One question I hear a lot is: “Should we do the shoot at sunrise or sunset?” Honestly, both are beautiful, it just depends on the mood and colours you love!

A couple in white outfits walks along scenic coastal rocks at sunset, creating romantic silhouettes against the golden sky.
A golden sunset illuminates a rocky coastal beach landscape with silhouettes against the glowing horizon.
Silhouetted couple holding hands walking together against a golden sunset sky over rolling hills.
A person in a flowing white dress walks gracefully across golden sand dunes in warm desert sunlight.
A couple embraces in a golden sunlit field at sunset, creating a romantic silhouette against the tall grass.
A maternity photo in a field at sunset shows an expectant mother in a denim jacket and wide-brimmed hat.
Three people stand together in a golden wheat field at sunset with warm lighting and a dreamy atmosphere.
A parent and child in flowing white dresses walk through a sunlit meadow at golden hour.
A couple embraces in a sunlit field wearing white flowy clothing during a romantic photoshoot.
A romantic couple in wedding attire embraces in a golden wheat field at sunset.
A romantic couple embraces on a scenic beach during sunset in a sepia-toned photograph.
A hand with an engagement ring is held up against a blurred natural outdoor background at sunset.
A romantic couple in vintage-inspired clothing share an intimate moment at sunset in a dreamy outdoor setting.
A couple celebrates their wedding day against a scenic mountainous landscape at sunset.
A dreamy portrait sequence shows someone in a hat gazing upward with soft lighting and a blurred outdoor background.
A candid moment of laughter captured between two people during a golden hour photoshoot by the water.
Two people stand together overlooking a serene lake in the Scottish highlands during golden hour.
A scenic mountain landscape at sunset with rugged peaks and golden light illuminating the rocky terrain.
A scenic mountain stream flows through rocky terrain with rugged boulders and hills in the Scottish Highlands.
A couple embraces on a hillside overlooking a scenic lake and mountains in warm sepia tones.
A couple in casual attire and wide-brimmed hats share a joyful moment against a desert landscape at sunset.
A couple stands together in a golden wheat field during sunset creating a romantic silhouette against the warm sky.
A person in a flowing white dress sits gracefully among tall golden grass in a serene field at sunset.
A flowing blue dress billows in the wind against sandy desert dunes during a dreamy photoshoot at sunset.
Silhouettes of horses and camels stand against a golden desert sunset creating a dramatic panoramic view.
A silhouetted figure in a flowing dress stands beside a horse on sand dunes during golden hour sunset.
A couple shares an intimate moment in a golden field of wildflowers during sunset.
A figure in a flowing white dress stands in a golden meadow at sunset with mountains in the background.
A couple in vintage-style clothing embrace in a romantic pose against a golden sunset backdrop in a field.
A couple holds hands while standing in a golden meadow at sunset with rolling hills in the background.
Two people sit together in a golden meadow at sunset with mountains visible in the background.
A person in a flowing white lace dress twirls on a beach at sunset, creating an ethereal silhouette against the golden light.
A person in a flowing dress dances expressively through a misty forest setting with fallen logs and leaves.
A figure in flowing fabric sits dramatically in beige sand dunes against a minimalist desert landscape.
A figure in a flowing white dress dances gracefully in a sunlit meadow during golden hour.
A tender moment captured at sunset in a grassy field with sunlight streaming through trees in the background.
A series of romantic sunset engagement photos taken in a golden field with tall trees casting long shadows.
Silhouetted figures stand on rocky coastline during golden sunset over ocean waters.
A figure rests on coastal rocks at sunset with calm ocean waters and distant hills in the background.
Silhouetted couple sharing an intimate moment at sunset with golden light streaming through their hair.
Sunlit forest path with tall pine trees casting long shadows while golden light streams through branches at sunset.
Sunlight streams through tall trees in a forest path creating long shadows on the ground during golden hour.
A person dances joyfully through a sunlit forest path with tall pine trees creating a magical woodland atmosphere.
A figure in a flowing white dress sits gracefully atop golden sand dunes during sunset in a desert landscape.
A group of people sit together in golden grass during sunset in a peaceful outdoor setting.
A family wearing white outfits embraces during a golden sunset photoshoot in a scenic mountain landscape.
A couple in white outfits shares an intimate moment at sunset on a rugged coastal cliff overlooking the ocean.
A panoramic mountain landscape with rolling hills and valleys captured in warm sepia tones at sunset.

