Timing Your Outdoor Family Sessions in Prince George, BC
As a golden light photographer, I love working during the soft, warm light of the hour before sunset. This time of day provides a magical glow that enhances skin tones, adds depth to images, and creates that dreamy, golden-hour feel.
Why Timing Matters
The timing of your outdoor session directly impacts the final look and feel of your photos. For a golden-hour effect, we need to plan your session around the sun’s position, especially since Prince George experiences significant changes in sunset and sunrise times throughout the year. Whether you’re planning for a summer evening or a fall morning, knowing the best time for your session will ensure you get the most out of your time with me.
Session Timing for Families of all Ages
While I often work with younger families, families of all ages can benefit from strategically scheduling their sessions to capture the best light.
Winter (December-February): Winter in Prince George presents unique opportunities for beautiful winter wonderland photos. While the days are much shorter, with the sun setting as early as 4:00 PM in December, the low angle of the sun in winter provides an incredibly soft, diffused light—perfect for creating timeless, intimate portraits. Winter morning sessions also benefit from that softer, quieter feel, which is ideal for families who want something cozy and intimate, especially if there’s fresh snow on the ground.
Spring (March-May): Spring in Prince George brings longer days, which means more options for evening sessions. From April to May, sunset times get progressively later, making evening sessions a great choice for families who want the golden-hour light in the warmer temperatures. In the early morning, the sun rises later, allowing for a calm and quieter environment for those who prefer to avoid crowds or want a serene setting.
Keep in mind that for non-time-sensitive sessions, I will typically encourage a shift away from this time of year for outdoor sessions. This is because the in-between feels of this time of year tends to bring a little more yellow, muck, and inconsistency with weather.
Summer (June-August): Summer offers the longest days, which means extended golden hour opportunities, especially in June and July when the sun sets well after 9 PM. If you have children who are early risers, I will tend to stray away from this time of year because I want so badly for you to get those golden hour vibes without pushing your littles beyond their typical bed time. For older families, maternity sessions, and extended family sessions, I love that we get that extended light and sunset to create so much more magic in the golden glow.
Fall (September-November): Fall brings cooler weather and earlier sunset times, making it a perfect time for families who enjoy cozy, sweater-weather vibes. The crisp air and warm tones create a beautiful backdrop for family photos. As we head toward the end of September and October, the earlier sunsets start to align well with children’s bedtime routines, which is a big bonus for families with young kids. Additionally, in later fall, morning sessions are also an excellent option and something I start to offer more readily, with the sunrise providing that same gorgeous golden light for families who prefer early starts.
Sunset Times in 2025 for Prince George, BC
| Month | Date | Sunset Time |
|---|---|---|
| January | January 1 | 3:45 PM |
| January 15 | 4:15 PM | |
| January 31 | 4:45 PM | |
| February | February 1 | 4:45 PM |
| February 15 | 5:15 PM | |
| February 28 | 5:45 PM | |
| March | March 1 | 5:45 PM |
| March 15 | 6:15 PM | |
| March 31 | 7:00 PM | |
| April | April 1 | 7:05 PM |
| April 15 | 7:35 PM | |
| April 30 | 8:00 PM | |
| May | May 1 | 8:05 PM |
| May 15 | 8:35 PM | |
| May 31 | 9:00 PM | |
| June | June 1 | 9:05 PM |
| June 15 | 9:35 PM | |
| June 30 | 9:55 PM | |
| July | July 1 | 9:50 PM |
| July 15 | 9:20 PM | |
| July 31 | 8:50 PM | |
| August | August 1 | 8:45 PM |
| August 15 | 8:15 PM | |
| August 31 | 7:45 PM | |
| September | September 1 | 7:40 PM |
| September 15 | 7:10 PM | |
| September 30 | 6:30 PM | |
| October | October 1 | 6:25 PM |
| October 15 | 5:55 PM | |
| October 31 | 5:25 PM | |
| November | November 1 | 4:55 PM |
| November 15 | 4:25 PM | |
| November 30 | 4:00 PM | |
| December | December 1 | 4:00 PM |
| December 15 | 4:15 PM | |
| December 31 | 4:30 PM |
Recap on Those Golden Hour Benefits
Soft, Flattering Light: Golden-hour light creates a natural, warm glow and is incredibly flattering for all family members.
Flexibility Across Seasons: From spring to winter, each season offers different opportunities for capturing the beauty of your photos in the natural outdoor light.
Convenient Timing: Whether you prefer evening or morning sessions, we can work with the available light for that perfect ambiance.
By selecting the optimal time for your session, you can ensure that your family portraits capture the stunning, naturally lit moments you’ll cherish forever. Whether it’s a warm summer evening or a crisp winter morning, I’m here to make sure your session is perfectly timed to get the best light for your family.
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