Delaware Family & Couples Photographer
One of the most important parts of planning your photo session is picking the right time of day. Light plays a huge role in the look and feel of your photos, and timing the session just right helps us capture the beautiful beach glow, natural skin tones, and that dreamy ocean backdrop you're hoping for.
Timing for Sunset Sessions
For the best results, I recommend starting your session 45 minutes before sunset. I use a sunset lookup tool to get the exact sunset time for the date of your session, so I’ll guide you on the best start time.
Here's how it works:
- The first 30 to 40 minutes of your session will take place as the sun is still above the horizon but starting to dip lower. This gives us that warm, soft light that flatters skin tones and avoids harsh shadows or squinty eyes.
- The last 15 minutes are typically after the sun has set. If the weather cooperates and we get a pretty sunset (fingers crossed for minimal cloud cover!), this is when the sky lights up with beautiful colors—pinks, purples, oranges, and golds.
And if it’s cloudy?
Cloudy skies actually create soft, even lighting that’s very flattering for portraits. While we might not get a colorful sunset, overcast sessions can still be beautiful—and we don’t have to worry as much about squinting or harsh shadows. I’ll adjust our positioning and timing slightly to make the most of the available light.
Backgrounds + Timing
When we begin the session, the sun will still be a bit too strong for photos with the ocean in the background.
To keep everyone comfortable and avoid squinty eyes or unflattering lighting, we’ll usually start with the dunes or the beach houses in the background. These spots give us beautiful, natural backdrops with softer lighting.
As the sun lowers and the light softens, we’ll move closer to the water, so you’ll still get that classic ocean-in-the-background look. By timing it right, we make sure the light on your faces is even and golden, and the beach looks its best.
These 3 photos were taken within 45 minutes of one another. We started with the dunes in the background and at the end of the session were able to capture some gorgeous sunset photos!
Timing + Flexibility
I completely understand that sunset timing, especially in the long days of summer, can be tricky with little kids. I’m always happy to work with you to find the best solution that considers bedtime and feeding schedules!
That said, please know that if we start earlier than the recommended time, about 90% of your session will take place with the dunes or beach houses in the background, rather than the ocean.
While the lighting will still be lovely and flattering, we may not capture many ocean-backdrop shots if the sun is too high. If you still want some ocean-backdrop images, but we start early, bring sunglasses for the whole crew!
In Summary
- Ideal start time: 45 minutes before sunset
- Best for: Soft lighting, ocean backdrops, flattering portraits
- Cloudy day? Still great! Soft, flattering light—just less color in the sky
- Early session trade-off: About 90% of your photos will be with the dunes or houses/high-rises in the background (unless it's cloudy).
- Flexibility: Happy to offer, especially for families with young kids - but keep the trade-offs in mind.
If you have any questions about timing or need help planning your session, just reach out - I’m here to help make your photo experience relaxed, fun, and full of beautiful memories.
Areas served
Fenwick Island, Delaware
Bethany Beach, Delaware
Ocean City, Maryland