What You Need to Know Before Scheduling Your Outdoor Photo Session in Minnesota

When planning your outdoor photo session in Minnesota, there are a few important things to keep in mind—especially if you’re dreaming of images that feel soft, natural, and filled with light. Whether you're booking a maternity session, celebrating a milestone, or wrangling the whole family for updated portraits, timing and location are key.

A common misconception? That bright midday sun will help your photos look cheerful and vibrant. But here’s the truth: while sunlight is essential, not all sunlight is created equal. Midday sun can be harsh, unflattering, and surprisingly tricky to work with. It often results in deep shadows and squinting eyes—and even with tools like diffusers or shaded spots, the look usually falls short of that warm, glowing finish we all love.

So when is the best time for an outdoor session in Minnesota?

Say Hello to the Golden Hour

Any photographer who’s worked with natural light for more than five minutes will tell you—golden hour is everything.

This dreamy window of time happens just after sunrise or right before sunset. During golden hour, the sun is lower in the sky, which creates soft, diffused light that wraps beautifully around your subject. Skin tones look more natural. Backgrounds glow. Details pop. Even the air feels magical.

Minnesota golden hours are especially breathtaking in the spring and fall, when the sunlight mixes with crisp air and changing leaves or blooming fields. Think dewy grass, long shadows, and that golden haze that makes your photos look like a scene from a movie.

But here’s the thing: golden hour doesn’t last forever.

Depending on the time of year, you’ve got a narrow window—often just 30 to 45 minutes—of perfect light. That’s why photographers keep a close eye on sunrise and sunset times when planning each outdoor photo session in Minnesota. What time golden hour hits depends on the season and even where you are in the state.

Timing Your Session Just Right

Here’s a quick breakdown to help you figure out when golden hour usually happens in Minnesota:

• March through July: Sunrise is early (think 5:30–6:00 a.m.), and sunset stretches past 8:00 p.m.
• August through October: The sun starts rising later and setting earlier. Golden hour typically hits around 6:30–7:30 p.m.
• November through February: Sunset comes fast—some days by 4:30 p.m.—so evening sessions may need to start earlier than you think.

As a bonus, early morning sessions can be ideal for families with small kids. Many parents are surprised to find that their toddlers do better after breakfast than they do in the evening after a full day of activities. And if evenings work better for your crew, try scheduling after an early dinner and pre-nap for the littlest ones.

Why Lighting Matters More Than You Think

If you’ve ever looked at a photo and thought “Wow, they just look so good,” chances are it had less to do with how they were posed and more to do with the lighting.

Golden hour creates natural catchlights in the eyes and subtle highlights in the hair. It flatters all skin tones, helps reduce the appearance of blemishes or under-eye circles, and makes neutral outfits stand out even more against a glowing background.

It also affects how the scenery appears in your final gallery. Trees look richer. Flowers have more dimension. The sky takes on painterly hues. If you want the images from your outdoor photo session in Minnesota to feel like fine art, this is the way to go.

What About Overcast Days?

Cloudy days can be a secret weapon. If golden hour is off the table due to weather, an overcast sky offers beautiful diffused light that’s even and soft. In fact, cloudy sessions can look amazing in Minnesota’s lush parks or along wooded trails—no squinting, no harsh shadows, just beautiful, balanced light.

That said, if it looks like full rain is in the forecast, I always build in reschedule options. Flexibility matters when you’re dealing with unpredictable Minnesota weather!

Choosing the Right Location

Location matters just as much as timing. Fortunately, Minnesota is bursting with stunning spots for outdoor sessions—wooded trails, flower fields, lakeside docks, and even simple open fields with tall grass and big skies.

Some favorite spots I suggest for outdoor photo sessions in Minnesota include:

• Tamarack Nature Center – Woodsy, quiet, and filled with little trails and open space. Avoid weekends for best results.
• Como Park – A great mix of formal gardens and wild greenery, but can be very busy during wedding season.
• Local lakes or private properties – Your backyard might be more magical than you think. Personal spaces often feel more relaxed and meaningful for families, especially when kids are involved.

When choosing a spot, think about your kids’ energy levels, your family’s vibe, and the look you want to see on your walls. Urban, field, forest, or something more personal—there’s no wrong answer, just what fits you best.

Final Tips for a Smooth Photo Session

A little preparation goes a long way toward making your outdoor session feel calm, not chaotic. Here’s what I recommend:

• Outfit planning: Go neutral, textured, and timeless. Avoid logos or bold colors that distract. My studio offers a curated wardrobe for kids and adults, which makes this part so much easier!

• Snack prep: For kids (and grown-ups) who need a little pick-me-up, bring easy, mess-free snacks and water.

• Skip the bribes: Instead of offering a reward to “behave,” try hyping up the session as something fun and special. Plan a treat afterward that isn’t framed as a bribe—it helps the kids feel more relaxed.

• Trust the process: Not every moment will be posed, and that’s a good thing. Some of the most beautiful images come from play, connection, and real interactions.

In the end, a successful outdoor photo session in Minnesota is all about timing, lighting, and letting go of perfection. Whether you're documenting the glow of pregnancy, the joy of a new baby, or the chaos of family life, there's nothing quite like capturing those moments in the great outdoors—especially when the light is just right.

Planning ahead, embracing flexibility, and choosing the right photographer (ahem!) can make all the difference. Ready to book your golden hour session? Let’s make some magic.