Sunset

Sunset light is naturally soft and warm for a longer period. It creates a beautiful natural glow, and sometimes a subtle flare in the photos, which adds depth and interest. This light highlights the colours in the sea, fields, flowers, and forests, giving a warm, golden tone. As the sun goes down, the sky gradually shifts through soft shades, ending in pink and blue if it’s clear. Sunset is ideal if you like richer, warmer colours and want more time to work with golden light.

Rocky coastal cliffs with eroded sandstone formations along a rugged shoreline at sunset.
Panoramic view of rugged coastal cliffs and rock formations along a scenic oceanfront shoreline.
Silhouette of a person splashing and celebrating in ocean waves at sunset with arms raised in joy.
A series of black and white photos showing someone floating and arching back in ocean waves against a distant horizon.
A romantic couple embraces on a sandy beach at sunset, the bride wearing a flowing lace dress as her hair blows in the wind.
A joyful couple embraces on a sandy beach at sunset with ocean waves and cliffs in the background.
A romantic couple embraces on a sandy beach at sunset while ocean waves roll in along the shoreline.
Two people walk along a scenic beach shoreline at sunset with waves rolling onto the sand.
A romantic beach photoshoot at sunset with a couple in white clothing embracing on the sandy shore.
A person in white dress playfully splashes in the ocean waves during golden hour on a tropical beach.
A couple playfully runs and splashes in the ocean waves at sunset along a golden sandy beach.
A couple splashes playfully in the shallow ocean water at sunset during a romantic beach photoshoot.
A couple embraces on a rocky beach at sunset with ocean waves lapping at their feet.
A couple shares an intimate moment on rocky beach cliffs during golden hour sunset.
A series of vintage black and white photographs showing people on rocky coastal landscapes at sunset.
A person stands in shallow ocean water wearing dark clothing during a sunset beach photoshoot.
A couple embraces on a rocky beach at sunset with ocean waves in the background.
A sepia-toned panoramic view shows rocks and waves along a misty coastline at sunset.
Two figures in flowing white dresses stand together on rocky coastal cliffs at sunset.
A figure in a flowing white dress lies gracefully in shallow water during golden hour creating an ethereal scene.
Artistic sepia-toned photo series showing someone reclining on rocks by water during golden hour.
Two figures stand together on a dramatic rocky cliff overlooking the ocean at sunset in a sepia-toned photograph.
Artistic maternity photo in moody lighting shows an expectant mother in white bandeau top reclining against dark background.
Ethereal figure in flowing white dress poses against dramatic rocky cliffs at sunset creating a dreamy silhouette.
Maternity photoshoot at sunset on beach with woman in white lace dress reclining on sand in warm golden light.
A romantic couple embraces on a beach at sunset in warm sepia tones.
A silhouetted figure in white swimwear sits by a serene lake during golden hour, creating a peaceful maternity moment.
A silhouetted couple shares an intimate moment against a warm sunset backdrop in a romantic outdoor setting.
A couple in white outfits embraces during sunset by a tranquil lake, creating a romantic silhouette against the golden sky.
Romantic couple walking hand in hand along a scenic beach at sunset with mountains in the background.
A couple embraces while standing in shallow water at sunset, creating a romantic silhouette against the ocean backdrop.
A person poses on rocky beach formations during golden hour, with gentle waves and mossy rocks in the background.
Couple standing among coastal rocks and tide pools at sunset with soft sepia tones.
Silhouette of someone in a bikini sitting in calm water surrounded by rocks at sunset.
A sequence of five sepia-toned photos showing someone joyfully playing in ocean waves at the beach.
An expectant mother in white clothing caresses her baby bump on a scenic beach at golden hour.
A person in a flowing white dress stands on a sandy beach at sunset while waves roll in from the ocean.
Romantic couple embraces on sandy beach during golden hour sunset by the ocean.
Person in white sweater posing dramatically against sunset beach backdrop.
Silhouette of an expecting mother standing on beach during golden hour.
Maternity photo of woman kneeling on sandy beach at sunset.
Person in white lying on coastal rocks at golden hour by the ocean.
Romantic couple shares tender moments during intimate beach photoshoot at dusk.
Loving couple shares intimate moment during sunset beach maternity photoshoot.
Playful couple running and splashing in ocean waves at beach.
A couple embraces joyfully on a sunny beach while wearing light colored casual clothing.
Couple running and splashing through shallow ocean water on sunny beach.
A silhouetted pregnant figure in a lace dress poses gracefully against a golden sunset over the ocean.
A couple embraces on a grassy hill during golden hour sunset at the beach.
Expectant couple embraces on sandy beach at sunset with ocean waves in background.
A couple walks along a misty beach shoreline while holding hands on an overcast day.
Romantic couple poses together on scenic beach with rocky coastline during golden hour.
A surfer rides a gentle wave at sunset with golden light reflecting off the ocean water.
A dreamy sepia-toned scene shows a figure in white dress sitting by a misty lake at sunset.
A person in white lace dances joyfully through a sunlit meadow while holding a straw hat.
A romantic coastal photoshoot with a couple standing among dramatic rock formations at sunset on a sandy beach.
Fossilized dinosaur bones and skeletal remains preserved in rock formations at a paleontological excavation site.
Person in white dress dances along the beach shoreline during golden sunset as waves crash nearby.
A person lying down wearing a delicate sheer white tulle fabric draped across their torso in an artistic pose.

