Light is everything in photography and golden hour is the top of the pops of light.
I love golden hour because of its rich peachy/ orange/ochre colours that take over your images. I will try to schedule all my photoshoots so they take advantage of golden hour. Especially as you want to give your clients a better experience with better lighting than you may be mid-day which is full of harsh shadows.
Golden hour occurs twice over the course of the day – sunrise and sunset. Most of my photoshoots take place in the afternoon to take advantage of sunset. However, I have been getting some interest in holding photo shoots early in the morning to take advantage of the early morning light.
Given the growing interest in early morning photographs, I thought I would outline the pros and cons of sunrise v sunset to help families decide the best time for themselves before they arrange their family photography session.
Shooting at sunrise
Sunrise is an amazing time. Nothing is better than grabbing a cup of warm coffee and getting on the road well before most of the city. This is only bettered by watching the perfect sunrise during a photo session.
Golden hour at sunrise occurs around 20 minutes before sunrise and lasts around 40 minutes after sunrise.
It is ideal for
· families whose children rise early in morning and will do anything to escape sleeping in;
· morning people;
· when your children cannot stay up beyond sunrise;
· when the weather is expected to change in the afternoon and be unfriendly to a family photography session;
· if your preferred location is expected to be busy and full of people that would be a distraction for your photos;
· if your schedule does not allow for a sunset session;
· Your sessions is done first thing in the morning so you get to enjoy the rest of your day without stressing about an evening photoshoot;
· sunrise enhances the location whereas sunset does not.
Shooting at sunset
While I am a morning person, nothing beats a beautiful sunset. The light during the sunset, as well as the light after the sunset is just DREAMY. Unlike sunrise, you can shoot into blue hour where the light is still gorgeous. You could have up to an hour of a half of shooting time after sunset compared to sunrise.
Golden hour generally falls around 40 minutes before sunset and lasts around 20 minutes after the sun drops.
It is ideal for:
· people that are not morning people and enjoy a sleep in;
· your kids get cranky when woken up early;
· when your preferred location is not open before sunrise to allow you to set up – which is the case at the Arboretum;
· when your children are slightly older and their bedtime is not before sunset;
· you have scheduled for your hair and makeup to be professionally done and they are not available before sunrise
· when the skies are at their most dramatic at sunset.
Sunrise and sunset are equally gorgeous for taking family photographs in Canberra. It is difficult to tell the difference when it is all said and done.
Seeking family photos at sunset or sunrise? Contact Alistair to discuss your photography needs.