Ever since I remember myself, I loved anything and everything to do with arts. I grew up drawing and painting and any time in life I feel lost or down, I turn to art to bring me back to my happy place. I love using colors and mixing them to make new shades. I love creating and will never stop learning how to create new fun projects. This love for colors might have something to do with my obsession with sunrises and sunsets. They are always stunning, always different and never disappoint. Watching a sunrise leads to a beautiful beginning of our day and watching the sunrise is like closing a chapter on a beautiful note. It’s almost like a mini meditation and the colors convert a beautiful calming silent song.
Now what does this have to do with photography? Uuuum, everything!
Sunset sessions are more popular with my clients because you don’t need to wake up early and have plenty of time to get ready. I start shooting way before sunset starts and we get photos that are bright and sunny first and then we play with sunset colors.
I do love sunsets with all my heart but I want you to know all your options and sunrises most certainly have their pluses to them!
Lets start with family sessions. First thing to be figured out is the look we are going for. Outfits do matter and can change the photo drastically. Always ask your photographer for recommendations and depending on the style you are going for, try to coordinate those first. Next, mom has to find someone for hair and make up unless she doesn’t want or need it done and is going for a more natural look or can do it herself. I have recommendations if needed and will help with every step of the way. Now, if you have children and they get moody, tired or cranky by sunset time, you would be surprised at how much better they behave in the early morning (once we all managed to wake up and get to the location). All I need is your kids in a good mood and leave the rest to me. If they are not in the best mood, I always try to get the kiddos happy but if they are over tired, it makes it that much harder. Sunrise sky is beautiful and the sun is not too bright yet so we can get that soft light and finish with beautiful morning glow!
Sunrise is a perfect time to do a one person session as well. I am thinking a dancer session or a yoga instructor on the beach with scenic shots and amazing poses. Maybe have a woman floating in the water of your local lake or ocean. These photos will be so artistic and the experience, if done a certain way, could be very similar to a morning meditation. In any case, it would be a fun way to start the day.
If you are photographing a couple, have them interact as much as possible. Try to capture the connection between them. I like to have my couples do something silly to get them more comfortable and then I try to have them connected in one way or another. Holding hands or looking at each other are simple yet beautiful props.
Another benefit to sunrise session is the amount of people popping up on our photos, especially if we are using a high traffic location. Less people leads to more scenic, peaceful photos.
How to prepare:
Your photographer will tell you the exact time you should meet up. I prefer to meet 10 minutes before sunrise and would love to just tell you what time that should be but it changes slightly throughout the year.
Prepare the night before!
Last thing you want is to have to wake up extra early for an already early wake up and have to make decision on outfits. In addition, make sure the man of the house has his outfit picked out. As my previous experiences with clients and with my own family sessions show, men tend to leave it for the last minute.
I recommend setting a few alarms just in case one won’t do the trick.
*When it comes to my clients, we always discuss clothing choices prior to the session and I help as much as possible with your outfit choices.
Simple rules to use when choosing outfits – stay away from logos and different prints for families. One person can wear prints and the rest should have solid colors. When it comes to my style, I recommend to try to stick to 3 colors or less between everybody not to make the photo too busy. Also, for sunsets and sunrises, think of sky colors for motivation. I love pinks, whites and blues on those photos.
*Photos I am posting as examples here are from Christmas sunrise sessions so outfits are Christmas colors.
Last but not least, please be on time!
You have about 45 minutes of that perfect sunrise magic!
And most importantly, have fun with it!
You want the moments captured remind you of this fun experience in the most positive way so let your photographer worry about the rest!
I hope this was helpful and will motivate you to wake up early and watch that sun rise!
