Sunrise vs Sunset Engagement Sessions - What's right for me?
It’s no secret that taking photos during the sunrise and sunset hours can produce some stunning results. There’s a reason it’s referred to as golden hour after all. Seeing the sun cresting the horizon creates an almost otherworldly atmosphere that is perfectly suited to capturing memorable photos. When it comes to creating the perfect environment for your engagement photos, many of you may be wondering whether sunrise or sunset is the better option. Both times have unique benefits, so today we’ll be introducing you to the pros and cons of each to help you decide whether sunrise or sunset is right for your engagement photoshoot.
Rise and Shine: Sunrise
Say goodbye to the crowds: The truth is, there are very few people who are willing to wake up well before the crack of dawn to engage in any activity. If you are willing to set an early alarm, you can avoid the crowds even if the location you chose typically has a lot of foot traffic. This will assist in keeping your photos free of people, but even more importantly, it can be a major benefit if you feel embarrassed taking photos in front of other people.
The downside: Waking up early doesn’t just affect the amount of sleep you are able to get. If you are planning on having your makeup or hair professionally done, this may not be an option for a sunrise photoshoot, especially in the summer months when the sun rises earlier than other parts of the year. Also, some locations such as State Parks may not be accessible that early in the day.
Extended window for your photoshoot: It takes time to capture the perfect photos. Couples often need some time to warm up and get comfortable, but unexpected weather conditions or delays can also impact your start time. If your photoshoot takes longer than expected, while you may miss the ideal golden hour window, you still have the ability to continue shooting for those perfect pics. This is not true for sunset. When the sun sets and darkness arrives, it’s time to call it a day whether you captured the perfect photos or not.
Sharper Images and Cooler Tones: The earth undergoes changes throughout the day that alter the visible landscape. The early morning, being the coolest part of the day, causes particles to settle lower to the ground which can reduce haze and make images appear sharper and more vivid. Additionally, the positioning of the sun and something known as the Doppler Shift, creates a bluer light that results in photos that are cooler in terms of tone. These environmental differences also impact moisture content, fog, presence of wildlife, etc., which can all contribute to creating incredibly unique photos.
A Romantic Evening: Sunset
The city comes to life: While many couples opt for more secluded or natural areas for the setting of their engagement photos, cities also create an opportunity for breathtaking backdrops. As evening arrives, the city lights up and truly comes to life. Watching the sun setting behind the city skyline and being replaced by the city lights can be as sentimental as it is beautiful, prompting memories you’ve shared together, living or visiting the urban setting of your photoshoot.
The downside: Cities are inherently busy, so limiting background noise can be an issue, and if you tend to get camera shy it could be challenging to get comfortable.
Time to scout your location: Even if you have a general idea of where you want to take your photos, it’s always a good idea to scout the location in person. Finding the perfect backdrops can take time, and potentially multiple trips. With plenty of daylight prior to golden hour, you can arrive early and take your time scouting and testing the area. This is much less likely to happen if you need to wake up prior to the crack of dawn in order to scout your location.
An abundance of color and warmth: Just as particles in the air tend to settle during the early morning causing cooler and sharper images, the abundance of particles in the evening results in more orange and red light from the sun which can cause photos to appear warmer. This additional warmth causes photos to look more colorful, which can have a powerful effect on your setting, skin tones, and wardrobe.
The Consensus
Whether sunrise or sunset will work better for your engagement photoshoot ultimately comes down to preference and location. Some locations may only be suitable for one or the other. If you plan on having a coastal photoshoot for example and want the sun hovering over the water, this will only occur at a particular time of day. We recommend getting a general idea of where you want to take your engagement photos, scoping out the area, and snapping a few photos with your phone or camera at both times. This will provide you with a visual comparison and confidence that your engagement photos will turn out exactly as you imagined.
Let’s Talk About Love!
For more information on how we can tell your love story, contact us today and allow us to walk you through our amazing packages. We look forward to providing you with each and every detail on our Wedding Videography and Wedding Photography and the opportunity to introduce you to our team!