Alex & Tyler’s Knoxville engagement session is the perfect example of why I schedule sessions one hour before sunset. Sometimes I receive a slight pushback when I say I like to shoot the last hour of sunlight. Many people think it might be too dark. I promise you, this time of day gives you the best chance for outstanding photos. Alex & Tyler’s engagement session shows off all of the reasons why this is my favorite time to photograph! I hope you enjoy and see just how lovely the light can be when you plan your session around it.

Shooting During Golden Hour

Photographers refer to the last hour of light as “golden hour”. The light at this time is more flattering, warmer, and softer. The lower the sun is in the sky, the better you’ll look in the photo. Sometimes during this time, I’m stunned by just how beautiful the light looks in the photos. I care more about quality light than location at sessions. I’d rather shoot beside a dumpster with amazing light than an incredible location with bad light. Golden Hour shooting means you will probably have great light. Even in photos when you can’t see the sun, you’ll notice a nice warm glow in the background. Thanks sun!

There are a few situations where you might not see the benefits of shooting during Golden Hour. If it’s overcast, there will likely be no special Golden Hour light. That’s okay! It doesn’t mean it’s too dark to shoot unless there are really dark storm clouds. In that case, we’ve probably already rescheduled the session. It doesn’t hurt to shoot during Golden Hour even if it’s overcast. In fact, maybe the clouds will part & we’ll be rewarded with a great display!

It can be hard to plan for shooting during Golden Hour if you are shooting at high altitude or if there is a large mountain looming in the horizon. The sun will hit the mountain earlier than usual. It will still be beautiful, but you won’t see the deep oranges and reds that are in these photos.

There are no downsides to planning your session an hour before sunset. It’s worth it to plan your session around the best time of day for beautiful light. I can’t guarantee it won’t be cloudy, but often we are rewarded with the best light possible!

Beth & Parker are getting married next  Saturday, so I thought this would be the perfect time to share their Knoxville engagement photos! I had so much fun getting to know this couple & playing with the fantastic colored sun flares. Most of my engagement sessions are in the evening, but this early morning shoot is proof that good light happens in the AM too. It just might be harder to wake up for!

I can’t wait to see them next week at Meadhaven! Thanks for taking a look :)

Looking for your own Knoxville engagement photos? I’d love to chat!

I met Rolla & Naseem on a sunny early October evening for their scenic Chattanooga engagement session. There are so many great places in the Chattanooga, but this sweet couple chose a location that was very special to their relationship. I always love that! And the light at this session was so dreamy I wanted to squeal like a little girl!

I can’t wait for their September wedding this year. Thank you Rolla & Naseem!

I met Christie & Seamus on a blistering August afternoon for their Belmont University engagement session. We explored the beautiful garden grounds & I awed in the deep greens of summer! We were hit with an unexpected storm just as their dog Wilson arrived. They took it like champions. We waited out the storm, introduced Wilson to some sorority girls, and then took more great photos. Wilson is the most handsome little beagle I’ve ever met!

Thank you Christie & Seamus for having me photograph your wedding & engagement photos!

I met with Lindsay & Tyler last fall for their mini-session. They brought along their adorable black labrador puppy Lily, who was an absolute hoot. Lily had me cracking up the entire session. Big thanks to Everlee Farm for having us to their incredible venue for these photos!

You may remember from my last post that I am officially a Knoxville based photographer! I’m really excited to finish settling & get going with Knoxville mini-session photography. I offer mini-session spots to my newsletter subscribers first, so if you’d like first dibs, join the newsletter! I’m so excited to be announcing spring mini-sessions soon!

Enjoy these adorable photos of this sweet family :) Thank you Lindsay & Tyler for coming out!