You’ve just managed to get everyone dressed, snacks packed, and your toddler into the car without a meltdown (or fine, just a minor one involving crackers). You’ve arrived at the photo session, the sun is low in the sky, and you’re wondering if any of this is going to work. Will your toddler cooperate? Will your partner roll their eyes the whole time? Will you look like yourself… but with a nice golden glow?
Good news: if we’re shooting at golden hour, we’ve already solved one of the most important parts.
Golden hour is the real magic ingredient in natural family photography. It’s not just about making the photos look pretty (though it absolutely does that too). It’s about setting the whole tone for your session: softer light, calmer moods, and space for real moments to unfold without harsh shadows or squinty eyes.
And if it feels like chaos during your session? That’s actually normal. Chaos and beauty are not opposites in family photography with young kids – they often go hand-in-hand.
Light First, Always
Here’s the deal: I’ve been working as a family photographer in Los Angeles for a decade and I never shoot outdoor family sessions outside of golden hour. Not because I’m difficult (I actually go out of my way to be as accommodating and flexible as possible). But because I care too much about your results to let harsh midday sun wash everything out.
I’ve had parents request 3 p.m. sessions because it lines up beautifully with nap time or dinner prep. And I get it! That makes sense in regular life. But this? This is photography life. And 3 p.m. in the summer? That light is unforgiving. You will not enjoy those photos – I promise.
Instead, I’ll work with you to find a way to make golden hour work. Maybe it’s shifting bedtime for that week. Or waiting until daylight savings bumps sunset earlier. Whatever it is, the final photos are worth it. Every time.
My Go-To Golden Hour Spots Around LA
I’m not a fan of surprises when it comes to locations. Sure, spontaneity has its place (like when your toddler runs joyfully into the ocean fully clothed… it happens), but for lighting and logistics? Prepared is best.
Here are my two favorite golden hour locations that I return to again and again:
Arlington Garden in Pasadena
This spot checks every box for me.
- Incredibly rich with variety, even in a small area
- No need to trek across long distances with a toddler in tow
- Natural textures, clean backdrops, and that gorgeous soft light filtering through the trees
Arlington Garden is perfect for families who want an earthy, garden feel without the fuss.
Leo Carrillo Beach in Malibu
If you’re more of a toes-in-the-sand family, Leo Carrillo Beach is it.
- Rocky bluffs that give us beautiful shaded options earlier in the evening
- Open sand and glowing sunsets that wrap around the coastline
- A little adventure vibe that’s still doable with toddlers
We usually start near the rocks and bluffs where the light hugs the stone, then make our way to the wide beach toward the end. Movement, softness, and connection – this place delivers all of that.
Golden Hour Family Sessions: What You Might Not See (But Will Definitely Feel)
You might be surprised to know that most of my golden hour family sessions aren’t calm at all in the moment.
Especially with toddlers, these sessions can feel like you’re chasing a tiny creature who has no interest in sitting still – because you are. But the end result tells a different story. The photos show golden softness, joyful connection, and a family captured in the most honest, beautiful way possible.
Often, parents show up nervous. Dads are sometimes a little hesitant. And almost always, they leave saying, “That was actually a lot more fun than I expected.”
There’s something about being outside together, playing around in beautiful light, that brings people together. The camera becomes secondary. We laugh. We move. We keep things real. And then later, you see the gallery and go, “Wait… that was what it looked like??” Yes. Yes, it was.
Why This Matters (A Lot More Than It Seems)
In family photography, light is the thing that turns ordinary into timeless.
This isn’t just about a pretty sunset or Instagram likes. It’s about capturing you and your people in a way that reflects how it felt. The golden hour casts everything in the kind of glow that mirrors love: warm, soft, and just a little magical.
You won’t remember the outfit battles or the bedtime reshuffles. But you’ll hold onto these photos – your child’s tiny hand in yours, your partner laughing at something unexpected, that perfect strand of hair lit by the sun – and feel just how good this time really was.
Ready to Shine in That Golden Light?
If you’ve been dreaming of soft, natural, candid family photos in Los Angeles (without the pressure and matching outfits), I’d love to help make it happen.
You can explore more about what golden hour sessions look like and how I work at www.arielcannonphoto.com, or drop me a note anytime. We’ll find the perfect light, the right location, and take it from there.
Because these moments? They’re fleeting, full of life, and absolutely worth remembering.
