Choosing Which Time of Day Works Best for Your Family
What You Need to Know When Planning a Golden Hour Session
Golden hour is by far the best and most magical setting for outdoor portraits. The low angle of the sun creates soft shadows, golden light, and beautiful flares. I love creating a feeling of emotion through my work, and one of the biggest ways I do this is with lighting.
The hour around sunrise and sunset are the “golden hour,” and each one has similarities but also big distinctions. Which time is best for your family?
SUNRISE
Let’s start with sunrise first! I am partial to sunrise, because I am a morning person. And unless we are shooting in the winter, sunrise is early! Summer sunrises are often in the 5 am hour. But, big reward comes from this time of day too.
Depending on the location we go to, I will start our session at literal sunrise, or a few minutes after. If we are at a beach I would even schedule before sunrise. Location and where the sun will be rising from has a lot to do with the actual time we choose.
Sunrise is a great option for families with small kids who are naturally up early. Especially in the summer when sunset is late, sunrise is a great alternative. But fair warning, it will be harder for the parents than the kids! Kids will be well rested and usually in a great, energetic mood which translates to great photos.
I have found that sunrise can also create a more golden glow. There is a little more drama, and we will often encounter other cool elements- like fog or mist rising, because we are meeting in the morning.
SUNSET
Sunset is by far the most popular choice for families, mainly because of the logistics of timing. While kids are up early, the thought of getting an entire family photo ready by 6am can seem daunting. I get it!
Sunsets are easier to time (golden hour is always the hour before!), and there are more locations available to us. Often times, places I like to shoot in are simply not open for sunrise. I find I have more location flexibility with sunset.
Sunsets are easy for families who choose a spring or fall session, however could be challenging for a family who wants summer portraits. Sunset time is around 8:30-9pm, which means sessions start at about 7:30. For many, that is past bedtimes! If that is a problem, I am happy to offer my favorite tips and tricks to ensure success for you and your little ones!
Any golden hour time is truly magical, and you really can’t go wrong! In my personal opinion, it comes down to logistics, and what feels the best for your family and your kids. Have more questions? Let’s chat more about what is best for your family!
