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Sunrise vs. sunset photography sessions in Hawaii

Session Tips

April 5, 2023

Which is better? Sunrise vs. sunset photography

It’s not easy to choose between Sunrise vs. sunset photography sessions. Here in Hawaii, the sun is bright and powerful starting at 1- 1.5 hours after sunrise up until 1 – 1.5 hours before sunset so I work my sessions into the times where I know the gorgeous Hawaii sunshine will be working with you, not against you! I want you to look your best and I also want you to get a gallery of gorgeous images that look like the work you see in my portfolio.

This is why we only schedule photo sessions to take place twice per day – sunrise and sunset. It isn’t that we can’t do a session at other times of day, it’s that we understand that the light at those times is harsh and unflattering. And girl, we want you to look good!

To see what time a sunrise or sunset session will start, use this website! So now that you understand why I limit my session to these times, let’s talk pros and cons of Sunrise vs. sunset photography sessions.

A family of three stands on a beach during sunset. The parents are smiling and holding a baby between them, while the mother wears a flower crown. The sky echoes the beauty of Maui sunrises with its soft orange hue, and palm trees are visible in the distance.

Sunrise Photography Sessions

PROS:

  • Expect an empty beach! Perfect for those who would prefer as few people around as possible because the beaches are at their emptiest at first light.

  • Beautiful, soft light. Sunrise light is often very flattering for the first 20-30 minutes before the sun starts getting too bright.

  • Your session finishes first thing in the morning so you can enjoy the rest of your day without stressing about an evening photo session (or sunburn!).

  • If you’re coming from the East Coast, you may be up super early anyway during the beginning of your vacation – so sunrise may be perfect for you.

CONS:

  • Set your alarm! You’re going to have to get up early for this one. In the summer months, we’re talking about a 5:30 am start time. In the winter months, it’s a bit more reasonable at 7 am.
  • Some beaches aren’t open at sunrise so your location choices are limited. (But don’t worry, they’re still beautiful!)

And here are a few beautiful sunrise photography session images!

A couple embraces lovingly under tall, swaying palm trees against a clear blue sky. The woman wears a light blue dress and a floral crown, while the man is in a blue patterned shirt and khaki shorts. The scene evokes tropical relaxation, perfect for capturing sunrise versus sunset photography. A family of four stands on a sandy beach, surrounded by palm trees. The father carries a child on his shoulders while sharing a kiss with the mother. Another child stands beside them, holding hands. The ocean is calm as they create cherished memories perfect for sunrise vs. sunset photography. A family stands on rocky terrain by the ocean. The father holds a young child while kissing the mother, who is wearing a yellow skirt. The sky is cloudy, and the ocean waves are gently breaking in the background.

A group of people, including children and adults, sit together on a sandy beach. Captured by talented Hawaii photographers, theyre in casual summer attire. Tall trees and greenery are in the background, with the sun peeking through the leaves. The atmosphere is relaxed and cheerful.

A family of three walks along a sandy beach at sunset. The couple is wearing white, and the mother is holding their child. Gentle waves roll onto the shore, and the sky is a mix of soft orange and blue hues. Mountains are visible in the distance.

Sunset Photography Sessions

PROS:

  • Golden light EVERYWHERE! The sunsets on Maui and the Big Island are world-famous. If you choose a location where the sun sets directly over the water so your session will be filled with gorgeous golden light.

  • The skies are at their most dramatic at sunset. Where sunrises are usually a soft blue sky, at sunset if the clouds are just right you may just get some cotton candy skies full of color.

  • There are more location options at sunset since almost all the beaches in Hawaii are open until the sun goes down.

CONS:

  • In the summer months, sunset is late in the evening and may require a one-time adjustment in the schedule of little ones. I recommend a nice long nap in the afternoon and backup snacks to avoid melt-downs.

  • Beaches are popular and busy at the end of the day. I’m used to skillfully navigating the crowds but preparing for there to be more than a few people around.

And here are a few beautiful sunset photography session images!

A family of four stands on a sandy Kihei beach, surrounded by palm trees and lush greenery. The parents hold two young children. The man wears a white shirt and pink shorts, while the woman wears a pink dress. The sun is setting, casting a warm, golden glow perfect for Maui family photography. Two children hold hands and jump at the beach, waves dancing around their feet. They face a dramatic sky painted with orange and purple clouds, hinting at sunset or sunrise. Their light summer outfits add to the joyful scene, capturing a moment that Maui photographers would cherish. A family of three poses for a beach family photo during sunset. The man carries a child, while the woman holds his hand. The sky dazzles with orange and pink hues, framed by swaying palm trees in the background. Three children hold hands and smile on a sandy beach, captured beautifully by a Maui photographer. The boy sports a patterned shirt and gray pants, while the girls twirl in their pink and blue dresses. Palm trees and rocks grace the background under a clear sky. A family of four stands on a sandy beach during sunset, captured perfectly by a Hawaii photographer. The parents are carrying two children as ocean waves gently lap at the shore, with palm trees and rocks in the background. Everyone is smiling and dressed in light, casual clothes.

A family of four stands on a Maui beach, embracing and facing the ocean. The sun is setting, casting warm light and long shadows on the sand. Captured by a talented Maui family photographer, the sky is filled with soft clouds and shades of orange and blue. A family stands together on a sandy Hawaii beach at sunset. They are all dressed in white, smiling at a baby held by one woman. Rocks and palm trees embrace the scene, with the ocean and a vibrant sunset painting the perfect picture for memorable family beach photos. A family of four enjoys the stunning Maui sunset. A man lifts a young girl in a dress into the air, while a woman and another girl hold hands and spin. The ocean waves provide a picturesque backdrop for this perfect moment captured in their family photos. A couple planning their Hawaii babymoon stands hand in hand on a beach at sunset. The man wears a patterned shirt and white pants, while the woman dons a long, light blue dress. They face the ocean as scattered clouds drift in the sky.

I hope this helps as you are deciding whether to schedule a sunrise or sunset beach session with me. No matter what you decide, I’m here to answer all of your questions and guide you to have the best session possible.

 

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Schedule your Hawaii photo session today!

 

A couple walks hand in hand along a sandy beach, framed by lush greenery and palm trees. The Pros + Cons: Sunrise or Sunset? the text reads, inviting thoughts of capturing sunrise vs. sunset photography in the partly cloudy sky that hints at the magic of daybreak or twilight.

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