Sunrise or Sunset, OBX beach photos?

One of the most common questions we get about summer Outer Banks family beach portraits is whether to schedule the session at sunrise or sunset. Both times offer beautiful light, but there are a few things to consider when making your decision.

1. Early Birds vs. Night Owls: If your family tends to sleep in, a sunrise session might not be the best fit. However, if you’re early risers (or have young children who wake up early), sunrise can be a great option.

2. Bedtimes for Littles: For families with young children who have early bedtimes, sunrise sessions are often a better choice. Sunset sessions typically start around 7 p.m. to capture the best light, which can be too late for little ones.

3. The Beauty of Sunrise Light: Sunrise light is soft and warm, and we time our sessions to capture the full range of light as the sun rises over the ocean.

4. Get It Done and Enjoy the Rest of Your Day: One of the benefits of a sunrise session is that it’s done early, leaving you with the rest of the day to relax and enjoy your vacation.

5. Sunrise Means Sunrise! The latest we’ll start a morning session is 7 a.m. because we want to avoid the harsh light and heat of the day. The ideal time for a sunrise session is usually between 5:45-6 a.m.

Still not sure which time is right for you? Contact us for more information and helpful tips on planning your Outer Banks portrait session!