How to Decide Between a Sunrise vs. Sunset Photo Shoot on the Beach

Deciding between sunrise vs sunset for your photo shoot will have a huge impact on what your photos look like! While the St. Pete/Clearwater area is known for our epic sunsets here, don’t sleep on sunrise sessions – they are equally magical, and both times have specific advantages.

Sunrise vs. Sunset Factors

Weather

Sunrise: The temperature is typically cooler in the morning. This can be more comfortable, especially during our hot summer months! It’s also less likely to rain in the morning.

Sunset: While evenings can be warmer, the cooler sea breeze often helps. However, if you’re sensitive to heat or worried about sweating, the morning might be a better option. It’s also much more likely to rain in the afternoon during the summer!

Colors in the Sky

Sunrise: Sunrise brings soft pastels—think gentle pinks, blues, and purples. This creates a serene and dreamy atmosphere, perfect for romantic or calm photos.

Sunset: Sunset is known for its vivid and vibrant hues, with bright oranges and blues dominating the sky. This dramatic palette can add a dynamic and energetic element to your photos.

Light

Sunrise: The light at sunrise is softer and more diffused, because it’s coming from over the land and is less direct. It’s super flattering, and there’s a dreamy, lovely feeling to the morning light!

Sunset: Sunset light is brighter and more intense. This can create stunning images with lots of light pouring in as the sun sets across the water.

Crowds

Sunrise: Beaches and popular photo spots are typically less crowded in the morning. This means fewer distractions for kids, and more privacy for your shoot.

Sunset: Sunset is a popular time for beachgoers, especially here on the Gulf Coast where we are known for its epic sunsets. If you prefer more privacy, or a calmer vibe on the beach, sunrise is the way to go!

But, I’ll always edit people out of the back of your photos when possible, so I’d say more privacy and distractions are the main considerations here.

Timing

Sunrise: If your kids have a hard time during the evening “witching hour,” a sunrise session might be more suitable. We begin sunrise sessions on the beach 30 minutes before sunrise, giving you beautiful early light without the evening fussiness.

Sunset: Sunset sessions on the beach start 45 minutes before sunset to capture the peak of golden hour, which is ideal timing if your family is more relaxed in the evening or if you aren’t a morning person.

For locations other than the beach, the timing will vary and I can help you figure out exactly what time would be ideal on your shoot date!

Still not sure if you should pick a sunrise vs sunset photo shoot?

Here are a few full galleries from each timeframe:

Sunrise:

Indian Shores Family Session

Sunset Beach on Treasure Island Family Session

Upham Beach Maternity Session

Sunset:

Upham Beach Family Session

Sunset Beach on Treasure Island Family Session

Pass-a-Grille Beach Engagement Session

Both times offer unique benefits, and the choice ultimately depends on your personal preferences and circumstances! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about your specific shoot date or location – I’m happy to help you figure out the best plan for your session.