A photographer's favorite time of day, the "magic hour"
This is the last hour before sunset when the sun is warm and golden as it bids the color-streaked sky goodnight, or the first hour in the morning when the sunlight first greets the dark world.
Sunset is more commonly referred to as "golden hour" than sunrise.
You've possibly heard the term "golden hour" or wondered why photographers are so particular about the time of day they schedule sessions.
Not only is the sky beautiful at this time of day, there's a very important technical component.
Because of the angle of the light, it creates a flattering and soft glowy light that translates in photographs to beautiful smooth skin, no unsightly undereye shadows, and no squinting eyes due to harsh sunlight.
Is golden hour the only time that photos can be taken?
Photos don't need to be taken at golden hour, it just fits my style and editing best and I love the sun flares and the extra dramatic effect the golden sun gives!
I do also photograph during the hour before golden hour in the evening which also has beautiful and flattering lighting, it's just a bit less dramatic than the lighting just before sunset. It can help little ones to plan for the session to be one hour earlier.
How do I book a golden hour session for my family?
Booking is super easy! Use the link below to choose your session's date from my availability and we'll get started. With every session, I offer assistance in choosing outfits and provide you with location suggestions from my list of pre-scouted locations. I love to get to know a bit about your family before the session to know best how to tailor the prompts and poses to tell a beautiful story for your family.
Can I book a golden hour newborn session?
UM, YES! Absolutely! Especially in Minnesota, as soon as it gets nice we love to be outside, what better way to welcome your new baby to the world than introduce them to the fresh air and great outdoors?
A few things to keep in mind:
- I only offer outdoor newborn sessions from late spring through the summer (I will book them for fall too, dependent on the weather.) We want to keep your snuggly baby safe and warm and not upset them with it being too chilly.
- We won't do any photos of baby in just their diaper for outdoor photos - They stay warmer and are protected by their clothes from irritants like grass and dirt. Plus, it just doesn't look very natural.
- Babies can have a harder time later in the evening and tend to be more fussy (It actually has a name... "witching hour"!) Every baby is different though, your little one might sleep through the evening and be a cuddly little bug the whole time.
Once your baby arrives, we can always switch your session to a similarly beautiful sunrise session, or a cozy in-home session - I am totally willing to be flexible and adjust the session to suit your baby's needs!
For an earlier option (or just want to try something different) book a sunrise session!
Maybe your kiddos are early risers and you would all be up before dawn anyway (or they just are happier in the morning, like my kids.)
Even though sunrise and sunset are obviously different, they are both beautiful and the angle of the light is similarly low in the sky with flattering shadows during the first hour after sunrise.
For a sunrise session, you'd typically arrive right before the sun is set to rise, that way, you can have photos captured as the colors briefly streak the sky to celebrate the start of a new day.
Especially if your family is celebrating a change or new chapter in life, a sunrise session may add an extra depth of meaning and purpose to your family photos.
work with me
A meaningful and fun photo experience with your spouse and kiddos in one of the beautiful outdoor locations near St. Cloud, MN: Whether it is a field, lake-side beach, or wooded area, I am always on the search for more beautiful places to recommend for my clients.
work with me
Intentional photos of the expectant mother in a beautiful outdoor location. Her significant other and other children are included in the session as well. Flowy dresses to highlight your beautiful bump and make you feel as stunning as you are highly recommended!
work with me
Intentional and stress-free photos of your beautiful newborn (and his or her immediate family) in either the comfort of your own home where baby's memories begin, or in a beautiful outdoor location near St. Cloud.
St. Cloud, MN based
family + newborn photographer
Hi, my name is
Susannah!
I'm on a mission to create and capture poetic + love-filled moments for ordinary families.
As a photographer and busy mom to two under two, I am accustomed to the joyful chaos of young families and like to bring a relaxed approach to your photo session that encourages children to have fun and show their true personalities instead of forcing them to smile unnaturally on command.
Time to finally be in photos yourself, mama!
Motherhood is hard, in the midst of spilled Cheerios, dirty diapers, and crying babies, it can be difficult to slow down and see the sweet moments in the midst of the crazy.
I create a space for you to intentionally step away from the endless piles of laundry and be with your family.
I love to capture the quiet strength and beauty of motherhood as I direct your session to show you nurturing your children and being loved on by your husband.
Gone are the days of bribe-induced smiles from kids and stressed grimaces from mom and dad.
I encourage families to relax, play together, and cuddle close. As a feeler who longs to feel deeply the poetry of life, I direct families in a way that shows the poetry in the midst of their crazy, messy, wonderful lives.
