Photography is often about capturing fleeting moments, in fact, you could say that's all it's about. And what's more fleeting than an early morning sunrise (unlike those annoying afternoon sunrises that always stick around for far too long). Recently, I had the pleasure of shooting a sunrise session with Lina & Aryan at Woodbine Beach here in Toronto, and it was an experience that highlighted (does that count as a pun? ) why sunrise photoshoots are so special. Here’s why you need to consider getting up for sunrise for your next photoshoot.
The Golden Hour Glow
This one is the most obvious and what everyone thinks of when you hear "sunrise" (right after thinking "I'm more of a sunset person"). Sunrise offers incredible, warm natural light that can elevate your photos to another level. During my shoot with Lina & Aryan, we were fortunate enough to get an amazing sunrise full of warmth and colour that really added an ethereal look to their photos.
Less Crowded
One of the underrated advantages of a sunrise photoshoot is the tranquillity. Woodbine Beach is a popular spot, and gets very crowded, very quickly. However, at sunrise, it was a serene haven, providing the perfect setting for Lina & Aryan to relax and feel at ease without having to worry about photobombers or judging eyes. The calm, early morning allowed us to work without distractions and focus entirely on having fun and getting the shots we wanted. It also means you probably won't be sharing the beach with any speedo enthusiasts. Whether that's a pro or a con I'll leave up to you.
Refreshing Start to the Day
There’s something invigorating about starting the day with a sunrise shoot (if chugging 2 cups of coffee counts as invigorating that is). But really, the crisp morning air and the excitement of capturing images that will last a lifetime make 5:30 am shoots a blast (I know what you're thinking, "You had me at 5:30 am 😍). And that feeling of accomplishment for getting something done before most people are even up is a great boost for the day!
And a good excuse for a nap!
Freedom to be Creative
We know getting in front of the camera can be an intimidating process for a lot of people (Not with us obviously, but with other photographers). While we love to help our clients feel at ease and relaxed, that can be difficult if we're on location with a lot of eyes watching. Being at a nearly empty location makes it much easier for everyone involved to feel at ease and willing to do creative & fun poses. Couples are usually more accepting of our "Run around like airplanes" style prompts. Now whether that's from the empty location or a lack of sleep isn't entirely known but we'll keep you informed once we have more data.
A sunrise photoshoot is not just about capturing beautiful images; it's about experiencing a moment of peace at a place that allows your love to unfold in front of the lens. The warm light, vibrant colours, and serene atmosphere create the perfect conditions for powerful images that tell a story. My recent shoot with Lina & Aryan at Woodbine Beach was a testament to the magic of sunrise sessions. So, the next time you plan a photoshoot, consider setting your alarm early and heading out at dawn. You’ll be rewarded with photos that are not only visually stunning but also rich in emotion and meaning.
Embrace the dawn.
Book your sunrise session today.
