Timing is Everything
I love to photograph my sessions in the evenings about 30 minutes (mini sessions) to about 50 minutes (regular sessions) before sunset or "golden hour". At this time of day, the light can be golden and warm. I try to avoid harsh mid-day light that can create shadows that are unflattering.
Remember, the sun sets much earlier during the colder months of the year and much later during the warmer months, so make sure to factor that in when choosing your portrait session date, especially if you’re taking off work or have little ones with earlier bedtimes.
Some locations are very sheltered and require sessions to begin anywhere from 20-45 minutes earlier than others.
Golden Hour
I don't actually need a full hour- just give me a good 30-minutes and I will give you the most warm and beautiful images! Once the sun starts to set though- it's going to happen quickly. Don't worry though my assistant and I will be able to capture all the best moments when the sun is just right!
The Magnolia House
This beautiful and EXCLUSIVE to me location requires us to start your session a bit earlier as the property is rather shaded. If we time it just right we'll get the best peeps of light and so much warmth from the sun.
Cloudy Days are Good!
On overcast days we may choose to photograph your session a bit earlier since there will many times be no sunset at all. To get the most out of your session, please plan a buffer when getting ready so you can arrive a few minutes early to your session and be ready to start on time.
Bad Weather
Sometimes it rains or we have crummy weather- it rains- it's crazy windy....Please try to be flexible and know that I want to photograph your session- BADLY- but I can't control the weather. Believe this- I am watching the weather and every available radar- if I believe there is any chance that we can continue with your session we will. However, it is 100% Shawn Sawyer Photography's discretion to reschedule a session due to weather. When you book your session I will usually schedule a bad weather backup. I try to give you at least 4-6 hours notification. If we need to reschedule 5 times due to bad weather- we will! Your session will happen and you will be happy with the photos that follow!
