Why I Plan my Outdoor Photo Sessions Near Sunset | Tacoma, Washington

If you’re a photographer, you definitely have heard the term “golden hour” in your career. If you’re not, then it’s probably not a phrase you hear often! Golden hour, also known as “magic hour” refers to an approximate window of time leading up to sunset and also right after sunrise. 

Essentially, it’s when the sun is much lower in the sky and creates much richer orange hued rays of light. Fun science fact: The reason the light is so much more red and orange at this time of day is because the sunlight has to travel through a thicker part of the Earth’s atmosphere closer to the horizon. When it does, it scatters the shorter wavelengths (that produce the blue we usually see) and produces the longer wavelengths of colors like red and orange! 

This light really looks beautiful on camera, especially during a maternity shoot or fun family session. When a subject is backlit, the warm glow of the sun behind creates a nice rim light outlining the subject's hair and frame. This type of light really just adds another element to a photograph! I really love to play with the sun to create flares, highlights, and golden rim light! Believe me, it’s a really flattering and magical time of day for portraits!

Can We Just Do the Photo Shoot Earlier in the Day?

Now you may be thinking, “I have young kids and they go to bed early”! I totally get that and can relate, but let’s talk through this. 

If you’re hoping for an early session (outdoors), the biggest factor is going to be the light. You may not care entirely about the golden glow of magic hour, but the earlier you get in the day, the harsher the light is cast on faces. The biggest no-no time is at high-noon when the sun is directly overhead. Top-down lighting is the worst because it casts dark shadows under people’s eyes, making people look like they have raccoon eyes. We want to avoid this at all costs.

If a sunset shoot is just not in the cards, I would encourage you to choose a location with plenty of shade and areas where the sun will be partially blocked. We want to steer clear of super bright areas until the sun gets much lower in the sky. I love shooting at Chambers Bay in Tacoma, but that is definitely a spot that needs a sunset session because there is hardly any coverage from the sun. Really anywhere in Tacoma or Seattle that is west facing on the water really needs to be done during golden hour for the best lighting! 

Shooting up in the Tehaleh neighborhood in Bonney Lake, out on the trails is a good place for sessions that need to happen earlier in the day. The tall douglas fir trees block lots of light, but can still filter in just enough to get some pretty sun flare. Another spot to consider for an earlier photo shoot is Wild Hearts Farm in Tacoma. It’s specifically catered towards photographers to rent the area out for sessions and has lots of different set-ups, both outdoor and indoor! I highly recommend it and really it seems to work for any part of the day, if necessary.

3 Tips for Keeping Young Kids Awake for Sunset Sessions

1. Push nap time later

If you have kids who still nap, definitely plan to have their nap later if your session is going to be in the summer or early fall. Stay calm during the day and don’t push too hard for the nap. Kids have a sense when parents are anxious or stressed. We tend to send off these vibes that something is off and your kid may resist a nap altogether! If you’re successful with this later nap, that will bode well for you later in at the session! 

2. Be sure everyone is well fed

There may be rushing around, time for prep and grooming, and maybe a bit of a drive ahead of you, but still make food a priority. Eating dinner, even if it’s on the way, will help your kids feel full and happy! Don’t let your kids get hangry. Packing some snacks isn’t a bad idea either.

3. Let your kids have fun and play

I’m big on letting kids play and explore during sessions! It always helps if it’s a new location that your kids have never been to so they have plenty of new things to look at, touch and feel. Relax and let go of any stress you may be feeling to get the perfect shot. When you relax, your kids will feel more open to have fun at the shoot. And we all know, when you’re having fun, time flies!  It won’t feel like it’s an hour or more past bedtime– everyone will just be living in the moment. Remember, it’s just one night in the year and they can go to sleep on time the next night. Enjoy the evening and let them sleep in the car on the way home!

If you’re looking for a photographer to bring that relaxed, fun environment– look no further! Let’s talk more about your vision for your family photo shoot or maternity session!