susent photo of a mum and 2 years old in the field

5 reasons why sunset portrait photography is different!

Have you ever wondered about the magical impact of the golden hour on portrait photos? Why do pictures taken just before the sunset look so unique and glowing? It’s the magic of the backlight during the golden hour, typically 1-2 hours before sunset. This time of day offers soft, warm lighting that creates stunning, natural portraits. Let’s explore five reasons why sunset portrait photography stands out and why you should consider it for your next family photo session.

Let’s dive into
the Unique Aspects of Sunset Portraits

It’s that time of year again—stunning autumn weather is approaching, and the scenery and light are beginning to change! Now is the perfect time to decide if a sunset photo shoot is right for you.
My calendar is now open to my VIP list, so let’s dive into the 5 reasons why sunset portrait photography is different from a morning autumn family photo shoot.

September Sunset family photo shoots in south west London

1. Enchanting Lighting Quality

Golden Hour Radiance: Sunset offers a unique, warm light that kind of hugs subjects in a soft, golden glow. This “golden hour” light is renowned for its flattering effect on skin tones and enhancing the overall mood of the portraits.
Reduced Harshness: Unlike midday sun, sunset light is softer and more diffused, minimizing harsh shadows and creating a more even, natural illumination.

2. Stunning Backgrounds

Vivid Skies: The sky at sunset can be a canvas of rich colors—ranging from fiery reds and oranges to calming purples and blues—providing a dramatic and beautiful backdrop.

Changing Scenes: The sky’s colors and the play of light and shadow during sunset create dynamic and ever-evolving backgrounds, ensuring that each portrait session is unique.

3. Enhanced Mood and Atmosphere

Romantic and Intimate Feel: The gentle light of sunset often evokes a sense of romance and tranquility, making it perfect for capturing intimate, heartfelt moments.

Calm and Relaxed Vibe: The serene environment of sunset hours typically results in a more relaxed atmosphere, allowing subjects to be at ease and natural.

4. Quieter Locations: 

Sunset photo shoots often take place in less crowded areas compared to peak daytime hours, allowing for a more peaceful and personal experience without interruptions.

At that time of day, local parks are much quieter than in the morning. It feels like we have the entire place to ourselves, creating a unique impact on the moments you spend together.

5. Natural Color Harmony

Warm Tones: The warm, golden tones of sunset light naturally complement fall and winter clothing colors, creating a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing look in your photos.

 

Tip: Sunset family photoshoots can be breathtakingly beautiful. However, during early summer in the UK, sunset occurs quite late, which may not be ideal for little children. For families with older children, we can plan the photoshoot approximately 2 hours before sunset to capture that magical golden hour light. Alternatively, for families with younger children, we can schedule the shoot for September when the sunset is around 7pm, providing a more comfortable and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

Sunset Family Photoshoots in South West London:
Flexibility and Timing Tips

  1. Sunset family photoshoots are planned based on weather forecasts, which can be unpredictable in the UK. Therefore, we might need to be a bit flexible with the date. However, in September, the weather tends to be more stable, allowing us to confirm your session at least one week in advance.

  2. Golden hour family photoshoots are ideally scheduled for the 2 hours before sunset. The sunlight can be too harsh earlier in the day, and we can only extend the session a little beyond sunset. If you’re planning a very relaxed and chilled family day out with several activities, a picnic, and exploration, this timing might NOT suit you perfectly. Whether a sunset photoshoot is right for you depends on your goals for this photo shoot, the significance of this stage in your life, and what you aim to capture. 

  3. When planning for an end-of-day photography experience, keep in mind that everyone, including parents, may be more tired. To ensure a pleasant session, plan for a slower day leading up to your outdoor family photoshoot, avoiding a busy scheduled day with sports and multiple events.

Alternatively, a weekday afternoon shoot could be scheduled, when children are excited about a later bedtime and have had a less hectic day.

4. Additionally, consider your children’s ages, especially babies. Little ones under 18 months may not be as cheerful at the end of the day. Scheduling an afternoon family photoshoot just before sunset might lead to missing their cutest expressions, which are often better captured in the morning. If needed, you can always plan for sunset family portraits the following year, but don’t miss out on capturing those unique moments at their current age. 

Or, why not plan a divided session—one hour in the morning and another hour in the afternoon? This way, you can capture different lighting and moods throughout the day.

Children are little only for a little while…

Capture those moments on time! 

What moments would you like to remember, keep and tell as a childhood story to your children when they grow up?

I would love to talk and capture 

your own moments!

Click on this image to see a fun and playful stunning sunset family photo shoot in Bushy park, south west London. 
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