Planning your senior photo session is a big deal, and one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the time of day to capture your pictures. If you want your photos to look as magical as possible, there’s one time that stands above the rest: the golden hour. This period just before sunset has a unique charm that can make your senior pictures truly stand out. Let’s dive into why “golden hour” is the perfect time for your senior pictures and why you’ll love the results!
1. The Magical Lighting
Golden hour gets its name for a reason! The light during this time of day has a warm, soft quality that makes everything look absolutely stunning. Unlike the harsh midday sun, which can create unflattering shadows and make you squint, the golden hour casts a gentle, flattering glow that makes skin tones look amazing. This softer light wraps around you, giving your photos a dreamy, ethereal feel. It also enhances the natural colors around you, making your background look rich and vibrant, whether you’re standing in a field, by the water, or in an urban setting.
2. Cooler Temperatures = More Comfortable Session
Scheduling your session just before sunset not only gives you fantastic lighting but also comes with the added bonus of cooler temperatures (especially here in Texas, where the temps are still in the 90s in October). If you’re taking your photos during the warmer months, this can make a big difference in your comfort level. No one wants to feel sweaty or uncomfortable during their session, especially when you’re trying to look your best! Golden hour sessions allow you to enjoy the cooler evening breeze, keeping you refreshed and ready to rock every shot.
3. A Variety of Backdrop Options
As the sun starts to set, the sky can transform into a canvas of different colors—think shades of pink, orange, and even purple. This natural shift in the sky can add a variety of backgrounds to your photos without you even having to move. You’ll get a mix of gorgeous light, a changing sky, and if you’re lucky, some stunning cloud formations. It’s like having multiple photoshoots in one, and it adds a unique touch to your senior pictures.



4. Perfect for Outdoor Locations
Whether you’re at the park, by the lake, or exploring a more urban setting, golden hour makes every outdoor location shine. It’s especially great if you’re incorporating nature into your session. The low angle of the sun brings out the textures in the landscape, highlighting tall grasses, shimmering water, or the glimmer of city lights as dusk approaches. If you’ve got your heart set on a nature-inspired shoot or want to feature an iconic local landmark, golden hour is hands down the best time.
5. Adds a Touch of Drama and Fun
Golden hour doesn’t just make you look good; it adds a touch of drama and excitement to your photos. The contrast between the warm light and long shadows creates depth and dimension, giving your images a cinematic quality. Want to add some movement to your photos? A quick twirl in the golden light or tossing your hat into the air can create a burst of magic in the frame. Plus, the warm tones can make your photos feel more personal and intimate, adding a bit of extra flair to your session.
6. Golden Hour Vibes = Relaxed and Laid-Back
There’s something about the evening hours that makes everything feel a bit more relaxed. The hustle and bustle of the day are winding down, and the atmosphere is peaceful and calm. This laid-back vibe can make you feel more at ease in front of the camera, helping your personality truly shine through. When you’re comfortable, it shows in your photos, leading to authentic and memorable images that capture the real you.
7. Flexibility for Outfit Changes
The light changes gradually during the golden hour which gives you the opportunity to make a quick outfit change. You’ll have enough time to mix up your look without feeling rushed, and the consistent light ensures that all your photos have that beautiful, cohesive glow. You can start your session with a casual outfit and switch to a more formal look as the sun sets for a variety of styles in one shoot. Also, as the sun begins to set, and the temperatures drop, adding a jacket is an easy way to change up an outfit.
8. The Perfect Ending to the Day
Last but not least, scheduling your session at golden hour gives you a perfect ending to your day. After a fun photoshoot, you can celebrate with your friends and family, maybe grab dinner, or even catch the sunset as it dips below the horizon. It’s a special way to close out your day and your senior photo experience.
Now, I also do plenty of morning shoots. It’s nice and cool in the mornings as well, and the other bonus to morning shoots is that most people are still asleep! So at many of the locations for photo sessions, in the mornings, we have the place to ourselves. We don’t have to fight the crowds and wait for people to pass by before we can take the pictures.


Morning light is also beautiful, but it is different from golden hour. It all just depends what your preferences are. And…as we all know, a lot of seniors are not “morning people,” so keep that in mind too! If your senior isn’t really ready to face the world until after lunch time, then golden hour is definitely a better time for you to schedule your senior’s pictures! And as you can see from the morning pictures above, most of those time slots are booked by families with small children.
So, if you’re planning your senior photo session, think about the magic of the golden hour. It’s not just about great lighting—it’s about creating an experience that’s comfortable, memorable, and truly unique. With cooler temps, ever-changing skies, and an extra touch of magic, your photos will be everything you dreamed of and more!
As always, you can find us over at Paula Mason Photography! Let us know how we can help you. Our Spring schedule is up and ready for you to book your session. We look forward to meeting you and your senior…
Until next time…