At Wilde Sparrow, we book most of our sessions at sunrise or sunset—for good reason! The light during these times is soft, warm, and incredibly flattering, while the cooler temperatures keep everyone more comfortable. Late morning and midday sessions often mean crowded beaches (which can distract kids and fill your gallery with strangers!), as well as intense heat that can lead to fussy little ones—and let’s be honest, sometimes fussy adults too! So now that you understand why we limit sessions to these times, let’s talk pros and cons of sunrise vs. sunset photography sessions.
That said, we completely understand that sunrise or sunset sessions require a one-time adjustment to your family’s schedule. We’ve found that kids often do best first thing in the morning, and for those traveling to Hawaii, the time change may actually work in your favor—many families are up early during the first few days of their trip while adjusting.
To see what time a sunrise or sunset session will start, use this website!
With sunrise sessions, you can expect empty beaches, calm waters, and softer pastel colors in your images. If you book your session toward the beginning of your visit, a sunrise time may be perfect as you adjust to the time change.
On sunny days, sunset sessions bring warm, vivid colors, beautiful ocean waves, and more location options. If you’re dreaming of images with the golden sun dipping right into the water, sunset is the best choice for you.
While we strongly recommend sunrise or sunset for the best experience and results, we do have a few locations on each island that can work for non-peak times, depending on where you’re staying and our team’s availability. If you’d like to explore this, just let us know, and we’ll see if we can accommodate your request while still ensuring we deliver the stunning images you expect from us.
That said, you know your family best! We completely understand if you don’t think a sunrise or sunset session will work for you. We’re happy to recommend a few other photographers who may be able to accommodate a different start time.
At the end of the day, we want your session to be as enjoyable and stress-free as possible—because when your family is relaxed and having fun, that’s when the magic happens! No matter what you decide, our team is here to answer all of your questions and guide you to have the best session possible.
Whether you choose sunset vs. sunrise photography in Hawaii, each offers its own magic—soft pastels and serenity at sunrise or golden warmth and vibrant skies at sunset. No matter which you prefer, our team is here to capture your family’s story in the most beautiful light. Ready to book your dream session? Let’s create memories you’ll cherish forever!
Schedule your Hawaii photo session today!
Wilde Sparrow offers vibrant couples, maternity, and family portraits in Big Island, Oahu, and Maui, Hawaii. They specialize in creating a fun photography experience to enjoy on your Hawaiian vacation.