Perfect Timing: The Best Time of Day for a Photoshoot with a Toddler | San Diego Family Photographer

Audrey Shockency

Jul 9

3 min read

Updated: Jul 23

What is the best time of day to take photos with your toddler?

Toddler eating watermelon during a midday family beach photoshoot in San Diego — Photoshoot with toddlers during mid-day summer sun

Whatever time of day they’re happiest. That’s when you get those images.

It’s one of my biggest tips for families with babies and toddlers here in San Diego. A well-rested, happy child will almost always give you better photos than chasing golden hour with an overtired little one.

Finding the right location for the time of day is your photographer’s job. Another tip for getting the best photos when working with toddlers is to choose a location that has beautiful light at the time your family will be at their best. Trust your photographer to guide you on when and where your session should take place.

Can You Take Beautiful Beach Photos in the Middle of the Day?

Yes, ABSOLUTELY!

Midday beach photos will definitely look different than golden hour photos, and honestly, I love them. If you’re wondering about the best time of day for a family photoshoot

with a toddler, remember that your child’s mood matters more than chasing perfect light.

I’m not going to lie, when the sun is really harsh, things can get a little trickier. You may not get those super wide scenic shots you’d see at sunset, and we have to be a bit more intentional about where we shoot. But that doesn’t mean the photos are any less beautiful. They’re just different.

Happy toddler on the beach after morning nap during a family photoshoot in San Diego

Why Is Golden Hour Still a Great Option?

Don’t get me wrong, golden hour is still an amazing option. It offers a lot of flexibility when it comes to picking out a location. We can also get a lot of variety in the types of photos we can create. The lighting is beautiful during golden hour for those wide scenic shots and backlit images.

That said, if you’re worried about scheduling a session close to your toddler’s bedtime because golden hour is something that’s important to you, I can honestly say I’ve personally never had a child have a complete meltdown simply because a session started around 6 p.m. Every child is different, and you know your little one best.

Where Should You Do a Family Beach Photoshoot in San Diego?

My favorite beaches are almost any of the beaches in North County San Diego. A couple of my favorites are Leucadia Beach and Swami’s Beach. Both have east-facing cliffs, which give us so much variety for backdrops and lighting. I also love shooting at the Warm Water Jetty in Carlsbad, where the rocks add beautiful texture to photos.

When I’m choosing a location, I typically look for beaches that have either rocks for texture or some type of landscape that provides shade, so we can mix things up with lighting and backgrounds throughout your session. When we plan your photoshoot, I’ll match the beach to your family’s best time of day, not the other way around.

So When Should You Book Your Toddler’s Photoshoot?

At the end of the day, the best time of day for a photoshoot with a toddler is the time that works best for your family and when your child is happiest. A happy, engaged toddler will almost always lead to more genuine, joyful photos than trying to force the “perfect” lighting.