Golden Sun? Cooler Mornings? Fewer Distractions? Just a few reasons I love a Sunrise Photo Session for your dog.
A 5 AM alarm clock might be something you hoped to leave behind, but hold your yawns and hear me out. We get two golden hours a day, and so many people completely miss the first one in the early morning hours in exchange for a few more presses of the snooze button. But, if you can leave the comfort of the blankets behind you’ll be rewarded with cooler temps, beautiful light, and fewer distractions during your dog’s sunrise photo session. So go ahead, grab that extra cup of coffee, and let’s dive into the magic of early morning pet photography.
The sun will always rise and dogs will always be happy to see you.


Want A Slightly Less Sweltering?
Start at Sunrise
The only way to skip out on the sweltering Georgia summer months from basically April to October is to choose a sunrise session for your dog. Escaping the scorching late afternoon sun is also the ultimate treat for your four-legged friend.
We all know how hot it can get in Atlanta – by 10 AM we’re all ready to retreat to the cool air conditioning inside!
An evening session might lead to panting dogs and discomfort, not to mention a gallery filled with tongue-out snapshots – not wall worthy portraits.
But there’s more to it than just comfort.
Extreme heat can be downright dangerous for dogs, especially the very young, older, and short-nosed breeds like Boston Terriers, French Bulldogs, and Pugs.
Heat stress, exhaustion, and heat stroke are real concerns as the temperatures soar.
Scheduling your session early in the morning ensures you all get back to the refreshing air conditioning before the day’s heat sets in.
Anxious and Reactive Pups Thrive With Fewer Distractions in the Morning
If your furry companion gets anxious or reactive around busy outdoor scenes and crowds, a sunrise session is the ticket to tranquility. Early weekday mornings offer the least crowded moments at many locations, creating a stress-free environment at sunrise for your dog’s photo session.
At local parks, you can avoid after-school playtime and pick-up soccer games that might be overwhelming and distracting. Instead, we’ll most likely meet a few dedicated joggers more focused on getting in their early morning workout than your dog.
And, if you have your eye on an urban location – be prepared. Most city dog sessions call for an early morning sunrise call time as we want to be finishing up our session before shops & restaurants begin to open.
When you opt for early mornings, you avoid the hustle and bustle at popular locations.




Get Beautiful Sunrise Light at Your Dog’s Session
As a pet photographer, I’m all about outdoor sessions during the two hours after sunrise and before sunset. Why?
Because during these times, the sun casts a low and soft light that is universally flattering for pups & people alike. This is when we get that warm golden light wrapping around all the edges that give a magical glow to the images.
While both morning and evening fall under the “Golden Hour” adored by photographers, I find the morning light particularly captivating.
Perhaps it feels so special because we don’t witness the beauty of a sunrise as often as we do sunset.

Are you convinced yet?
The benefits of a sunrise pet photography session are undeniable – from beating the heat and avoiding crowds to gorgeous sunrise light.
Rise and shine for an unforgettable sunrise photo experience!
This blog is a part of a blog circle with pet photographers from across the globe!
Next up Nicole from Pawtraits by Nicole shares why she only photographs around sunset or sunrise.
Be sure to keep clicking the link at the bottom to complete the circle until you wind up back here!
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Get in touch. I’d love to talk with you.
You have such gorgeous locations! Sunrise is for sure gorgeous and worth it.