Why Golden Hour Photography Creates the Most Beautiful Family Photos


Every family has a story to tell, and there’s no better time to capture that story than during golden hour family photography sessions. As a family photographers we specialise in storytelling through imagery, land we love golden hour photo shoots to capture great shots with great light!


Golden hour – that time just after sunrise or before sunset – transforms ordinary family moments into beautiful images. The soft, warm light makes everyone look amazing and it’s what we call the happy hour of the day!  The time to take a moment at the end of the day and enjoy the sunshine. In our years photographing families across Berkshire, Hampshire & Surrey we've seen how this special lighting helps even the most camera-shy family members relax and be themselves

Natural moment of a mum holding her young daughter in the golden sunshine.
Fun moment with a mum and dad playing with their children - tipping them upside down to make them laugh.
Black and white photo of a young girl lying down on a blanket smiling with her brother sitting on her back laughing with his arms out.
Brother and sister sitting during an outdoor golden hour shoot smiling with to their parents. The little boy has found a stick to play with
Photo of the young brother and sister walking away from the camera down a hill at the end of the shoot.
Young girl in a white dress enjoying posing for the camera.
Natural moment of a young brother and sister during a golden hour photo shoot.

Morning or Evening Golden Hour? 


Morning Golden Hour 

Starting approximately one hour after sunrise, morning golden hour offers several advantages for family photography:

  • Cooler temperatures – perfect for our unpredictable British weather
  • Energetic children – little ones are typically at their best in the morning
  • Quieter locations – popular spots like Windsor Great Park are less crowded
  • Fresh, dewy backgrounds that add natural beauty to your family story

Evening Golden Hour Sessions

Beginning about one hour before sunset, evening golden hour provides:

  • Warmer, more golden tones that create cozy, intimate family portraits
  • Perfect timing for families – after work and school, but before bedtime routines
  • Sunset possibilities – imagine your family silhouetted against a beautiful Berkshire sunset – I have some great locations!
  • Natural wind-down energy that often lead to happy and authentic moments


Family of four standing together laughing during a golden hour photo shoot. They are wearing outfits in cream and white to suit the vibe.

Our Locations for Family Golden Hour Photography


Barosa at The Lookout


A very new location we have found which is in Camberley with easy access and parking.  

  • The Hilltop – has the perfect spot for golden hour photography
  • Woodland & Heathers – natural setting for adventure story telling photography

Private location – away from any crowds

Windsor Great Park


One of our absolute favourite locations for family photography, Windsor Great Park offers:

  • The Long Walk – perfect for those walking-away shots that capture your family’s journey together
  • Savill Garden – beautiful seasonal backdrops throughout the year
  • Open meadows – ideal for children to run and play naturally.


Virginia Water Lake


This picturesque lake provides:

  • Waterside location – great backdrop to family photos 
  • Woodland paths – perfect for taking your children on an adventure walk for those storytelling moments
  • Open spaces for energetic children to be themselves
  • Stunning sunrise and sunset opportunities


Even Your Own Garden


Never underestimate the storytelling potential of your own outdoor space! Some of our most cherished family sessions happen in clients’ gardens, where children are most comfortable and authentic moments naturally unfold.

Father and son moment. Dad is holding little boy and talking to him
Natural mummy and me moment. Mum holding her young daughter, spinning her round to make her laugh.

How we are going create those relaxed natural photos:

Our approach to family photography focuses on capturing authentic connections rather than stiff, formal poses.:

Storytelling Activities

  • Walking adventures through your chosen location
  • Piggyback rides and shoulder carries that showcase family playfulness
  • Whispering secrets between siblings or parents and children
  • Playing simple games like “Red Light, Green Light” 
  • Quiet cuddles that capture tender family moments


Young boy being dragged by his older sister on a cream blanket that matches the vibe of the shoot during golden hour.

Planning Your Perfect Family Session


Before Your Golden Hour Shoot:

Discuss the session with children so they know what to expect

  • Bring snacks and small toys to keep little ones happy
  • Arrive 10 minutes early to settle in before the magic begins

During Your Session

  • Trust the process – authentic moments take time to develop
  • Let children be children – some of the best shots happen during play
  • Embrace imperfection – real families aren’t always perfectly coordinated
  • Enjoy the experience – your happiness shows in the final images


Photo of a family of four in a woodland setting. The mum and dad are holding their children and they are all smiling.

Booking Your Golden Hour Family Session


Ready to capture your family’s story in beautiful golden light? We would love to help you create some gorgeous family photographs.

Contact Little Stories today:

Email Debbie or Katy at: hello@littlestories.uk or see some more of our work at: www.littlestories.uk