Why Do I Shoot at Golden Hour?

Why Do I Shoot at Golden Hour?

As a natural light photographer in Woodstock, GA and shooting around North Atlanta, I’ve built my style around the magic of golden hour. This fleeting time of day, shortly after sunrise or just before sunset, offers the perfect natural lighting for my signature warm, golden, and contrasty images. If you’ve ever wondered why golden hour is my go-to, let me take you behind the lens.

What is golden hour?

Golden hour is the period of time shortly after sunrise and just before sunset when the sun is low in the sky, creating soft, diffused light. This time varies depending on the season and location, but generally, it occurs within the first hour after sunrise and the last hour before sunset. The light during golden hour is warmer and more flattering, making it ideal for photography.

1. Soft, Flattering Light

Golden hour light is soft and diffused, creating a natural glow that flatters skin tones and eliminates harsh shadows. Unlike the midday sun, which can be intense and unflattering, golden hour light wraps around my subjects, enhancing their natural beauty.

2. Warm, Dreamy Tones

One of the defining characteristics of my photography is the warm, golden glow that golden hour provides. The sun’s lower position in the sky creates a rich, amber hue that adds depth and emotion to my images. This warm color palette enhances the natural beauty of outdoor settings, making every shot feel timeless and ethereal.

3. Perfect for Backlighting & Sun Flares

I love shooting into the sun to create dreamy backlit portraits and stunning sun flares. Golden hour is the perfect time for this technique, as the lower angle of the sun prevents harsh overexposure while allowing me to capture that magical glow that sets my work apart.

4. Natural Contrast & Depth

The dynamic range of golden hour light brings out natural contrasts in my images, making details pop while keeping shadows soft and gradual. This creates depth and dimension, making photos feel more immersive and cinematic.

5. The Most Romantic & Timeless Look

Golden hour has an inherently romantic feel, making it perfect for engagements, family portraits, and lifestyle sessions. Whether it's a couple embracing in a sun-drenched field or a family laughing under the warm glow, the light enhances emotions and adds a storytelling element to every shot.

Book Your Golden Hour Session!

If you love the warmth, glow, and dreamy feel of golden hour photography, let’s make magic together! Whether you're looking for family portraits, engagement photos, or a personal session, I’d love to capture your story in the best light possible.

Contact me today to book your family photoshoot golden hour session in North Atlanta and let’s create something beautiful!

The Importance of Printing Your Photos and Creating a Beautiful Gallery Wall in Your Home

In today’s digital age, we take more photos than ever, but how often do we actually print them and display them in our homes? As a photographer specializing in family, newborn, and maternity photography in North Atlanta, I believe that printing your photos and hanging them in your home is one of the best ways to preserve and celebrate your memories.

While it's easy to get lost in a sea of digital files, nothing compares to the emotional connection you feel when you see your favorite images on your walls every day. Whether it’s a sweet newborn portrait, a maternity session full of anticipation, or a fun family photo, these moments become more than just images—they become a part of your home, your story, and your life.

Why Printing Your Photos Matters

Printed photos have a way of bringing your memories to life. When you walk into a room filled with images of your loved ones, you’re instantly reminded of the laughter, the milestones, and the little moments that make life special. A printed photo isn’t just a picture; it’s a piece of your heart displayed for everyone to see.

Additionally, research has shown that printed photos can have a positive impact on emotional well-being. They create a sense of connection to your family and home, making your living space feel more personal, cozy, and meaningful. A gallery wall of photos can serve as a constant reminder of the love and joy that fills your life.

Gallery Walls Made Easy

One of the biggest hurdles people face when thinking about displaying their photos is the idea that creating a gallery wall is difficult or overwhelming. But I promise you, it doesn’t have to be. A well-designed gallery wall is a beautiful and simple way to showcase multiple images in one space.

With the right planning, it can look polished, intentional, and like a natural part of your decor. Whether you’re going for a modern, minimalist feel or a more eclectic, layered look, I’m happy to help guide you through the process of choosing the right photos, selecting frames, and arranging them perfectly.

And if you’re looking for a bit more design expertise, my sister Emily, at Porche and Co., specializes in e-design and can help you create a gallery wall that fits seamlessly with your home’s style. She also showcases room designs that have gallery walls incorporated, so you can view how the artwork might look in your home AND has a helpful blog about tips on creating a gallery wall.

How I Can Help

As a North Atlanta photographer, I am dedicated to providing high-quality prints that not only capture beautiful moments but also stand the test of time. I recommend using Professional Photo Resources to print, it’s a local Atlanta business that I’ve been using as my print shop for almost 7 years! You can pick up in Midtown, OR they ship - and the prices are very affordable.

Final Thoughts

Displaying your photos in your home isn’t just about decoration—it’s about cherishing and celebrating the moments that matter most. Don’t let your precious memories stay hidden away on your phone or computer. Printing and displaying your photos can bring a sense of warmth, joy, and connection to your living space.

Ready to create your own gallery wall? Reach out to schedule a session today!

Studio Lifestyle Newborn Session in Atlanta, Georgia

Why I Love Studio Lifestyle Newborn Sessions in Atlanta

As an Atlanta newborn photographer, I absolutely adore studio lifestyle newborn sessions, and here’s why they might be the perfect choice for your family. While I completely understand the appeal of having your newborn photos taken at home, there’s something uniquely special about studio sessions that can make the experience more relaxed and enjoyable for everyone involved.

Many families initially consider in-home newborn sessions because they want to capture their baby in their nursery or in the comfort of their own space. However, I’ve found that preparing your home for a photo session can sometimes add stress. It’s not just about tidying up—ensuring you have the right amount of natural light in your home is essential for achieving those soft, bright, airy images that everyone loves.

Luckily, in the Atlanta area, there are several beautiful photography studios that I work with and highly recommend for studio lifestyle newborn sessions. These studios offer a controlled environment where we can focus entirely on your little one, without the hassle of preparing your home.

As a professional newborn photographer, my goal is to make every session relaxing, enjoyable, and focused on your baby’s unique personality. So, let me walk you through the top reasons why I love studio lifestyle newborn sessions and how they can create beautiful memories for your family.

1. Guaranteed Perfect Lighting, Every Time

One of the best things about studio newborn sessions is the lighting. Whether it’s bright and sunny or cloudy outside, the studio’s ambient lighting is always perfect for your session. This means we can capture the soft, glowing images you’re hoping for without worrying about fluctuating natural light in your home. Even on the gloomiest of days, the lighting in a studio remains consistent and ideal for newborn photography.

2. No Prep Required—Just Show Up and Relax

When you choose a studio for your lifestyle newborn session, you don’t have to worry about cleaning your house or moving clutter out of the way. The studio is professionally cleaned and beautifully staged, which means no last-minute scrambling to tidy up or put away baby gear. All you need to bring is your family—just show up, relax, and let me take care of the rest.

3. A Calm, Distraction-Free Environment

Studio sessions offer a peaceful, distraction-free space where you and your baby can feel at ease. The studio is set to the perfect temperature for your newborn, and I always play soft, relaxing music and sound machines to create a soothing atmosphere. This makes it easy to take breaks, feed your baby, or simply relax without the distractions of home life. I also build in extra time before and after the session to accommodate any necessary breaks, so you and your baby never feel rushed.

Studio Lifestyle Newborn Sessions in Atlanta

If you’re curious to see more images from studio lifestyle newborn sessions or have any questions about whether a studio or an in-home session would be a better fit for you, I’d love to help. Feel free to reach out to discuss your options, and I’ll guide you through choosing the best setting to capture your newborn’s first moments.