One of the most common questions I get as a beach portrait photographer is: "When is the best time for our photo session?" The short answer is—either early morning or late evening. Because it’s all about the light.
The Magic of Golden Hour
Golden hour refers to the period shortly before and after sunrise and sunset, when the sun is low in the sky and the light becomes softer, warmer, and more flattering. In summer, the sky takes on a beautiful array of pinks, oranges, and violets that immediately invokes the memories of warm beach days and creates a perfect backdrop for a family shoot. This natural glow also enhances skin tones - especially those summer tans - and minimizes harsh shadows (especially on the face around the nose and chin). Golden hour adds a beautiful, dreamy atmosphere to your portraits - which is why so many photographers choose it!
Whether you’re standing by the dunes in Sea Isle or along the shoreline in Strathmere, golden hour light creates a romantic, timeless look that’s difficult to replicate any other time of day.
Sunrise vs. Sunset: What’s the Difference?
Sunrise Sessions can produce amazing, dramatic results. The sky is beautiful, the temps are cool, the beaches are empty, and capturing an amazing sunrise over the ocean as your background can yield a stunning result! Early morning can often be better for kids, too - who are fresh from sleep and not worn out from a day on the beach. The downside - well in our area, mid-summer sunrise is often as early as 5:30 AM- which means being on the beach ready to shoot around 5am. Perfect for early risers, but not always ideal for those who like to sleep in. The other downside is the possibly of early morning fog - which is not the end of the world, but not ideal. Sunrise session are a particularly nice option for those looking forcouples and maternity sessions.
Sunset Golden Hour Sessions (7:30 - 8:30) produce beautiful warm golden tones, vibrant skies, and the convenience of after-dinner scheduling for families. The cons? Well often there are still folks on the beach - particularly in Sea Isle and Ocean City - which is why I always recommend shooting on the beautiful, natural, and empty beaches in Strathmere (I even offer a discount if you do!) Parents often worry about a cranky child after a long day, and while it's not unheard of, in my experience most kids rise to the challenge with a combination of fun and patience.
Midday Light: A Challenge for Portraits While it might be tempting to schedule a session during the day when the beach is bustling, in mid summer virtually any time between 9am and 5 pm is really too harsh for portraits. The sun creates deep, unflattering shadows, squinting eyes, and washed-out colors. The background distractions are many and the temps often uncomfortable - which is why I always recommend shooting during the bookends of the day.
My Approach
No matter when you pick, every session I do is tailored to your family’s needs and comfort. Some families and couples prefer the peace of an early morning shoot - which offers privacy and dramatic sunrises. Others love the golden glow that comes just before and after sunset. Either way, I help guide that decision based on the forecast, my knowledge of the area, your group’s dynamics, and the beach you choose.
In the End, It’s About the Experience
The best beach session isn’t just about light alone —it’s about creating a relaxed, enjoyable experience. When you're comfortable and the lighting is just right, the genuine moments shine through. That’s when the magic happens.
Ready to book your own golden hour beach session? Contact me today and let’s make it happen!