Most of us have heard of Golden Hour—that magical time just after sunrise or before sunset that creates the most flattering, soft, and warm lighting. As a Breckenridge family photographer, I strive to schedule all my sessions during this time to achieve the beautiful, consistent work you see in my portfolio.
However, as summer progresses and the days get longer, golden hour sessions can start as late as 7:30 PM. One of the most common questions I get is:
“Can we start the session earlier?”
At the end of the day, I want to create a session that works best for you and your family. But let’s dive into why timing for your Breckenridge photo session matters—and how we can ensure the best possible experience for your family!
The Magic of Golden Hour
Golden hour—the hour after sunrise or before sunset—creates the most flattering, soft, and warm lighting. During this time, the sun is lower in the sky, eliminating harsh shadows and giving everything a beautiful, dreamy glow. This type of light is especially important in the mountains, where high elevation and open landscapes can make midday sun incredibly harsh.
The warm, golden tones of this light are especially flattering for skin tones, creating a natural, even, radiant look. Unlike midday light, which can cast unflattering blue or green tones from the sky and surrounding environment, golden hour enhances the warmth in skin, giving everyone a soft and healthy glow. The gentle, directional light also helps to minimize shadows under the eyes and nose, creating an even, balanced complexion in photos.
For landscapes, golden hour works like a natural filter, enhancing colors and textures. The mountains appear richer, with a soft, ethereal quality, and the sky often takes on soft hues of pink, orange, and purple.
Why This Matters Most in the Mountains
In many areas, photographers can take advantage of treed or sheltered areas to achieve beautiful light earlier in the day. However when asked, almost every single client who is getting a photo session done during their Breckenridge vacation is looking for those great expansive mountain views as their backdrop. When we prioritize those wide-open landscapes, we lose the ability to filter light through trees or buildings. This results in harsher shadows and a different overall look than what you may see in much of my portfolio. Without natural shade to soften the light, the sun creates strong contrasts and deep shadows, making it more challenging to achieve that soft, glowing aesthetic that golden hour naturally provides.
This is why timing is so crucial—by scheduling your session during golden hour, we ensure that those breathtaking mountain vistas are bathed in soft, consistent light, allowing for the most stunning and natural-looking images possible.
Why Midday is Challenging
In the summer, the sun sits higher in the sky for longer, creating direct, overhead lighting that casts unflattering shadows. Additionally, bright midday sun can cause uneven lighting on faces and make it difficult to capture the stunning mountain scenery without harsh contrast.
If you’re envisioning vibrant, glowing images where the mountains look soft and magical, golden hour is key. Midday sessions, on the other hand, can result in blown-out skies, deep shadows, and colors that don’t reflect the beauty of the landscape. Check out the couple examples below of photos taken at earlier times in the day.
Tips for Helping Kids Adjust to a Later Session
- Adjust bedtime gradually- Shift bedtime later by 15-20 minutes each night leading up to session. Many families find this easier while on vacation since daily routines are already more flexible.
- Bring snacks and comfort items- A small snack, water, and a favorite stuffed animal or blanket can help keep kids comfortable and happy during the session. A little treat after the session can also be a great motivator!
- Let kids be kids- It’s okay if they’re not smiling the whole time! Candid moments often make for the most cherished photos, so don’t stress if your child wants to explore, run around, or be silly—we’ll capture their personality beautifully.
Sunrise Sessions: An Alternative to Evenings
Still think the evening sessions will be too much of a stretch? Consider a sunrise session! Early morning light is just as beautiful as golden hour, and it allows you to beat the crowds at popular locations. Plus, little ones are often at their happiest first thing in the morning! However, when I say early I mean it- In the summer months, our start time would be about 6:30am! Additionally, since we are in a high alpine environment, mornings in Breckenridge can be chilly—even in July! You may still need sweaters for those early morning hours.
Why Its Worth The Effort
A photography session is an investment, and my goal is to create stunning, timeless images that you’ll cherish forever. The time we shoot plays a crucial role in achieving that magical look you see in my portfolio.
While it may take a little extra effort to adjust schedules, I promise—it will be worth it when you see your final gallery! If you have any questions or concerns about timing, let’s chat! I’m happy to help you plan a session that works for your family while still achieving those stunning mountain photos you’re dreaming of.
Still Need An Earlier Session?
If an earlier session is truly the best option for your family, we can make adjustments to still achieve beautiful results:
If an earlier session is the best option for your family, we can absolutely make adjustments! We’ll look for locations that offer natural shade, such as tree-covered areas or spots with natural walls that help diffuse the light. While this may mean sacrificing some of the wide-open mountain backdrops that Breckenridge is known for, we can still create beautiful images with soft, even lighting.
Capture the Magic of Breckenridge with Perfect Timing
Golden hour truly is the secret to stunning, timeless photos in Breckenridge. Whether you’re planning a family session or a romantic couples shoot, choosing the right time ensures soft, flattering light and breathtaking mountain backdrops. While evening sessions may require a slight schedule adjustment, the results are always worth it!
No matter what time of day we shoot, my goal is to capture your family in a way that feels authentic and timeless. Let’s chat about your vision, and we’ll find the perfect location and time to bring it to life!
Let’s create the dreamy Breckenridge photos you’ve been envisioning! Click HERE to book your session today.
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