When Is the Best Time of Year to Book a Family Photoshoot on the Sunshine Coast?
When Is the Best Time of Year to Book a Family Photoshoot on the Sunshine Coast?
If you’re dreaming of soft golden light, happy kids, and photos that don’t feel rushed or over-scheduled, timing your family session makes all the difference.
As a Sunshine Coast photographer (and mum), I’ve learned that when you book is just as important as where and what you wear. In this post, I’ll guide you through the best seasons, times of day, and little-known local tips for planning your shoot around the rhythms of your family — and the light.
The Secret Ingredient: Light
Here’s the truth: great photography is all about light.
The Sunshine Coast has some of the most beautiful natural light in the world — but that doesn’t mean any time of day or year will do. To get that glowy, soft, dreamy look you see in my images, we want to shoot during golden hour — the hour just after sunrise or just before sunset.
Why? Because midday sun is harsh and shadowy (especially on the beach), while golden hour light wraps around you like a warm hug — gentle, flattering, and full of depth.
01.
Autumn (March–May)
Best overall conditions
- Soft light, cooler afternoons, calmer beaches
- Kids are less overheated, everyone’s more comfortable
- Perfect if you want that golden glow without the peak summer heat
02.
Spring (September–November)
Vibrant, fresh, and playful
- Beautiful wildflowers and greenery
- Ideal beach conditions without full summer crowds
- Longer evenings = more flexibility with session timing
03.
Winter (June–August)
Underrated & beautiful
- Crisp air, golden light, less humidity
- Earlier sunsets allowing for session times to align best for earlier bedtimes
- Some of the best sunsets of the year
04.
Summer (December–February)
Sun-soaked, but hot and busy
- Earlier sunrise sessions are best to beat the heat
- Be mindful of school holidays and tourist traffic
- Studio sessions or shaded hinterland spots can be ideal alternatives
What About Time of Day?
I always recommend sunrise or sunset for outdoor sessions.
Here’s how to choose:
Sunrise: Peaceful, quiet beaches, softest light — ideal for early-rising toddlers or summer heat
Sunset: Warm, dreamy light, often more flexible for working parents — works best for older kids or calmer evenings
Love
BIANCA
Felt like your best friend was capturing the most important moments of your life. To be so professional and supportive while also creating breath taking images is a true credit to her. We never second guessed our decision and we will forever cherish the memories she helped us create and captured so perfectly.
JEN
Chelsea was a dream to work with. Not only a true master behind their craft, but made my husband and I feel so comfortable. The results and outcomes are reflected in their art. Show-stopping every time. It was everything that we had hoped for and we have heard nothing but positive comments from our friends and family.
KRYSTAL
The nicest person and incredibly talented at what she does. Easily explained to us how to pose so we never felt awkward like we didnt know what to do and kept it so fun!! So easy to deal with on the lead up and had everything covered. So cool, calm and collected, the whole time. We are in love with our photos!!!
Planning Around Your Family’s Rhythm
Let’s Make It Easy
When you enquire with Moments of Us, I’ll guide you through the best options based on your preferred timing, family rhythm, and the kind of images you love.
Whether you’re here on holiday or a Sunshine Coast local, we’ll find a moment that works.
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DON’T FORGET
Want first access to seasonal sessions + special offers?
I open up a very limited number of seasonal sessions throughout the year — think Christmas minis, Mother’s Day portraits, and other beautiful one-off moments.
Join the list and you’ll be the first to know when they’re released.