Sunrise

At sunrise, we can capture the sun rising over the ocean if we’re on the beach. Shooting a bit earlier also gives us the blue hour, just before the sun comes up, which can create a dramatic scene. The golden light at sunrise only lasts a few minutes because the sun rises quickly. After that, the light becomes very bright and white, and the colours in the scene shift toward cooler tones. The sea can look beautifully blue once the sun is higher, and this is perfect for edits with cooler or airy colours.

People walking along a sandy beach leaving footprints in the sand with mountains in the background.
A joyful family wearing white outfits plays together on a sandy beach during golden hour.
Family plays together on a sandy beach with mountains in the background on a cloudy day.
A group of people enjoy a sunny day at a sandy beach with cliffs in the background.
A family wearing white outfits plays together on a sandy beach with ocean waves in the background.
A family in white clothing plays together on a sandy beach, creating a sequence of joyful moments by the ocean.
A group celebrates joyfully on a sunny beach with champagne bottles and white attire against an ocean backdrop.
A family in white clothing plays joyfully together on a sunny beach with ocean waves in the background.
People dressed in white outfits run and laugh together on a sandy beach during a sunny day.
Family members in white clothing interact playfully on a sunny beach with waves and blue sky.
People in white outfits pose and play along a scenic beach with cliffs in the background.
A family in white clothing holds hands while walking together on a sandy beach at sunset.
People walking together and leaving footprints on a sandy beach with mountains in the background.
Person in white dress playing and splashing in ocean waves at beach during a seaside photoshoot.
Child playing and splashing in the ocean waves at the beach on a sunny day.
A series of people enjoying a peaceful day at the beach with waves crashing in the background.
People in flowy outfits walk along a scenic beach with crashing waves and soft sand during golden hour.
A group plays in the ocean waves on a beach, getting splashed by the incoming surf.
People playing and splashing in the ocean waves at a sandy beach during a sunny day.
Romantic beach wedding couple embraces on sandy shore with dramatic cloudy sky at sunset.
Figure lying on smooth desert sand dunes in minimalist artistic composition.
A figure in flowing brown fabric stands dramatically against sand dunes and cloudy sky in a desert landscape.
Brown dog sitting on a sandy desert dune against a cloudy blue sky in a minimalist landscape composition.
Two silhouetted figures walking together across vast sand dunes under a cloudy desert sky.
Person in olive green dress sitting among coastal sand dunes under cloudy sky.
A romantic couple embraces on sandy dunes during a desert photoshoot at sunset.
Two people walk through a sandy desert landscape during golden hour with sunlight creating long shadows.
Two people share intimate moments while posing together on desert sand dunes.
A person in a flowing white dress walks across golden sand dunes under a dramatic cloudy sky at sunset.
A couple holds hands while walking through a vast desert landscape under dramatic cloudy skies at sunset.
A figure in a flowing white dress dances gracefully across desert sand dunes under a cloudy sky.
A person in dark attire reclines on the slope of a sandy desert dune beneath a partly cloudy sky.
A brown dog stands atop a sand dune against a bright blue sky with wispy clouds.
A panoramic view of vast rolling sand dunes stretching to the horizon under a cloudy desert sky.
A person in a flowing white dress dances gracefully across golden sand dunes under a soft cloudy sky.
A romantic couple embraces in a field of tall grass during golden hour sunset.
