Golden Hour Family Photo Session in Sunriver, Oregon

Golden hour is the perfect time for an outdoor portrait session. You’ll often hear photographers swooning about golden hour and discover many photographers choose to schedule outdoor sessions around this time, whether it is a wedding, senior session or family photos, golden hour can be the preferred time for photographers to take pictures. When I schedule my Sunriver or Bend portrait sessions my first choice of start time is in the evening near sunset.

Why Shoot During Golden Hour?

The light is just that, golden and dreamy as the sun begins to set below the horizon. Since the sun is lower in sky it will produce a softer quality of light that is less contrasty and harsh compared to the overhead light of high noon.

This sweet family met me at a beautiful meadow on their Sunriver family vacation and we spent an hour chasing that golden light before it set. The two children played together in the grassy field, caught grasshoppers, looked for frogs and the mom received sweet snuggles and hugs from both of her kids. Fun was had by all!

What Is the Best Time to Shoot in Sunriver?

While you can shoot in Sunriver, Oregon in the early morning or in the evening around sunset, I prefer shooting at my favorite location at sunset. I often lean towards backlighting my photographs and at this certain location having the subject face east during the shoot provides a nicer backdrop. If the river is important feature in the session, sunset is the preferred time of day. Another reason I prefer shooting in the evening is due to the cooler temperatures in the early morning even during our summer months.

Keep in mind during the summer months, sunset is late and this may conflict with dinnertime and bedtimes. If it is possible, I recommend planning an earlier dinner (maybe order takeout to make it easy) on the day of your session and try to get the kids to have a little nap. If this doesn’t work out and kids are a little cranky, try not to stress. Family photos are capturing a moment in time, as you and your family are, and if not everyone is smiling that is ok.