Discovering the Magic of Light | Malibu, California | Sunshine Lady Photography

Featuring the Szopinski/Pigliacampo Family at Leo Carrillo State Beach

Fun fact: I photographed three families in a row at this location at Leo Carrillo State Beach in Malibu, and each one looks drastically different because of the changing light. This family session with some of my favorite and longest-running clients (you may know my incredible designer/Instagram star client Amy Pigliacampo from Dwell Magazine) was my last. The sun was barely in the sky and cast a beautiful orangey glow. As such, these edits were much warmer than my first family. It’s important to consider the sun when scheduling your family photos (and so many families push for earlier times expecting the light to be the same at any time in the evening, which is not the case).

When it comes to capturing your special moments during outdoor photo sessions, understanding the magic of light can make all the difference. Light IS the paintbrush that creates the mood of your photos. Let's explore five different types of light and when is the best time to schedule your sessions for that perfect, luminous touch.

1. The Golden Hour: Radiant Warmth

Imagine a soft, golden glow enveloping you and your loved ones, casting a warm embrace in every photo. That's the magic of the Golden Hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset: what 99% of my clients are looking for. This is the ideal time for capturing the essence of your moments with a touch of enchantment. The colors pop, shadows are gentle, and your photos radiate a natural beauty that's simply captivating. If you want this kind of gold light in these photos, I recommend starting an hour before sunset. Any sooner, and it’ll be brighter and less warm. This is a coveted time of day so it’s important to inquire asap to book your golden hour session.

2. The Blue Hour: Serenity Now!

Just before sunrise and after sunset, there's a magical moment known as the Blue Hour. Picture a tranquil, deep blue backdrop setting the stage for your memories. This elegant lighting is perfect for capturing the calm and ethereal atmosphere, making it an excellent choice for intimate portraits and scenes with reflective surfaces. The softness of the Blue Hour brings out the moodiness of your photos.

3. Midday Challenges: Bold and Contrasty

While midday sun presents some challenges, it's also an opportunity to embrace bold contrasts and create dramatic compositions. The high sun casts strong shadows and highlights, adding a dynamic flair to your images. If you like more of a high art, vintagey vibe to your photos, midday light might be your jam.

4. Overcast Days: Keeping it Moody

Cloudy days might not seem like the perfect setting, but they offer a unique advantage. The overcast sky acts as a natural diffuser, softening and evenly distributing the light. This creates a subtle and even illumination, perfect for capturing the intricate details and textures of your moments. Overcast days bring out the beauty in simplicity, providing a canvas for your memories to shine without harsh shadows. Living in the Bay Area, it’s not uncommon to lose the sun to the fog- this overcast light can prove very flattering.

5. Twilight Atmosphere: Dreamy O’clock

As the day transitions into night during twilight, a dreamy and atmospheric ambiance emerges. The fading natural light blends with artificial lights, creating a unique setting for your photos. This magical time is perfect for capturing the cityscape or experimenting with creative compositions. The soft, ambient light during twilight adds a touch of mystery and allure to your memories. Imagine purple skies and the moon in the background- I love it, myself.

Understanding the nuances of light can turn your ordinary moments into extraordinary memories. Whether it's the warm embrace of the Golden Hour, the serene elegance of the Blue Hour, or the subtle beauty of an overcast day, each type of light brings its own charm to your photos. So, consider the vibe you’re going for when planning your photo session and it will direct everything from wardrobe to how we pose it.

So how did the fam like their golden hour beach session? You can read it for yourself: