Sunrise or Sunset Timing For Outdoor Photography

Is Sunrise Or Sunset Better For Your Family Photography Experience?

Weighing the Pros and Cons of Both Options

Romantic couple dancing outdoors during sunset in Hudson Valley. — A couple enjoying a romantic dance in a lush field at sunset, capturing love and happiness in Hudson Valley.

Mother and child hugging in a sunlit field during golden hour. — A mother holding her young child in a lush field at sunset, capturing a tender moment.

Family enjoying a sunset in a grassy field in the Hudson Valley. — Beautiful family portrait taken during golden hour in the Hudson Valley.

Hudson Valley Family Photo with a dad and pregnant mom in a blooming orchard. — A joyful moment captured of a father and pregnant mother enjoying a sunny day in a flower-filled orchard.

Golden hour is defined as the hour around sunrise or sunset. You have probably heard this word in photography because it is the most magical light for portraits! It is also the timing that I recommend for all outdoor sessions. I want to give you the best images I can. Soft light is flattering for skin tones and forgiving on shadows, all of which help create beautiful portraits.

When you are planning a family photography session and trying to decide on the time of year, it is a good idea to consider sunrise or sunset timing. Especially if you have little kids. I typically will time a session for an hour after sunrise, or the hour before sunset. In spring and fall, these times are pretty easy to navigate, but summer is tricky!

Summer sunset timing can often be a 7:30 pm start time- which I also know can fall outside kids’ bedtime windows. Alternatively, sunrise is early! We are talking around 5am. Summer also happens to be when many families are planning portraits for a variety of reasons. So how do you navigate this with small kids?

Here are some tips I like to share with families who are considering sunrise or sunset for their family photo session-

Consider sunrise with little little kids. I know sunrise isn’t ideal for us adults, but it is pretty good for little kids. They are naturally up early, and often times are the happiest right when they wake up! I know sunrise timing isn’t always easy. But it may be worth considering if your little one has a bedtime that is far beyond a sunset timing or has trouble later in the day.
Some locations are better in sunrise and some are best during sunset. If you have your heart set on a specific location, check in with your photographer as to what time they recommend being at that location. And then be open to different times. Light most often dictates sessions, and it is well worth it.
If you are planning a summer sunset session with small kids, consider a few tricks to keep them going until sunset. Adjust nap times (even 30 minutes can make a difference), offer dinner a little later, and bring all the snacks! Keeping kids fed will keep kids happy.

If you are not sure what timing may be best for your family, I would be happy to help answer additional questions! Both times of day are truly beautiful, and although it may be a little off your schedule, I promise it is well worth it!

Welcome

I wholeheartedly believe in the power of authentic documentation. Our stories and truths are not only a gift for ourselves, but also through the generations, becoming treasured keepsakes as proof of our place and time. My passion lies in storytelling that focuses on your present moments. Whether our adventures take us deep into the Hudson Valley, high in the Catskill Mountains, or within the comfort of your home, it is always about where you are meant to be and where you feel the most alive.