Not everyone loves the idea of waking up before the sun, but hear me out—sunrise senior sessions are absolutely worth it. The soft, golden light, the peaceful quiet of the morning, and that dreamy, slightly hazy glow make for some of the most stunning senior photos. When Taylor chose a sunrise session, we knew we were in for something special. And let me tell you—it did not disappoint.

The Pros of a Sunrise Senior Session

🌅 Gorgeous Light – The early morning sun creates a soft, flattering glow that’s different from golden hour in the evening. It’s not as harsh as midday light, so you don’t have to worry about squinting or strong shadows.

🌿 A Peaceful, Private Setting – If your location is usually busy, sunrise is a great way to avoid crowds. Parks, lakes, and city streets are quiet, which gives us more flexibility and a relaxed atmosphere.

☁️ A Touch of Morning Magic – Some mornings come with a beautiful mist or haze, adding a soft, almost ethereal quality to your photos. It’s the kind of natural filter that makes everything look even more dreamy.

🌡 Cooler Temperatures – If you’re taking photos in the summer, an early session means you’ll skip the heat and humidity. This is especially great if you’re worried about sweating or feeling uncomfortable in warm layers.

The Cons (Because Let’s Be Real…)

⏰ You Have to Wake Up Early – Yep, there’s no getting around it. Depending on the time of year, sunrise could mean a 5:30 or 6:00 AM session. But trust me, the results are worth the struggle.

💄 Getting Ready in the Dark – If you’re doing hair and makeup, you’ll need to get up even earlier. Pro tip: lay out everything the night before so you’re not scrambling in the morning.

☀️ The Light Changes Quickly – Sunrise light is gorgeous, but it moves fast. That’s why we plan ahead and make every moment count to get the best shots before the sun gets too high.

Is a Sunrise Session Right for You?

If you love soft, natural light, want a unique look for your senior photos, and don’t mind an early morning adventure, sunrise could be the perfect choice.

Thinking about it? Let’s chat! 

Check out more photo inspiration on my Instagram page.