Sunrise, Sunset, or Blue Hour Photos? When and Where to Capture the Magic | Maui Photographer
When planning a photo session on Maui, one of the first decisions you'll need to make is whether to go for a sunrise or sunset shoot. Both offer their unique beauty, and your choice will greatly impact the mood of your photographs.
Sunrise
I personally love to wake up early and shoot sunrise, and there are a few different reasons:
1) the beaches in the early morning are mostly uncrowded and in some locations you can have the place to yourself;
2) the light is gentle and diffused, creating a flattering glow for the skin;
3) there is a longer period to work with as the light gradually changes giving the opportunity to capture more vibrant photos as well.
When it's a clear day with no clouds, sunrise light turns golden, creating a dreamlike atmosphere!
Sometimes, it’s cloudy in the morning, but we make the most of what we have! Cloudy skies create a clean, even light that is very flattering to the skin and adds a moody atmosphere to the photos.
I recommend sunrise sessions for early risers and those who look for calm and peaceful vibes in their photos, and want their session to be more private. It's a great time to capture couple’s romantic moments or maternity photos.
The downside of sunrise session is is the early wake-up. Depending on the time of the year, sunrise in Hawaii can be as early as 5:40-7 am. Although if you're traveling from the East or even the West Coast, you might find it easier to wake up early due to the time difference.
Sunset
Sunset is the most popular time for photography and here is why:
1) sunset sessions are generally more convenient and allow for a more relaxed schedule, as you won't need to rise before dawn;
2) the light brings rich, warm tones that create a vibrant, lively atmosphere in the photos;
3) vivid colors of the sunset sky, which often include shades of red, orange, and purple.
The light at sunset is warm and rich, creating more contrasty and vibrant photos.
Golden light just before sunset creates a beautiful golden glow adds a dreamy atmosphere to the photos.
Sometimes the sun hides behind the clouds at sunset, providing us with even light that is flattering to the skin.
The low angle of the sun creates opportunities for capturing stunning silhouette shots that add an artistic touch to your photos.
It's worth noting that during my sunset sessions, I typically don't use flash, allowing the light of the golden hour to illuminate the subject and create a soft, warm ambiance. This means that most of the photography takes place before the sun dips below the horizon and I rarely create photos with super vivid sky colors that some people are looking for. Sunset sessions are great for creating vibrant and magical atmosphere in your photos, which makes it perfect for couples, maternity and family portraits.
The downside of sunset sessions is that popular sunset locations can be crowded with tourists and other photographers. Also, the quality of light changes rapidly during sunset, which means a shorter window to capture the perfect shot.
Blue Hour
This couple was looking for peaceful vibes and muted colors in their photos so we started shooting at the dawn
Just before sunrise, or in the evening just after sunset, there's a "blue hour." This brief period offers a unique blue and purple hue, which can add a touch of mystique to your photos. It's perfect for creating moody or ethereal shots, and it’s very flattering for the skin. Consider arriving a little earlier before sunrise or staying a bit later after sunset to catch the blue hour that will allow for more variety in your photos.
When to Choose Sunrise or Sunset:
Your choice between sunrise and sunset sessions depends on the vibe you're looking for in your photos. But it also depends on where you are on the island.
Sunrise sessions work best on the Hana side, North shore, Upcountry, and some particular places on the Westside, like Olowalu and Kapalua. Sunrise photoshoots on the Kihei and Wailea side might not be the ideal choice unless you are looking for a calm peaceful vibes of a morning blue hour.
Locations like Kihei, Wailea, Westside, and Upcountry are known for its spectacular sunsets. Depending on the time of the year and location you may be able to see the sun dipping below the horizon over the water. While the sunsets over the ocean are stunning, it's worth noting that the sunsets on the North Shore can be also uniquely beautiful. The sun often sets behind the clouds and the West Maui Mountains, creating a moody atmosphere for your photos.
Consider that Maui weather is unpredictable, and sometimes the sunset or sunrise isn't as vibrant as you hoped. But don't be discouraged! In such cases, I often encourage clients to embrace the unique atmosphere created by overcast skies. The diffused light is soft and flattering for the skin, and adds some moody, ethereal feel to your photos.
North Shore sunsets are mostly cloudy which is perfect for creating moody pictures
Sometimes, even a Wailea sunset can be surprisingly dull – nature always has surprises!
What if we can’t do either?
I understand that not everyone can rise with the sun. Morning sessions until around 9 a.m. are a great alternative. During this time, you can still capture the beauty of natural light without the need to wake up at dawn. It's a wonderful option for families who prefer a more relaxed start to their day while enjoying the soft, flattering morning light. Those moments are worth capturing, regardless of the time on the clock!
This family was waiting for the little one to wake up, so we scheduled the session for 9am and still got some good shots!
Remember, the "best" time can vary depending on your specific vision and the mood you want to convey in your photos. Both sunrise and sunset sessions on Maui offer their unique charm. If you're uncertain about your choice, it's always a good idea to discuss with your photographer about your vision and the available options. I typically suggest that clients create a Pinterest board with 10-20 images that resonate with their vision. This helps me understand their preferences and find the perfect location and timing.
So, whether you go for sunrise or sunset, Maui has the perfect location to match your photography desires. If you're seeking a beautiful photo session that aligns with your vision, I’d be happy to work with you!
