joke, because I want to snap a picture of the real giggles or eye rolls that follow the bad dad joke. And as a warning, tickle fights tend to break out in these family sessions as well.
In a newborn lifestyle session, I want you to snuggle in close with your fresh, new baby and smell the sweet scent that newborns have. I want you to breath and take a moment to be enamored with their precious little yawns and tiny little toes. I encourage an older sibling to get to know the newest family member, and ask them to notice how small their hand is in yours or how soft their hair feels.
Everyone likes a good photo of the whole family looking and smiling. However, these connections, bonds, and memories are important to capture in photographs and what you will want to look back on and remember years from now.
Click the “Book Now” button at the bottom of the page if you want me to take lifestyle family photos of you and your loved ones!
Monica Conlin is a natural light family and newborn lifestyle photographer that specializes in newborn photography, Fresh 48 photography, smash cake photography, maternity photography, and family photography. Monica is based in Decatur, GA and services Decatur and the Atlanta metro area.