A tender family moment captured in golden sunlight amidst tall grass and eucalyptus trees in a natural setting.
A family wearing white outfits walks together through tall grass in golden sunlight during an outdoor photo session.
A couple in white clothing lies together in tall grass during a romantic outdoor photoshoot at sunset.
A playful family moment captured in a sunlit field with tall grass and natural lighting.
Joyful playtime in a sun-drenched field with tall grass swaying in the background.
People walking together through tall golden grass in a natural landscape at sunset.
A flowing white dress twirls gracefully against a moody landscape with trees and water.
A toddler in light clothing crawls on grass during a sunny outdoor photo session.
A woman in a flowing white dress plays with a child in a grassy field during a sunset photoshoot.
A group of people walking and playing together on a pristine white sandy beach on a sunny day.
A family plays together and laughs while walking along a sunny white sand beach.
Happy family enjoying a sunny day at the beach with a piggyback ride and casual stroll along the sand.
A romantic couple embraces on a sunny beach with waves crashing in the background.
A tender moment of playful affection and laughter shared on a sunny beach.
A joyful moment of playful interaction between parent and child at the beach during golden hour.
Three children playing and splashing in shallow ocean water at sunset while wearing casual summer clothes.
A joyful moment at the beach as a parent and child play in the splashing waves during golden hour.
A parent and child share a joyful moment playing together at the beach during sunset.
A person bends down in a sunlit field to pick fresh produce from a farm during harvest season.
A series of photos showing a small child learning to walk in a sunny field while wearing striped overalls.
A tender moment between two figures standing in a golden sunlit field on a clear afternoon.
A group of people sit together in a golden field during sunset while enjoying a picnic.
A person in a white sweater holds and examines something delicate in their hands while standing in golden sunlight.
A parent and child sit together in a sunlit meadow filled with wildflowers during golden hour.
A tender moment between parent and child sitting together in a sunlit meadow with wildflowers.
A small child explores wooden garden boxes filled with flowers and soil on a sunny day.
Brown chickens and a child interact on a sunny farm with wooden fencing in the background.
Playful moment of a parent lifting a small child wearing white in a grassy field at sunset.
A dog runs playfully through a sunny field as someone watches from a low angle on the grass.
Parent and child tend to plants together in a garden on a bright afternoon.
Collage of happy toddler wearing white clothing playing outdoors in golden sunlit field at sunset.
Playful sequence of a parent swinging and playing with a small child in a grassy field at sunset.
A family shares a tender moment together in a sunlit field during golden hour.
Family enjoying a fun afternoon together in a rural field with golden sunlight casting long shadows.
A couple in western attire shares tender moments with their baby in a sunlit field.

Avoiding the golden hour

If sunrise is too early and sunset too late — especially for those with little ones — I usually suggest around 7am or 4:30–5pm, nothing in between. However, keep in mind the sun is still quite high and strong at those times, which means the light won’t be soft; instead, it will create brighter highlights on the face. If you have very young children or babies, this light can be uncomfortable for them, as they usually dislike strong sunlight on their faces. The difference between morning and afternoon is that the morning sun tends to be even brighter, which can make the surroundings appear blown out, especially at the beach.

