Hey photographers! I’m sharing about this today because it’s something I struggled with for so long! It took me awhile to figure out when exactly I should start engagement (or portrait) sessions so I had just the right amount of time to spend with the couple, without it cutting too short or dragging too long, all in the perfect time from for dreamy sunset lighting!! Engagement sessions are such an important part of the wedding experience, because it really builds trust between you and your clients before the wedding day. Knowing how to make an engagement session go really smoothly to wow your clients will only make their experience that much better!! :)

I have gone back and forth from starting 1.5 hours before the sun actually “sets” (sunset time) to up to 3 hours before sunset time! I’ve tried everything in-between, and for myself and the way I shoot, I have found that the perfect amount of time is 2 hours before the official sunset time for a particular date.

Even if sunset is at a certain time, the sun typically doesn’t stay out that long. It usually “sets” at least 15 minutes before the actual sunset time- sometimes a little sooner! So if the sunset is at 8pm, the sun really is gone by 7:45ish. This is because of treelines and the skyline, so it all depends on where you’re at and what’s around you. But I know if I start around 2 hours before sunset time, it will allow these things:

1. By the time the couple arrives, we talk and go through things, and actually start shooting, I will have at least 1.5 hours of good sunset light (even if I don’t need it all).
2. If the couple is running late, it gives us a buffer of around 30 minutes to still have a good hour of beautiful light (because I guarantee the sessions last at least one hour). And if I feel like going longer, I can usually get another 10 minutes in after the sun is actually gone!
3. If the couple is 15-20 minutes early, I can still easily end the session at around 1.5 hours after I start shooting (max) and not miss all of the really beautiful light at the very end of sunset.

So if you’re struggling too with finding the perfect time to start sessions, maybe try starting around 2 hours before the sun goes down and go from there! :)

Also, another quick tip! If you’re planning on doing two different locations with your clients (for example, a spot in the city and then a field or park), I will always opt to go to the city location first, then head to the park or field! The sunlight is gone even sooner when you’re surrounded by buildings, so you’re really going to want that extra light at the beginning of your session. When you head over to the more outdoorsy spot, you’re going to love the softer light there for the more open spaces! :)

I hope this helps you serve your clients well! :)