Sunset Maternity Portraits At Vasona Park

Sunset Maternity Portraits At Vasona Park | Why I LOVE Shooting Portraits At Sunset

One of the most frequently asked questions I receive is, “what is the best time to take maternity portraits?” Well that is simple: around sunset. Here are some images from a recent session. As well as why I LOVE shooting maternity portraits at this time of day.

The Weather Is Cooler In The Evening

Depending on the time of the year, it can be REALLY hot during the day! I tend to overheat really easy and so I love shooting outdoor maternity portraits when it is cool outside 🙂 As you get further along in your pregnancy, I am sure this is something you can appreciate as well!

The Lighting Is Soft And Vibrant At Sunset

Perhaps the main reason why sunset it the best time for outdoor maternity portraits is because of the quality of light. At sunset, the sun is low in the sky and this creates nice soft light. I will not get too much into it – but when the sun is low in the sky (and closer in proximity) this makes the light source large. If you have ever seen indoor portraits, they will often use light modifiers to make the light source bigger. For example, umbrellas and soft boxes. The larger the light source, the softer and more flattering 😉

At sunset, the color of the light is also very vibrant. Every light source has a specific color to it; and this changes throughout the day. Direct sunlight has a specific color – which is typically blueish. Shade has a specific color cast, and so does the lighting at sunset. At sunset, the color of the light is orange and yellow. And the sky can also be really colorful 🙂

There Are No Limitations On Where You Can Shoot

Another great thing about sessions at sunset is that there are no limitations on where you can shoot. Depending on the location, the direction that you take pictures plays an important role. For example, the most ideal direction to shoot an image is where the subject is in the shade – and the background is also shaded. In situations like this, the entire image will be evenly lit. But during the day, many backgrounds will be very bright and this creates a high contrast image. Whenever possible, I like to have the background as shaded as possible… and the great thing about portraits at sunset is that everywhere you shoot will be evenly lit. So you can shoot in any direction 😉

I LOVE Getting The Sun Shooting Through The Trees

Lastly, I LOVE being able to get the sun shooting through trees or other elements. This is not always possible, but I am always looking for these types of images. Because of all of the trees, sunset maternity portraits at Vasona Park allows for many opportunities to get these types of images. This is because at sunset, the sun is low in the sky and at an angle that is the most ideal time for these images. Many Photographers will add these types of sun flares to their images – but I prefer to capture these organically 🙂

Hopefully these examples of sunset maternity portraits at Vasona Park have given you some ideas for your own session 🙂 I highly recommend scheduling your session around sunset! Of course, if you are interested in scheduling a session – I would love to connect with you. The best way to reach me is through a quick email or through the contact form on my website. Thanks!