It's officially only seven days until Spring arrives; can you tell I'm excited?! For a few weeks now the days have hinted as earlier sunrises and later sunsets- the exact things that excite my heart to finish work and spend the evening outside, catching a glimpse of a flamingo coloured clouds.
Living in Orange, in the Central West NSW Australia means that we will be in for some further cold weather yet. We can't throw out the hoodies and long pants just yet - there is always 'another cold snap'. Locals know well enough to not plant tomatoes yet, or to lean too hard into the belief that our cold days are over. Nevertheless, I embrace every extra moment of sunshine that may be received.
With that in mind, it makes me think of the joy that spring brings, along with the joy of planning family photography sessions. Spring offers the opportunity to break out new season colours, twirling dresses for little girls, hugging jeans and cute tops for teens, and short sleeved shirts for the guys. Once the 'real' warm weather hits, there is always a flurry of life to lived; the warm seasonal sport, the last term of school year for children, end of year parties and the long awaited holiday season. I personally feel the period of celebration planning beginning firmly with the first of October; families making the most of every outdoor opportunity possible. In essence, it is the opportunity that hibernating families take to release the pent up energy of spritely bodies ready to dance, run, party and come together, which may have been 'put on the back burner' during the cold season.
When planning your family photography session in the Central West, embrace the beautiful country side and natural features that our districts naturally embody Long grass fields, dirt roads, incredible sunsets, and the reflection of light off bodies of water. The time of day of a family photo session can make all the difference, and I highly recommend using the evening, or 'golden hour' to all it's advantage. Warm, embracing light that provides an incredible backdrop for all manner of family portrait images. This time of day is right at the end of day, beginning up to 1.5hrs prior to the sun actually setting. Depending upon where your photos are being taken, the sun may 'set' or appear to set behind mountains or forest earlier than the expected sunset time that Google provides. This magical time of day will offer a short period of time, ranging from strong amber and golden colours, with the potentially surprising hues of pinks and purples thrown in. Towards the end of golden hour, the light will drop, providing moody and intimate lighting - the entire range of the evening light and colour can be used to capture a variety of moods and feels for your photography session.
If you're considering planning some family photos for end of year, particularly if they will be used for Christmas gifts, consider locking in your dates now. Family photo season overlaps with Wedding, Engagement and Formal season, so if you're end of year looks busy, so will your photographers calendar.
Get the kids some timely snacks, co-ordinate your outfits, and get ready to capture that golden hour light; never a disappointment!
