Learn Why A Sunrise Session Might Be Perfect for Your Dog
Let’s face it, getting up & camera ready before the sun comes up – especially on a day off work – might not be your idea of a good time.
But what if I told you that a sunrise session might be perfect for your dog – and 100% worth snagging that extra cup of coffee?
In this blog, I’m sharing the reasons why an early morning session full of sunrise golden hour sun might be exactly right for your dog’s photo session.
“Special, beautiful, heart-warming are words that come to mind, but they don’t really begin to describe how it makes me feel to look at these images and the ones in the album. “
Beat the Heat with a Sunrise Session
One of the BEST reasons to choose a sunrise session for your dog in the hot Georgia summer months (you know from April to October) is to skip the worst of the summer heat.
When it’s 98° with 90% humidity by 10 AM here in Atlanta – your evening session can mean hot and panting dogs.
Besides just a session gallery full of tongue photos of your dog – extreme heat can be extremely dangerous for dogs! Very young, older, and short nosed (hello my favorite brachycephalic friends – Boston Terriers, French Bulldogs, & Pugs) breeds are particularly susceptible to heat stress, exhaustion, and heat stroke as the temperatures climb.
Scheduling your session early in the morning can have you all back in the air conditioning before the heat of the day sets in.
Skip the Crowds with a Morning Photo Shoot
If your dog is anxious or reactive, choosing a sunrise session for your dog means choosing the least crowded time at many locations.
For pet photography sessions in our local parks, a morning session usually means avoiding after school playtime & pick up soccer games in the fields. We also avoid people taking their dogs for an after work walk at the park. Usually the only people I meet at sunrise sessions are a few dedicated joggers and my clients.
And, if you have your eye on an urban location – be prepared. Most city sessions call for a early morning call time as we want to be finishing up our session before shops & restaurants begin to open.
Get Beautiful Sunrise Light at Your Session
I only photograph outdoor sessions during the 2 hours after sunrise & the 2 hours before sunset. In these times of day the sun is low and soft creating the most gorgeous light – and you can’t have photography without light.
And while technically, the light at both times of day is considered “Golden Hour” by photographers, I am particularly drawn to the beauty of morning light.
Maybe it feel extra special because it’s the light we don’t see as often – everyone knows about watching the sunset, but there is something magical about watching a sunrise.
So did I convince you?
Will you be considering a sunrise pet photography session for your dog or horse?
This blog is a part of a blog circle with pet photographers from across the globe! This week we’re sharing our favorite times of the day to create beautiful images of your pets. Next up Tracy Allard of Penny Whistle Photography shares her secret to photographing pets throughout the heat of a Dallas – Fort Worth summer.
Be sure to keep clicking the link at the bottom to complete the circle until you wind up back here!
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We’re on the same wavelength this week and yes, I know the atlanta humidity well having traveled there twice a month for 3 years for my corporate job more than a decade ago. I’ll take a morning session over afternoon / evening for urban locations and during the summer months!
Beautiful morning light, especially in the summer is special and magical. I like how soft it is on the subject. Beautiful pictures.
Great comments and photos. It sounds like Atlanta is worse than here in Tampa – 98? and humid? We aren’t there yet as the sea breeze does help us. I used to be really good at getting up and getting to a site for photographs….then I got 3 dogs of my own….and now it’s so much harder because they are getting thatfirst sunrise hour.