A series of five connected landscape photos showing a couple in a grassy field during a romantic engagement session.
A couple shares a romantic moment while sitting on a log in a scenic mountain meadow filled with wildflowers at sunset.
A person in a white dress and sun hat walks through a serene meadow with mountains in the background.
A couple in wedding attire dances and twirls together in a scenic grassy meadow at sunset.
A tender moment captured on a beach between parent and child wearing matching cream lace dresses at sunset.
A person in a flowing white dress stands against dramatic coastal cliffs at sunset on a rocky beach.
A couple walks together on a serene beach at sunset, leaving footprints in the wet sand.
A child in a white shirt and dark pants jumps playfully on a rock in a grassy field at sunset.
A family sits together on a blanket in a grassy field during a warm sunset photoshoot.
A group in white outfits sits together in a grassy meadow during a sunny outdoor gathering.
Family in white and cream outfits playing and running together in a grassy field at sunset.
A series of candid photos showing people running and playing together in a grassy field at sunset.
A joyful dance sequence in a field shows a flowing white dress twirling across three progressive moments in time.
A couple walks hand in hand through a golden grass field during sunset on a hilltop path.
Intimate couple shares tender moment at sunset on rocky coastline with soft warm lighting.
A couple walks together through tall golden grass on a scenic hillside during sunset.
A couple embraces tenderly in a golden field of tall grass during sunset.
A romantic couple embraces in a golden field during sunset, creating an intimate and joyful moment.
Romantic couple embraces against scenic coastal backdrop during golden hour sunset.
A tender moment between a couple captured in soft natural light against a rocky outdoor backdrop.
Couple shares intimate moment on rocky cliffside overlooking ocean during sunset photoshoot.
Romantic couple embraces on dramatic rocky shore with crashing waves and cliffs in background.
Playful couple laughs together while standing on rugged coastal rocks with ocean spray behind them.
A couple shares intimate moments on a cloudy beach at sunset wearing white flowy outfits.
A couple embraces on a cloudy beach at sunset, wearing white and beige outfits.
A couple in white outfits runs playfully along a sandy beach at sunset creating a romantic coastal scene.
A pregnant woman in a white dress walks along a misty beach shoreline during overcast weather.
A couple shares joyful moments together on a sandy beach during golden hour.
A romantic couple embraces on a rocky beach with lush green cliffs and overcast skies in the background.
A couple sits together on large coastal rocks overlooking a misty bay and distant mountains.
Romantic couple in white clothing lying together on coastal rocks with ocean view in moody lighting.
Couple embracing on rocky coastal outcrop with misty ocean and mountains in background.
Close-up detail of hands and flowing white dress fabric against a rocky beach backdrop.
A couple dances playfully on a secluded beach with rocky cliffs and lush vegetation in the background.
Couple in white outfits sharing intimate moment on beach rocks surrounded by lush vegetation.
A couple runs playfully along a misty beach with crashing waves in the background.
A couple plays and laughs together while running on a sandy beach during an overcast day.
A playful piggyback ride moment on a cloudy beach with waves in the background.
An intimate close-up portrait of a couple sharing a tender moment together.
A tender romantic moment between a couple captured in warm sepia tones at sunset.
Two people embrace lovingly on a scenic beach with coastal cliffs in the background.
Wide panoramic view of a misty beach shoreline with distant figures and waves.
A romantic black and white photo series of a couple dancing and embracing on a beach with ocean waves in the background.
A couple in white and casual attire dances joyfully together on a beach with cliffs in the distance.
A couple dances playfully in black and white on a windswept beach with waves crashing behind them.
A couple dances barefoot along the shoreline at sunset with rolling hills in the distance.
Two people dance freely at the ocean's edge with waves splashing around them.
A romantic couple stands in the surf as waves crash around them during sunset at the beach.
Couple running and playing in ocean waves wearing white and casual attire in black and white photo.

Shooting on a cloudy day

Cloudy weather can completely change how your photos look, especially when it comes to colour.


If it’s a light, bright overcast (with thin clouds and some sun behind them), it’s still possible to shoot. The light is soft and even, creating gentle, muted tones — perfect if you like a soft, natural look.


When it comes to location, the effect of clouds really depends on where we are:


Around fields, forests or nature, clouds don’t take away as much colour. The greens and earthy tones still hold up nicely, and the light stays even across the scene.


On the beach, though, it’s a different story. Cloudy light tends to wash out the sea, sky and sand, turning everything grey and flat. The ocean loses its blue tones, and the overall image looks duller compared to what you see in my portfolio.


If it’s dark, heavy clouds with little natural light, I don’t recommend shooting — it’s like photographing in a studio without lights: everything loses contrast, colour and warmth.


In short:

Light clouds – soft, muted tones, good for nature or fields.

Dark clouds – colours fade, especially at the beach.