If you’ve ever wondered why photographers get so excited about certain times of day, there’s a good reason. Light can completely change the look and feel of your family photos, from bright and fresh in the morning to warm and golden towards the end of the day.

But when you’re planning a family photoshoot in Hong Kong, beautiful light isn’t the only thing we need to think about. There’s the heat, the crowds, your chosen location and, perhaps most importantly, the mood of the small people involved.

So, when is the best time to book your family photos? Here’s what I usually recommend.

Morning light – soft, fresh and seriously underrated

Morning sessions are brilliant for families with younger children, particularly if you have an early riser who is at their absolute best before the rest of us have finished our first coffee.

The light is generally softer, popular Hong Kong photography locations tend to be quieter, and temperatures are more comfortable, particularly during the warmer months. Beaches can feel wonderfully peaceful before the crowds arrive, giving children plenty of room to explore while we photograph them naturally.

If your toddler is happy at 7am and falling apart by 5pm, please don’t choose golden hour just because Instagram told you to. A happy child in lovely morning light will win every time.

Midday light – not impossible, just a little trickier

Photographers don't generally rush to recommend midday because the sun is higher and stronger, which can create harsher shadows and plenty of squinting. In Hong Kong, we also have the not-insignificant issue of heat and humidity.

That doesn't mean a midday family photoshoot can't work, though. The location becomes particularly important, and an experienced photographer will look for open shade, covered areas, interesting architecture or greenery that softens the light.

If midday is the only time your family can manage, don't panic. We simply plan the session around the light rather than pretending the Hong Kong sun isn't there.

**Golden hour – yes, it really is that lovely**

Golden hour is the period shortly before sunset when the sun sits lower in the sky and the light becomes softer, warmer and much more flattering. There’s a reason photographers talk about it so much.

For outdoor family photography in Hong Kong, it can be gorgeous. Children can run and play without the harsh overhead sun, skin tones look beautifully warm, and the softer light lends itself perfectly to the relaxed, candid style of family photography I love.

The only catch is golden hour moves throughout the year, so the ideal session time changes with the seasons. It can also clash spectacularly with dinner, bath or bedtime if you have very young children.

And that brings us to the most important bit.

**So, what is actually the best time for family photos?**

The best light in the world isn't much use if your two-year-old usually goes to bed at 6pm and I've booked your session for 5:30pm.

When I recommend a time for a family photoshoot, I’m thinking about the light, but I’m also thinking about your children. When do they normally nap? When are they happiest? How will the weather affect them? Is the location busy at that time of day?

Sometimes golden hour is absolutely the answer. Sometimes an early morning on a quiet Hong Kong beach will give us an even better session.

The goal isn't to chase technically perfect light at all costs. It's to find the sweet spot where beautiful light and happy humans meet.

That’s usually where the really good family photos happen.