If you’re planning a beach family session with young children, choosing the right time of day is everything. Summer brings later sunsets, which can make evening sessions tricky for babies and toddlers. Booking a sunrise or early morning session can make all the difference when it comes to keeping your kids happy and relaxed. While summer sunset beach sessions are undeniably beautiful, the timing you choose will directly impact your child’s mood, the lighting, and your overall experience. As a Orange County Family Photographer I provided some of my favorite tips and a helpful guide to summer beach photos with your young kids.
I typically recommend early morning sessions during the summer, especially for toddlers with early bedtimes. If your schedule allows for a later start, that can be beautiful as well! That said, I’ve found that many children under three tend to have a harder time with sunset sessions during the summer months.
The photos below were taken around 7:30 AM in July, when the light was soft and incredibly flattering. Even better, the beach was nearly empty. Summer crowds can get intense, so choosing an early morning session not only gives you beautiful light but also a much more relaxed, stress-free experience.
Soft, Dreamy Light That Photographs Beautifully
One of the biggest advantages of booking a sunrise session is the light and avoiding the insane beach summer crowds. Early morning light is soft, warm, and flattering, creating beautiful images. It does involve waking up early, but isn’t that inevitable with a toddler!
Sunset Is Very Late in the Summer
During summer, sunset is typically very late — often around 8:00–8:15 PM depending on the time of year. For many Orange County families, this is simply too late for young children and would require us to start around 7pm to get that pretty softer lighting.
This is why many I highly recommend sunrise or early morning sessions instead. You still get beautiful coastal light without pushing into your child’s evening routine. Then, you have the rest of the day to enjoy as a family!
Fewer Crowds and a More Relaxed Environment
Summer mornings at the beach are noticeably quieter. Some of my favorite locations, like Newport Beach and Laguna Beach, feel especially peaceful early in the day, before the crowds roll in and before there are people unintentionally photo bombing every moment.
Booking an early session with a photographer means:
- Less crowded backgrounds. Summers get packed!
- More freedom for toddlers to move and play
- Great lighting
- Happier kids
- Ideal Timing for a Summer Beach Session with a Baby or Toddler
For the best results, as a family photographer in Orange County I suggest:
Early morning summer sessions: around 7–7:30 AM, depending on cloud cover and weather conditions.
This window offers soft, even light, cooler temperatures, and a calm, quiet beach before crowds roll in. It also tends to be the easiest time for little ones—kids are usually well-rested, happier, and more cooperative earlier in the day.
You’ll also avoid harsh midday sun, which can create strong shadows and squinting, especially on bright summer days. Parking is easier, the beaches feel more peaceful, and we have more flexibility to move around and use the best spots without distractions.
I know early mornings can feel like a big ask—but I promise, the light, the experience, and the overall mood of your photos make it so worth it! You can view one of my favorite morning locations in Laguna Beach here.
I’m Jen! A family photographer in Orange County Ca. specializing in relaxed family photos capturing natural, candid moments with you and your family!
Reach out here to book your next session!
