If you’ve done much research about the best times to get family photos, you’ve probably heard about golden hour lighting. This magic hour happens at both sunrise and sunset, creating a lovely golden glow that is universally flattering and that avoids harsh contrasts of light and shadow that can be distracting in your photographs. But which one is better? Should you choose sunrise or sunset for family photos?
Recently I was able to capture both a sunrise and sunset family session within one day of each other, at the same location in beautiful Garden of the Gods. So I thought it would be fun to compare them!
Sunrise Session Photos
What I noticed most (at least at this location) is that during our sunrise shoot, the lighting made for lots of pink and purple tints.
Of course, lighting is only part of it. In the morning, it can be hard to wake everyone up and get ready for a shoot before the sun has even risen. However, once you get there, it’s all totally worth it!
Mornings also tend to be less busy, so if your family are early risers (or willing to sacrifice a bit of sleep for some gorgeous photos) it can make for a more quiet and private experience.
Sunset Session Photos
Our sunset shoot, by contrast, gave off more green and blue hues, as you can see from these photos taken in the early evening.
Sunset family photos tend to be what I do the most when it comes to outdoor photoshoots. I think it’s normal for families to resort to the late afternoon or early evening for scheduling their session, but it’s certainly not the only option as mornings can be so beautiful too.
Sunrise or Sunset for Family Photos ~ Your Choice!
When it comes to which is best—sunrise or sunset for family photos—it’s really up to you which one you prefer! The lighting is gorgeous for both, but does have a slightly different vibe depending on the time of day. But you should also consider which timeframe works best for your family, as well as how important it is to you to have a quieter experience vs. navigating other families and groups if your photoshoot is in a popular spot.
Whichever you choose, I know you will love your finished photos! I would love to help you capture these special memories of your family at any time of day, so reach out soon and let’s schedule your session!
