Family Portrait sessoin on Saturday; When is the best time to shoot??

[ambidawn]

I'm shooting a family of about 5 people on Saturday afternoon and wanted to know what times are best for shooting outdoors. I had a shoot last weekend around 1pm and I really felt like I was copeting a lot with the sun and harsh shadows. I got some amazing photos, but could have had more, if not for the harsh lighting.
-Amber

[Duffy Pratt]

You might try early, early morning, late afternoon, or even twi-light (after sunset but before dark). Or if you are lucky, you will get a partly cloudy day, and be able to wait until the sun hides behind some clouds. Typically noontime on a sunny day will give the harshest shadows, and the least flattering lighting.

Duffy

[LadyShutterBug]

i always begin 2 hours before sunset... or begin right at sunrise and go until it's too bright or we get enough shots in.

[Rolland]

You want to shoot when the lighting is soft, either at sunrise or start shooting about one to two hours before sunset until you can no longer shoot. Go to the location where you want to take the photos the day before and observe the lighting where you want to take the photos, that will give you the best time to take the photos.

[ndsimm]

ditto...either early morning (I usually shoot between 9 and no later than 11 am) or late afternoon anytime after 3:30-4:00 until dark. Use fill flash and/or reflectors when possible