Sunsets are by far the most chosen time of the day for family, couples, baby bump and surprise proposal photo shoots. Sunrise is the next most popular.  Let me just get out of the way the rest of the day. On a sunny day, one hour after sunrise until a couple of hours before sunset natural light tends to be quite harsh for photography, which is why professional photographers during those times look for shade and hope for clouds. It’s understandable why most people are interested in a sunrise or sunset time slot only. Most people believe sunsets are magical and offer soft lighting.   

Here are the most common reasons people want sunsets and sunrises for their photography session, and, based on my experience with both sunrise and sunset photo shoots on Kauai, the reality,

Reason for sunset

To get dressed up in nice outfits and go straight out to dinner after the photo shoot.

My response

Makes sense to me. Great idea.

Reason for sunset   

To see the setting sun in pictures.

My response

Kauai gets lots of cloud and the setting sun is not visible every day. But you might see it.   

Reason for sunset

It’s the best time of day for photo shoots. 

My response

Many say it is, however, the beaches are fairly crowded at sunset and often the skies are incredibly bright, not the best for photography. Also, the best sunset lighting is a short window of time, typically only about 10 minutes.

Reason for sunset

Love of the glowing soft look that sunsets create.

My response

Good reasoning. I can guarantee that look, especially after the sun has set. 

Last thoughts on sunset. When the sky is a blaze of color the setting sun is magnificent. Post sunset (civil twilight) allows for beautiful photography. Blue ocean is often a hazy silver or hazy brown at sunset hour. Many folks love that look. All in all the weather and atmospheric conditions dictate whether or not the sunset will be magnificent. In that regard, per a famous movie quote, “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.”

Now sunrise…

Reason for sunrise

Love of seeing the sun rise

My response

Good reasoning

Reason for sunrise

You love the quietude of the early morning

My response

Perfect reasoning

Reason for sunrise

Love of the glowing soft look that sunrise creates.

My response

The ambient light often creates that look. But some sunrises are dark and cloudy. Just so you know. 

Reason for sunrise.

It gives us an early start to have a full day on Kauai and our bodies are on mainland time anyway.

My response

Perfect reasoning

 

Last thoughts on sunrise

Being on time is so important for a sunrise shoot. Unlike sunset where I often get the best photos after the sun has set,  with sunrise shoots, the higher the sun climbs, light becomes harsh and it works against the photography. What I love about sunrises is the serene beauty of the hour. There’s usually very few people on the beach, if any. In my opinion it’s the best time of day for a photo shoot. Based on my experience with both sunrise and sunset photo shoots on Kauai, I pick sunrise.